Holiday Cheer: Holiday Party Hosting Tips

When I was younger, my life's ambition was to not work a day in my life. I wanted to just sit home and eat bon bons all day. Yes, I am for real.

Once I got older, I thought about becoming an ambassador, just so I could throw sophisticated soirees all the time. (Because somewhere in my little mind, that's all an ambassador did. Foreign relations be dammed.) Now that I am actually a working gal, and seriously doubt that a career in foreign affairs in anywhere in my future, I settle for throwing the occasional miniature dinner party.

This year, my best friend and I have every intention of hosting a holiday dinner party and we've been dreaming up sample menus. We're excited to say the least, but more on that another time.

For now, here are some gorgeous pictures and holiday tips to help get the creative juices following for your own holiday party.

Tip #1: When it comes to selecting candles for your tablescape, chose votive candles instead of tapers to give your table a more casual yet intimate feel. Added bonus: The dim light also casts an attractive glow and makes everyone look great.

Tip #2: Keep center pieces and candles low so that everyone can actually make eye contact across the table.

Tip #3: Greet all guest with a cocktail, champagne or prosecco as soon as they walk through the door. It's a great way to get into the spirit.

Tip #4: Instead of stocking your entire bar for your party, why not offer a single holiday-themed house cocktail. Supplement with wine, beer and sparkling water. Added bonus: By streamlining your bar, you not only save time but also money! 

Tip#5: If you must have a fully stocked bar. Here are my tips on what you should save and splurge on. 

• Vodka: Save. Because vodka is suppose to be a tasteless alcohol, the lower priced ones don't have that horrible flavor that other cheap liquors might have. 
• Whisk(e)ys and Scotch: Splurge. This one is a no brainer since these spirits are usually drunk straight up or on the rocks.
• Gin: Save. A low end gin will most probably take the bloom out of your martini but if you are looking for something to mix with other alcohols, you can afford to avoid the top-shelf. Just make sure you aren't going so cheap that you have an artificially juniper flavored one (check the label).
• Bourbon: Splurge. Cheaper Bourbons tend to give you the burn without the flavor. 
• Rum: Splurge. Taking the cheapskate route will likely give you a rum that taste more like an Island backalley than a sugarcanned vacation.
• Tequila: To be honest, no one is going to go near this stuff during the holiday season, so save and don't even get any! 
• Club Soda or Tonic Water: Splurge. It may seem instinctive to save on the mixers but store brands can go flat quickly and often have an aftertaste to them.
• Juices: Splurge- fresh squeezed is always best because you don't want that corn syrupy taste. 

Tip#6: Make a whimsical sign for your bar like "Santa's Favorites". Guests will know where to find their drinks and will get a kick out of your creativity.

Tip #7: When Decking the Halls, don't be afraid to venture outside the traditional red and green Christmas colors. I'm loving the purple and magenta hues.

Tip #8: Consider the first thing guest see when entering your home. A bold, creative wreath sets the festive tone for what's to come.

Tip #9: Scatter plenty of bowls of snacks, like nuts, olives or even a cup full of candy canes, through out the house.

 

Tip #10:  Hang candy canes, scatter silver and gold tinsel on a table, or stick ornaments in a vase of bowl for decoration. 

Tip #11: Keep the music upbeat and holiday specific. Make sure to have your music playing way before guest are due to arrive, so that an early straggler does not show up to an awkwardly quiet house. 

Tip #12: You'll have more fun at your party if you let go of the idea that a party has to be perfect. Parties are about fun, not perfection. So lighten up and enjoy yourself!

All Images Courtesy of Loony.