This time of year, visions of sugar plums dance through our heads. But, so do a lot of other things. ‘Tis absolutely the season for eggnog, hot chocolate with freshly whipped cream, gingerbread, yule logs, and sharing them with family and friends. It’s party time! And, the holiday feasting season has officially started. Food is definitely the mainstay of hosting a holiday party, but it’s also very important not to overlook your entertaining space. Designing the perfect entertaining space for your holiday shindig is vital to your party’s success.
When designing your space, one thing to remember is that not all parties are created equal. Meaning, are you holding a Sunday afternoon family get-together, a cookie exchange, a potluck, or an adult cocktail party? Each party situation is unique and it should be treated as such. From decking the halls to choosing recipes to selecting the perfect wine pairing, it is imperative that your entertaining space matches the type of party you are giving.
Though it’s not exactly written in the history books, it seems that holidays were created for entertaining. There’s nothing better than sharing great food, beverages, memories, and conversation with your family and best friends. Sure, it can be a lot of work. But, it’s also very satisfying and allows for a lot of creativity. To save you valuable time and stress this holiday season, we gathered a list of our favorite holiday tips to ensure your entertaining space is nothing short of magical.
Holiday Party Must-Do’s
Encourage Mingling
Determining where to set up your food will depend on the layout of your home. Having an open floor plan works great for most parties. Setting up a buffet on the dining room table or on the kitchen island is perfect for family get-togethers or a potluck. But, for a cocktail party you’ll want to set up a variety of food stations. For example, place desserts, appetizers, and finger sandwiches in several different locations along with your favorite wine selection. This allows guests to sample, sip, and interact with one another as they work their way around your home. It also discourages guests from standing in one place the entire evening. Another way to encourage socializing is to provide a hands-on station. Think coffee and hot chocolate bar, a cookie decorating station, or create your own cupcake topping table. Guests are sure to enjoy socializing with each other while making their own treats.
Make it Cozy
There’s nothing like a crackling fire that says holiday. So, if you haven’t fired up your fireplace lately, the holidays are the perfect time. Fireplaces add warmth, ambience, and elicit a special glow. However, if it gets too warm, the alternative is to light a few pillar candles and strategically place them in the hearth. This way, you’ll still have the glow sans the heat. If you are hosting a cocktail party, make it extra cozy by dimming the lights. And, for an extra dose of coziness, place candles on serving tables and on your front hallway table. For parties with children in attendance, substitute with the battery-powered kind. This way, you won’t have to worry about safety.
The Perfect Self-Service Cocktail Bar
Think about the type of party you are hosting and if a bar is appropriate. If yes, and you don’t have one, you can make a makeshift one or use a bar cart. Both are great alternatives. But what sets them apart is the fact that bar carts have wheels. Which means you can have your bar cart make the rounds during your party or choose to keep it in one place. If you don’t have one, use a console, buffet, or a card table that can act as your bar. Location of the bar is key. Make sure guests can easily access it. And, you’ll also want to keep it simple. Decide on two to three cocktails you want to offer and provide guests with the ingredients and recipe. Print recipes on small decorative cards or write them on a chalkboard and place them nearby. Napkins and coasters complete the experience.
Let the Music Set the Mood
A well-curated holiday playlist can make or break the party. Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music offer an extensive selection of seasonal stations and playlists tailored to every type of gathering. Before hosting, it’s worth exploring options ranging from “Today’s Christmas” and “R&B Christmas” to “Kids’ Christmas” and “Country Holiday.” Classic choices work well for family-friendly events, while playlists like “Smooth Jazz Christmas” or “Indie Holiday” are ideal for an adult cocktail party. When in doubt, timeless holiday hits are always a safe bet; people love familiar songs they can sing along to. And if you already have a personal holiday playlist prepared, it will work perfectly for setting the mood.
Style Your Space for the Season
Now that you’ve set the stage for your holiday party, your decorations will bring it all together. First, choose a style or theme. This year, mixed metals, quiet shine, and vintage décor are on the list of trends and all over Pinterest. But classic and traditional are always in. Use traditional colors such as red, green, silver, and gold for candles and candlesticks, ornaments, bowls, vases, and linens. Silver trays can hold an array of candles, vases, and a pair of reindeer figurines for a great centerpiece. And, don’t forget wooden bowls and baskets filled with pinecones for an extra special touch. It’s also a lot of fun to find new ways to use old vases, platters, and dishes. So, check out your cabinets and let the creativity flow.
From Our Home to Yours, We Wish You a Very Merry Holiday Season!
At Travisso, we’re all decked out for the holidays and ready to be your cozy backdrop for hosting a holiday party for years to come. While you are here, you’ll discover state-of-the-art floor plans from our award-winning premier builders in addition to our new model homes and neighborhoods. We can’t wait to meet you. For additional information and directions, contact Travisso.
