This time of year visions of sugar plums dance through my head. But, so do a lot of other things. Tis’ absolutely the season for egg nog, 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 any 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 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 valued 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 mingle 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 mingling 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 to warm, the alternative is to light a few pillar candles and strategically place 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 the battery-powered kind. This way, you won’t have to worry about safety.
The perfect self-service cocktail bar
Again, think about the type of party you are hosting. Is a bar appropriate? If yes, and you don’t have one, you can makeshift your own, 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 nearby. Napkins and coasters complete the experience.
Set the tone
Your holiday playlist can make or break the party. I love Pandora. They seem to have a station for every type of occasion. Before your party take a look at their offerings. They currently have 54 holiday stations. From Today’s Christmas to R&B Pop Holiday to Kids’ Christmas and Country Christmas there’s surely something to satisfy everyone’s musical appetite. Oldies Christmas and Kids Christmas are tried and true choices for family get-togethers. While Smooth Jazz Christmas and Hipster Holidays may be the best musical choices for an adult cocktail party. However, if you can’t decide. It’s best to go with the classics. You really can’t go wrong. People love Christmas music. They especially like it when they are familiar with the words and can sing along. Or, if you already have you own holiday playlist put together that should work perfectly.
Decorate to impress
Now, that you’ve set the stage for your holiday party, your decorations will bring it all together. First, choose a style. This year Boho Chic, Modern Farmhouse and Vintage décor are on the trending list and all over Pinterest. But, classic and traditional is 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. 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. Homes range in size from 1,900 to over 5,000 square feet with prices starting in the 300s to over one million. Plan to visit us today. We can’t wait to meet you. For additional information call us at 512-243-8583.
