xmas.tree copyIt’s that time of year – time to invite family, friends and neighbors over for a bit of holiday cheer and tasty treats.  We plan this type of party all the time – it’s all about warm lighting, something really pretty and unique to catch the eye, great food, and your friends complete the package!

Here is a quick guideline of what you’ll need to make your party sparkle and shine.

Something new – Pull out all of your ornaments and holiday decorations (cull out the ones that are just too old, or you really don’t like any more) – what’s your theme – lots of red?  mercury glass?  amazing collection of Santas?  Once you’ve found that theme, we can help you punch it up, or bring in something new to compliment what you’ve got.  One  client had a gorgeous collection of mercury glass – ornaments, vases, candle holders. We suggested adding magnolia wreaths with a rustic red ribbon, and voila!  Christmas elegance was created with something they already had, and a new twist on decorating the home.

xmas.swag

All floral design by Floribunda

We also like to change up the tried and true decorating habits we all fall into – instead of using a garland all the way up your stair bannister, how about placing gold or silver votives all the way up one side of the stairs, and then placing a gorgeous swag at the very bottom…gorgeous!

Candles – You can never have enough candles or twinkling lights.  Put them everywhere!

Buffet – For a holiday open house, a buffet is really the best way to go.  Find the largest table or serving place you have (it might be your kitchen island), and create a list of winter comfort foods and easy to eat finger foods – don’t worry about serving a dinner, but make sure there are plenty of filling small alternatives that are replenished throughout the night.  We can suggest the perfect caterer for your budget and type of event.  Here is a sample menu we are using this year for 100 guests:

  • Bite-sized Potato Latkes with Sour Cream & Caviar
  • Grilled Cheese Sandwich Triangles
  • Dried Figs stuffed with Gorgonzola and wrapped in Proscuitto
  • Carving Station with Turkey, Ham and  Prime Rib
  • Cold Shrimp Platter with Cocktail Sauce
  • Chicken Cobb Wrap with Tomatoes, Avocados, Spinach & Bacon
  • xmas.cookiesIndividual Lobster Mac & Cheese
  • Assorted cheese Tray with Strawberries, Grapes, and French Baguette
  • Crudite Platter with Buttermilk Ranch Dip
  • Tiny Pumpkin Pies
  • Assorted Dessert Bars
  • Homemade Christmas Cookies

cranberry drink Cocktails! – Set up a bar where your guests can have wine, beer, or the signature cocktail – a glass of Sparkling Pomegranate Punch, or a Poinsettia.  In another area of the home, have a small area set up with self-serve water, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages.

Music – We specialize in bringing in music of all kinds – how about a  jazz trio for the cocktail hour, and then turn on the iTunes.  Or a choral group to provide Christmas carols?  Or crank your old favorite Christmas albums all night long – just make sure the music is on, and can be heard, from the moment your guests arrive.

Merry Christmas everyone!