10 tips for the Holiday Host!

12.6.2013

1. Plan Early: that’s right. Just like everything else in life, in pays off to be prepared! Start with with a when, where, and what.

2. Make a List: Make a list of what beverages you want, a specialty cocktail? what appetizers, snacks. The more you can involve your guest, such as a DIY bar, the more easy on you.

3. Shop in advanced:  the more you can get done the days before the more you will be able to be-bop around your own party.  Buy as many non-perishables(paper plates, crackers, napkins, decorations) as you can before hand. If  if you can do it one week before that will save a lot of stress!

4. Prep as much as you can in advance: the night before, depending how crazy you are going. If you are like me, this might be your favorite part. I love cooking for people but I dont want to spend the whole day of the party cooking. Try to avoid as much as you can not having to spend the day of the party cooking. This part of the planning can be a lot of fun, play your music or favorite movie, light up some candles,  do a little taste testing. Who says prepping for a party can’t be a party too?

5. Don’t drive yourself crazy cleaning: If you can do a deep cleaning the weekend before and then light clean the day of. That is usually the best. Candles and twinkling lights will hide a few things and make everything a little more sparkly, wink wink.

6. Pick out your fancy attire the night before: Even though we are hoping the day of will be not to hectic. Sometimes no matter how much yo think you are prepared you end up doing things up to the very last minute.  Since you are throwing the party you want to feel your very best, and the best way to do that, is well….to look your best! So make sure your outfit is ready to go and an hour or two before that you are all dressed up, lipstick and all.

7. Keep it simple:  if you are the creative type at all, you don’t even have to blink twice at all without realizing you just mapped out an entire castle in your apartment. I have a tendency to get carried away.  Just like they always say you should take off one more accessory before stepping out the door. May be best to do the same with the soiree. Maybe make one fancy appetizer, and then pop some popcorn and put some potato chips in a bowl. Or whatever you like to do, just allow yourself to do only so many complex things. and mix it up with some simple and sweet touches.

8. Create Comfort: this might be obvious, but twinkle lights and candles can do just that. Also it is a good idea to create a couple of different nooks with chairs where people can have mini convos, if you can place food here, well then you nailed it!

9. Make a fabulous playlist: I know we all love pandora, but honestly if we are going to put all this effort into a party then lets make a fabulous playlist too! It is the cherry on top of all the work you have put into the event. If you do not have time, it’s a fun idea to create a little dj station where people get plug in there iphones and take turns playing DJ. It’s a great way to get your guest involved in the party. If you do use your laptop, just be sure to put it somewhere safe where no drinks can be set near. Put a couple of books underneath it for elevation and maybe some twinkle lights around it so no one is tempted to set there drink down. OR….you can always use this little playlist I made, perfect for when the party is getting started. I also have a few other themed party playlist on my Spotify page, make sure to subscribe!

10. Ask for Help: It’s sometimes not so easy asking for help. But if you willing to do this for someone else, that I am sure they would do it for you too! Especially if its a close friend, nothing says bonding time like arts and crafts or drinking wine while cooking food.  Just keep the cleaning part for yourself, ha ha!