Holiday Cheer
‘Tis the season to celebrate with family and friends. Looking for tips to organize a holiday cocktail party? I have outlined a successful party plan to ensure a successful event for guests and the hosts. An organized host is a happy host!
Recently I co-hosted a party with my friend Lory Parsons, To Have + To Host, for our Supper Club. Lory is a talented hostess, an entertaining expert, and a fabulous cook. She has a fantastic blog, To Have + To Host The art of entertaining. We combined her passion for entertaining with my love for organization to create a brilliant party.
Once the invitations are sent, I take inventory of my serving essentials. I determine if I need to restock my supply of monogrammed cocktail napkins. I always use white paper napkins with the family monogram. Over the years, I have changed the style and font color, however I am loyal to the simplicity of my monogrammed napkins. I reduce the clutter of excess holiday and birthday napkins by using my traditional monogram for each event.
I begin to collect ice from my ice machine five days before an event. I simply scoop the ice into gallon size freezer bags and store them in the freezer. Each day I make a new bag or two.
The advantage of preparing DIY ice bags is to have filtered ice for guests and prevent last minute trips for bags of ice. I use the ice bags to cool the beverages and fill the ice bucket at the party.
I begin the process of food preparations the day before the party. I wash and cut the fresh citrus for the bar. Ingredients for the appetizers are prepared as well and stored in air tight containers.
My party planning routine calls for hair, makeup, and wardrobe to begin two hours before the party. Allowing an hour prior to the party to execute the final details. This includes icing down the drinks, organizing the bar, and finalizing the appetizers. Once this is done open up the wine and pop the bubbly
The benefit of organized entertaining is the opportunity for the hosts to enjoy the celebration with their friends and family. A well planned party provides a stress free event!. Always remember an organized host is a happy host!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Xoxo,
Leslie Lehr
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