The holidays bring a special cheer every year. One of our favorite aspects of the holiday season is spending quality time with friends and family. We love attending holiday parties just as much as hosting and if you’re reading this blog post, we bet you do too! Whatever type of gathering you may be dreaming up, with the right planning and a few special touches, you can make your soirée one to remember this holiday season!
Holiday Soirées
The first step in planning is deciding what type of soirée is the right fit for you and your guests. From Thanksgiving dinner to ringing in the new year, there are so many different occasions to celebrate this time of year! If you are looking for something more low key, consider hosting a Christmas Eve brunch. An open house brunch gathering is family friendly and perfect for a small space. Alternatively, maybe you’re hoping for a fancier Christmas cocktail event this year. Who doesn’t love dressing up for the holidays and mingling with friends while enjoying warm winter appetizers and drinks! Is your office throwing a work party? Whether you work with few or many, there are many festive settings for celebrating with coworkers. Lastly, the holidays are the perfect time for an intimate dinner soirée with a few friends or family members!
Getting the planning and details sorted
It’s no secret that a small soirée doesn’t take as much planning as a larger event, like a wedding. That being said, planning a few important details in advance is essential for any party and is certainly no exception when it comes to festive gatherings!
If possible, send invitations ahead of the holiday season. Schedules tend to fill up this time of year, so make sure those invites make it to inboxes (or mailboxes) soon. Don’t underestimate the need for invites. Besides conveying important details, the look and feel will set the tone for your special soirée.
Consider and select the right location for the event! We think your home is the perfect, cozy setting for many different types of gatherings this season. Alternatively, you may want to inquire with your favorite local restaurant or winery about renting a room with the perfect ambiance and decor.
Don’t forget to seek help, whether through your friends or a professional company. A catering or staffing company can make an event seamless by serving food, clearing glasses, or bartending so you can focus on engaging with your guests. You may want assistance with planning your event from the beginning; from the vision casting to the execution. Reach out to an event planner to have them come alongside you in bringing your holiday party dreams to life! Gaining help from others will allow you as the host to focus on greeting and mingling with your guests.
Small touches go a long way
A holiday party doesn’t always need to have ten floral centerpieces and a live jazz trio of musicians (although it never hurts), but small touches scattered throughout can go a long way.
The design of a holiday party is simple, since most spaces are already filled with holiday wreaths, adorned trees, and dazzling lights. So, adding a few fun touches can help make your event space feel even more festive. If hosting a dinner party, go ahead and rent some fancy chargers and glassware! Custom cocktail napkins, place cards, or one unique centerpiece can add unique touches to your event.
Besides decor, always make sure your guests are well taken care of. For a winter party, ensure there is a place to hang coats and scarves. Take time to plan the floor-plan for the party and how guests will flow during the party. Placing food stations at different locations is one way to help guests use and walk through your event space. Lastly, a small favor for guests to take as they leave is the perfect cap for every party. You can never go wrong with some Christmas cookies or a new tree ornament!
Whatever your holiday celebrations look like this year, we hope that they are filled with cheer as you gather with those you love!
Photography: @yourgirlmark, @kylajeanette, @elliemckinneyphotography, @immarykatherine
