Get ready ahead
of time...
The holidays can be stressful, but party planning doesn't have to be! Plan ahead of time to schedule cleaning, prep, and shopping and avoid feeling frazzled when it's party time. This way, you'll be able to relax and enjoy your guests.
Add a festive touch without scrambling...keep votive holders and tea lights, candle lighters, vases, and other party needs in a central, easy-to-remember cupboard or drawer for quick access.
Keep the holiday cheer flowing by having a few bottles of wine on hand at all times. One or two bottles of red or white are all you need for a spur-of-the-moment gathering. And be sure to keep your corkscrew in an easy-to-find location!
Party food tips...
Make your holiday table feel extra special by adding fresh cranberries as a colorful garnish. You can also include rosemary, holly, and pine cones in your decor. Try rolling pinecones in glue, then glitter, for some extra sparkle!
Almost everyone feels like they've overindulged during this season, so small is the new big. Small plates of food will be popular because they're less fattening, and they also allow your guests to sample a greater variety of foods. Plus, it will be more cost-effective for you. As a general rule of thumb, the smaller the plates you choose, the bigger and more impressive the food will look.
Your beverage selections...
Create one or two signature holiday drinks for your evening, and customize them with a special name (think Amy's Eggnog or Patty's Peppermint Twist). Specialty cocktails are fun, festive, and help you avoid the expense and hassle of a full bar.
Create a holiday-themed ice ring to keep your white wine cold on the buffet. It's easy...just cut the top off a milk carton, put your bottle inside, and surround it with water and fruits like cranberries. Freeze for several hours, and peel the carton off—voila!
Don't forget to have non-alcoholic drinks on hand for designated drivers, expectant moms, or people who just don't drink. Soft drinks, fruit juices, and sparkling water are all good choices. Try adding a slice of fresh fruit for a special touch!
Mingle all the way...
Add some extra zip to your gathering with a signature cocktail that guests can sip while they circulate.
The festive Candy Cane Cocktail is a peppy compliment to Nancy's Petite Tarts!
The Candy Cane Cocktail
1 1/2 oz. vodka
1 tsp. peppermint schnapps
Mix all ingredients with ice in a shaker, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a mini candy cane.
Make it special, make it your own...
You can get a sophisticated and festive feeling with less work by layering your plates with different sizes, shapes, and colors. A set of silver or gold chargers are a great choice to add flair to any spread!
Decorate for the holidays while sticking to your budget by covering a vase with holiday wrapping paper and adding fresh or silk flowers for a beautiful, inexpensive centerpiece. You can also spray paint pine cones a metallic gold or silver and use them as accents on your buffet table.
You can still show your guests you care even after the party's over! Create personalized labels that say "A Taste of Our Party" to place on to-go containers. Then you can send them home with yummy leftovers and sweet memories.