Party Planning Tips

HOME Party FOR TH E HOLIDAYS … Planning Tips

Planning a party involves many details, especially during the holidays. If you find yourself in the hostess seat this year, here are some helpful ideas to make your event more fun and less stressed:

PLAN AHEAD

ere are a minimal number of weekends during the holidays, and we all try to pack as much as possible into a small period of time. Don’t discount a Wednesday or ursday. Your guests would love a break in the week, and with all the e ort you’re putting in, you might just have a higher attendance.

ALCOHOL

If you’re hosting a party with a bar, keep selections to just a few—too many options are overwhelming. Red and white wine, beer, champagne, and maybe just one fun signature cocktail should su ce. Don’t forget non-alcoholic beverages (they make GREAT nonalcoholic beer these days!), and for that little extra with a big impact, don’t skip on a garnish. Fresh rosemary sprigs, mint, or frozen cranberries are so fun and festive!

BUDGET

It’s entirely way too easy to exceed costs. It’s so important to crunch numbers wisely and stick to it … decide what is most important to you to spend the biggest portion: food? alcohol? decorations?

FOOD

Here is the real trick to being a hostess with the mostess! Not all of us are crafty in the kitchen, but who says you have to be? Opt for catering. Take advantage of catering services and boot the stress of time and clean-up. ere are fullservice sta ed options, as well as fancy dropand-set services available. is is where your culinary selections are delivered, fully set up in fancy disposables (plating, cutlery, and additions included), and ready before your guests arrive.

COHOST OR ASK A FRIEND

Help! We all have insanely busy onthe-go lives these days. It’s ok to ask a friend to help you divide and conquer. I’m sure they would be more than happy to pitch in and o er some ideas and accessories to share.

ADD A THEME

ink ugly-sweater; ornament exchange; pajama party; holiday cookie bring-and-share. Guests love to be involved and it always adds a little extra holiday cheer to the party.

SET THE MOOD

Lighting Decorations Music

We all want a deck-thehalls décor throughout our home straight out of a magazine, but often less is more. Holiday decorations are special and should not be overdone. Focus more on soft lighting and keep scents to a minimum. Premake a playlist and keep on low volume so as not to interfere with sparkling conversations. Remember, it’s all about the comfort and entertainment of your friends, family, and coworkers. w

LKNEXPERT

Gina Ricca is a co-partner with owner Alexander Cruz of Lake Norman Catering & Wedding Center located in Langtree at 119 Landings Drive, #106, in Mooresville (by appointment only). Gina has been an event coordinator and day-of wedding planner with Lake Norman Catering for over three years and is also their baker of custom cakes for weddings and special occasions under the business name Dolce Sweet LKN. Connect with Gina at Lakenormancatering.com.