overwhelming puzzle together of creating spaces that flow and feel natural. The same general plan should apply to your holiday festivities. Start with the big guns, says D’Orazio. You’ll need a bar area to serve drinks. Whether it’s built-in, a bar cabinet or a bar cart, that will be your backdrop – and even the focal point for the evening. Your choice of bar doesn’t need to be a cabinet or oversized piece of furniture; think low-profile sideboards and how you can set up a beautiful holiday display on top. D’Orazio recommends you “mood it up” regardless of the type of bar you choose. An antiqued mirror backsplash or high-sheen wallpaper can look gorgeous as the backdrop to your drink station.
Set the Bar Create the perfect serving station for your holiday event By Kelly Putter | Photos: Studio Sereno
T
here are two types of people: those who love to entertain, and those that love to be entertained. Party planning, for some, is just too much hustle and bustle – especially during the holidays.
Tannis D’Orazio gets its. The 25-yearold Oakville interior designer and owner of Studio Sereno received her design certification through the Interior Design Institute out of San Francisco after completing a Business Management degree at the University of Western Ontario. As someone who understands the importance of a well-planned, welldesigned space, she also knows the same rings true for party planning. “Planning 116 | November • December 2023
a party can be incredibly daunting,” she says. “But I’ve always loved birthday parties and seasonal holiday celebrations. My family instilled that in me.” D’Orazio recommends organizing well in advance so it’s not a panic the day before the big day. “Try to start a week or two before. Take it a step at a time, do a booze run one day, figure out your glassware, pick your linens and napkins. Menu plan so you know what your grocery list will be for the coming week.” Her confidence in entertaining stems from her joy of tackling the design of entire floor plans and layouts, piecing the often-
If a custom or semi-custom bar isn’t in your budget or high on your wish list for the event, there are other options. Local home furnishing stores, Crate & Barrel, West Elm and Pottery Barn sell a variety of styles and well-made bar cabinets and carts, says D’Orazio. If you gravitate to vintage, she suggests visiting local antique markets to repurpose an old relic. Less practical but equally appealing from a design aesthetic are unscented tea lights or candles to help set the mood. “Don’t let scents overwhelm the food and drink you’re setting out,” says D’Orazio. “Light, especially as days shorten in fall and winter, is a key factor in beautifying your space.” If candles aren’t your thing, place twinkle lights in a ceiling light fixture or through a garland and hang it on the front of the bar area. As a sustainable option, D’Orazio recommends swapping paper for cloth napkins. “Not only is it more sustainable (plus it saves you money),” she says, “proper (cloth) napkins immediately up the luxe factor of your event.” Don’t forget to add greenery. Christmas trees aside, poinsettias, cedar garlands or wreaths, holly and, of course, mistletoe add a fresh, natural and festive vibe to your home’s atmosphere. When it comes to stocking your bar, be sure to pick up the essentials: beer, red and white wine, vodka, and other hard liquor based on the drinking preferences of your guests, plus lime cordial, citrus bestsidemagazine.com
