A Time to Gather - Let's Get Ready to Party

Family and friends gathering together is a big part of the holiday season. Birthday parties, engagements, baby showers, Thanksgiving, or Christmas are wonderful times to make memories. Planning that party is a lot of work. Purchase Area Family has you covered! Following a few simple tips can make hosting this year’s party easier than ever.

Let’s Eat!

Many of us agree that food is the best part of any party. Whether it’s a full meal, casual buffet, or fun finger foods, everyone loves to eat! Rather than putting more pressure on yourself to cook, explore different options for catering. Don’t assume catering involves a large buffet, fancy foods, or a hefty price tag. Catered meals can be as affordable, casual, or as elegant as you want them to be.

“Pre-arranged platters are very convenient,” said Candy Collier, coowner of Gulf Coast Connections. “It’s as easy as picking up, taking home, and placing them on the table. The relief of having food already prepared takes a tremendous amount of work off your shoulders. Foods should be arranged on each tray in a neat, orderly fashion. Talk with several different caterers or restaurants and be clear about what your expectations are before deciding which option is best for your needs.”

The more you think outside the box, the more exciting it can be. Offering alternatives to traditional meals or party food makes it unforgettable.

“Wraps, salads, and sandwiches are always crowd pleasers,” Josh Jones, co-owner of Sissy’s - A Sweet Shoppe told me. “Offer multiple types of meat, cheeses, veggies, and sauces on a build-your-own wrap platter. Creative options such as a baked potato or a soup bar/ buffet with a large variety of toppings and sides will have guests coming back for seconds every time.”

Sweet Treats

Everybody loves a good dessert, but not everyone has the same sweet tooth. Keep in mind that guests may have different tastes than yours. To satisfy the cravings of every guest, offer a small variety.

“Having three or even two options is a good idea,” shared Emily Beck, owner of The Cupcake Co. “Some prefer rich and decadent goodies such as chocolate, caramel, or peanut butter. Others like something lighter - vanilla or soft fruit flavors. Individualized desserts are a safe option for flu season. This allows guests to only touch their food and not cut or serve from a community dessert.”

Hostess Gifts

“Gifts aren’t necessary, but it is thoughtful to bring one,” said Karla Hogancamp, owner of Paducah Olive Oil Company. “Think of something the hostess will be able to enjoy and use. You can never go wrong with goodies like roasted pecans, organic chocolates or homemade jellies. If they enjoy cooking, a small basket with a variety of items like sauces or seasonings to add to their meals would be nice. Every time they use their gifts, they will think of you. Mugs, platters, candles, and flatware all make great gifts.”

Picture Perfect

Photography and videography aren’t only for weddings. Family reunions, milestone birthdays, surprise parties, and other events can be professionally photographed. Find a photographer best suited for your needs. After all, you want to remember each moment and reminisce for years to come.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask different photographers what their style is and take a look at their work. Events take action shots, not necessarily posing. If you want to capture the details of the moment, find a photographer quick on their feet to hustle from table to table or room to room. If kids or animals are in attendance, ask the photographer if they are comfortable working with them. It can be challenging to get a protesting toddler to smile!” Amy Wright, owner of Wright Photography and Video, LLC shares.

Deck the Halls

Hosting a party at home calls for decorations galore! You can hire an interior designer or take the DIY approach for your style.

“Simultaneously make your home festive and inviting,” suggests Kellie Steele, owner of Five Psalms Co. “Don’t overdo it - too many decorations can make the venue feel cluttered. Sometimes, less is more. Stick with one theme. If you’re hosting a Christmas party, skip the fall colors and decor. Small touches such as accent pillows for a splash of color or a beautiful table setting make for a comfortable yet chic feel.

Guest Safety

If you are serving alcohol, as the host you may have to interject when someone has had enough to drink. The safety of your guests and other drivers sharing the road is the top priority.

“A couple of drinks can escalate through the night,” said Cynthia Turner, Certified Prevention Specialist and Program Director with Four Rivers Regional Prevention Center. “Whether you hire a bartender or ask a particular guest to serve drinks, having one or two people keep an eye out for intoxication enhances everyone’s safety. If someone is drunk, it’s your responsibility to intervene. Politely advise the guest to stop, and if necessary close the bar. Ensuring that those guests who are drinking have a designated driver could mean the difference between life and death.”

The Perfect Venue

A house full of guests can fill a mind with stress. If you are hosting a large get-together, consider renting a venue rather than using your home. Consider how many people you’re inviting and where they’re going to park – maybe you don’t want to clog your street with cars or have guests walk blocks in bad weather.

“The venue needs to meet your needs,” advised Logan Blewett, owner of The Old Stone Church. “Ask about capacity limits before finalizing your guest list. Check out the kitchen to ensure you or the caterer have access to everything you need. Handicap-accessible accommodations such as elevators and ramp access are often overlooked. Do your community research because some rental opportunities are hidden gems, like the Paducah Railroad Museum for instance.”

Parties with Activities

On-location activity parties such as paint-your-own pottery or other creative classes allow everyone to relax and have fun. Your house will stay clean as a whistle because the mess is somewhere other than your living room.

“Don’t get bored doing the same things - try something new!” said Jackie Frazier, owner of Funky Monkey Pottery Company. “An interactive party allows guests to entertain themselves and each other. Cut loose and make a mess while everyone creates their own party favors.”

Let’s face it, the majority of men don’t enjoy making wreaths or painting. Planning a manly get-together just got easier with a day at the forge and completing a project together.

“Learn a new craftsman skill that could grow into a hobby,” said Fred DiPrete, owner of DiPrete Forge. “Skills such as knife-making or metal work takes creativity and patience. Experience male bonding time and team-building skills over hot metal and flames. Comradery is part of the key to success.”

Party Out of Town

Teams, office parties, and girls’ nights out can soar to the next level. Even though we love the holidays, the busy days and nights of the season cause anxiety for everyone. Take your tribe away for an experience - literally. Find your way to a cozy party camper and let it all go.

“It is helpful to escape the holiday chaos for even one night,” said Whitney Vitt with Kentucky Lake Glamping. “Take the stress out of your party planning and relax with your favorite people and have time to unwind. Your only plans need to be enjoying the laughs, smiles, food, and memories that you will have for years to come.”

No matter how large or small your holiday gatherings are, remember to have realistic expectations. No party turns out Pinterest perfect! Visit with your family, friends, and neighbors to spread holiday cheer. �