Photo Source: Williams-Sonoma
Tis the season for making spirits bright! From setting the perfect table to picking out the best wines, we’ve got the holiday entertaining tips you need to plan your next festivity.
Tip#1
Before you start baking cookies and picking out champagne, decide what kind of party you’re hosting. Whether it’s a simple soiree with a few friends and cocktails or an all out sit-down feast, knowing the size of the guest list, length of time, etc. will help with the planning details.
Tip #2
Once that’s finished, decide on the date, time, and menu, then send out invites either through the mail or online. And get those invites out as soon as possible, since many people’s calendars tend to fill up around the holiday season.
Tip #3
To welcome guests, set a table with a few candles and winter decor like pinecones and berries. Fill bowls with a few snacks like assorted nuts, pretzels, and homemade gingerbread men.
Photo Source: Today’s Creative Blog
Tip #4
For a stress-free menu, choose items that are easy to make in advance so all the prep work will be finished when the guests arrive. The last thing you want to do is get stuck in the kitchen while everyone else mingles.
Tip #5
Set up a separate drinks bar and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You might even offer hot cocoa with bowls of marshmallows, cinnamon, and chocolate shavings so guests can make their own yummy cup of hot chocolate. Serving cocktails? Try some of our picks.
Photo Source: Williams-Sonoma
Tip #6
Looking for the best food and wine pairing? Consider these:
- If serving beef, lamb, or game – red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chianti
- If serving pork or poultry – red or white like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel
- If serving seafood – stick with whites like Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc
Tip #7
How you decide to decorate is really up to what kind of party you’re having and what suits your style. You can go all out Christmas with matching red and green linens and mistletoe or keep it simple by placing a few natural elements around the house and table, like birch boxes, pinecones, green garlands with red berries interspersed, and poinsettias. Add a little sparkle with silver and gold stars.
Tip #8
You can also mix and match prints for a modern look, use vintage ornaments as table decorations, and create ambience with different sized candles. One can never have too many candles!
Tip #9
And when it comes to table setting, keep place settings one plate-width away from each other so guests have plenty of elbow room. Remember to have plenty of cocktail napkins, drink stirrers, wine glasses, and silverware on hand.
