With the holiday season fast approaching, what better time than now to begin preparing? Here’s a few helpful holiday tips from two of Scottsdale’s finest that are guaranteed to produce the most enjoyable get-togethers.
Photograph courtesy of Karen Doan Events
Purpose
The first step to planning a party lies in an important question: What is my purpose? Setting a theme provides you with the foundation to structure your party. The theme will affect every other aspect of the party from invitation styles to dress codes. Make sure your theme is one both you and your guests will enjoy. Generalizing the theme to all holidays or even just a special occasion to connect with loved ones helps include those guests whose traditions differ from yours. Once you establish a purpose, you are ready to create the blueprint for the perfect holiday party.
Setting the guest list
“Bigger is not always better,” says Karen Doan, wedding and event planner of Karen Doan Events. As a host/hostess, you dictate the size of the party, keeping in mind the comfort of your guests. Doan believes the smaller the party, the more meaningful for your guests. The size of your home is also important when figuring out how many guests to include. You do not want to fill every open space in your home causing your guests to feel crowded. Comfort is key.
Tricks from the Pros: Doan says do not be afraid to mix old and new friends. Setting place cards for dinner is a great way to help your guests become acquainted.
Invitations
The invitation is a crucial step to party planning because it provides your guests with an idea of what to expect. Hand-written invitations are personal and show your guests how special the occasion will be. Mailing invitations is the best way to leave a good impression. Depending on your guests, electronic invitations, or e-vites, may work as well. With our fast-paced society, some people find it more convenient to communicate through technology. Old-fashioned hard copy invitations should be your first choice when it comes to creating the invitation.
Tricks from the Pros: Wedding and event planner Margie Walinski of Party Presentations recommends mailing invitations three weeks in advance. This provides just enough time for guests to respond and decreases the risk of your invitation being forgotten about on the to-do list.
Photograph Courtesy of Karen Doan Events
Location
When hosting a party in your home, clear out any clutter to ensure adequate space for your guests. Location is not only about the interior setup, but about the exterior as well. You must think about where your guests will park, if the outside of your home looks presentable and whether or not you should include a sign on the door for clarity versus having guests ring the doorbell. “What I always do with any event, whether it is at someone’s home or at a venue, is I walk through the entire event as though I were a guest,” Walinski says. “How would I feel if I went into someone’s party?” For a smooth process once guests arrive, make sure your home is “company-ready” a day or two in advance.
Tricks from the Pros: Most guests will want a drink immediately after arriving. Walinski advises keeping the beverages away from the door to draw guests inside your home.
