| Brigitt Earley |
There’s a lot to love about the holiday season, but the merriest and brightest is all the time you get to spend with friends and family. Of course, when you’re playing host, the fun comes with a heavy side dish of hard work: send invitations, plan a menu, decorate your home, curate a playlist … oh, and let’s not forget the whole cleanup part.
To help you approach that to-do list with confidence, we tapped Susan Ashley Boykin, wedding and party planner and founder of Social Conceptions, an event-planning service in Greensboro, North Carolina.
1. Personalized Invitations
A theme — whether it’s a winter wonderland, a vintage holiday or something entirely unique — sets your event apart from others and makes it more memorable, says Boykin. And the invitation is your guests’ first taste of what’s to come, a strong argument for custom invitations reflecting the theme, to build anticipation for your event. There are plenty of digital services that make the task a breeze, but you’ll get bonus points for sending some good old-fashioned snail mail to their doorsteps. “Personalized touches like this make guests feel special and show that you’ve put thought into the gathering,” says Boykin.
2. Creative Decor
Now it’s time to bring your vision to life. Transform your space with creative and eye-catching decorations that align with your theme, from lighting to centerpieces to unique table settings. If you’re going old-school, consider using vintage glass ornaments as place cards. For a special touch, choose pieces that remind you of each dinner guest.
3. Signature Drinks
Special holiday cocktails add “a personal touch to your event and give guests something to remember,” says Boykin. They can also help keep your tab in check, especially for beverages — just invent your own fun seasonal cocktail out of a mixer like Shamrock Farms Irish Whiskey Eggnog, and give it a fun name that matches your party theme. Or set up a cozy beverage bar complete with two carafes, one filled with hot cocoa and another with Shamrock Farms Traditional Eggnog, and all kinds of fun extras and toppings. We suggest standbys like marshmallows and crushed peppermints, along with homemade whipped cream made with Shamrock Farms Heavy Whipping Cream.
Shamrock Farms Heavy Whipping Cream
Shamrock Farms Ultra-Pasteurized Traditional Eggnog
Shamrock Farms Ultra-Pasteurized Irish Whiskey Eggnog
4. Entertainment
A playlist is key background ambience, or if it’s in your budget, an engaging entertainment option like a live band, magician, or other local performer is a “delightful surprise for your guests,” says Boykin. Just make sure you have enough seating for guests to watch any performance lasting more than a few minutes — even if that’s simply floor pillows, ottomans and faux-fur blankets, it’ll keep everyone cozy and relaxed.
5. Charity (and Its Rewards)
Consider incorporating a charitable aspect into your event, such as a toy drive, a donation to a local charity or a volunteer activity, says Boykin, who adds that this will add “a meaningful and heartwarming touch to your gathering.” And as a thank-you to your guests for both celebrating and helping to serve the community, party favors are a nice gesture. Choose something that ties into the theme, such as customized ornaments, holiday-themed candles or small gift bags with goodies.