The holidays are stressful, but holiday party planning doesn’t have to be. These two party professionals are gifting you with their best and brightest tips.
Event planner SJ Campbell has managed everything from an intimate wedding in Italy to an imaginative “Santa’s Workshop” party. And Yulunda Gladney has overseen countless soirees as senior marketing manager at Flight Club Las Vegas, a popular holiday party venue. Here’s their advice on how to make your celebration sparkle.
Determine how much money and time you want to spend in advance.
Whether your vibe is an opulent winter wonderland (cue the fake snow) or a cozy pajama potluck, decide early how much you have to give this season. If the budget is tight, consider a smaller guest list, opting for a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres over a seated dinner, or even host a cookie exchange that encourages guests to bake and bring their favorite recipe to share. “You don’t have to throw a grandiose party for it to be something special,” says Campbell. “Holiday parties are about creating a feeling of love and community.”
Get creative in choosing a party theme.
“A theme helps guide your decisions,” says Gladney. From invitations to food and décor, have some fun curating an experience for your guests. A party theme also provides opportunities for guests to get to know one another. Encourage your guests to share a few of “My Favorite Things” (like in the classic The Sound of Music song), or invite friends for gingerbread house decorating and have them share the inspiration behind their edible abode. Providing common ground gives everyone an entry point to connection.
Keep the good times flowing with a variety of food and beverages.
“It’s really important to understand the dietary restrictions of your guests,” says Campbell. Consider including a space in your invitations for guests to indicate their dietary needs, so that your gluten-free, lactose intolerant and vegan friends can all gather together. And while variety is important to make guests feel welcome, “you don’t have to go over the top. Keep it simple,” says Campbell.
If you’re hosting at home, offer food that’s easy to prepare in advance so that you, too, can enjoy the day. “Food is bonding,” says Gladney. When it’s time to raise a glass, don’t overcomplicate it: you can serve familiar cocktails with whimsical names, keep beer and wine on deck and offer fun non-alcoholic beverages.
Don’t forget décor and ambience.
Remember that theme you chose? Make it come to life with special details. For her “Santa’s Workshop” party, Campbell wanted guests to feel transported to childhood nostalgia. “We had Home Alone playing on the screen during the party,” she says. “It felt like being at grandma’s house.”
Think of small ways you can implement the theme throughout your event. (See page 18 on DIY centerpieces.) “Props bring people out of their zone and help people have fun,” Gladney says. “Party favors help people keep your party top of mind.”
remember that the purpose of your holiday party is to have fun.
“Plan your event timeline, but be ready to adapt,” Gladney says. “If you see people have an amazing time dancing but the itinerary says to move on—be flexible. It’s a party!”
Program your event with enchanting entertainment.
For past clients, Campbell has hired carolers, musicians and even a horse and carriage to set the vibe for a holiday soiree. If live entertainment is out of reach, curate a playlist of holiday songs to deck your halls with cheer. “Take the extra time to listen to songs and decide where to place them throughout the evening,” Campbell says. (You know that when “All I Want For Christmas Is You” comes on, it’s time to dance.) Gladney reminds us that entertainment also includes activities. Is this a white elephant gift exchange, holiday trivia or karaoke type of shindig?
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