Hello you Ho's, Mo's and few Hetero's, I hope your Hallow-Queen was filled with fun, laughter and lots of booze. As all Hallow's Eve comes to an end so begins the Holiday Season. As many of you know Christmas is my FAVORITE Holiday of the year. I love the smells, the colors, the food and most of all the parties. So in this post I am going to give you some sure-fire tips that will help you pull off a FAB-U-LES party no matter your budget.
The first thing you need to know is your Invite sets the scene for the event and is also your calling card. In today's society of Technology we have become numb to proper party etiquette. I will admit I am guilty of sending an Invite via Facebook and Twitter to a party, but have learned my lesson and will never do it again. Whether you are having an intimate soiree with a few close friends or a massive gathering like a wedding, a hand written and designed invite will always make someone smile. There are so many computer programs you can buy out there and many websites to download templates to use to find the appropriate invite for your party and event. Granted using a computer to send a e-vite is cheaper, but it lacks creativity, personality and is so impersonal, alas the choice is yours to make.
When it comes to design and theme that choice is solely up to you on how you want to decorate. ALWAYS, ALWAYS set your table the day before, this way all you need to do is polish the drinkware and silverware. I always like to use Chargers instead of Placemats, but again the choice is yours(*Tip-If you can't afford you pay $6 a piece for place mats, then buy two yards of fabric, some "stitch witch" and some sewing pins. Measure the fabric 19"x14" and fold over 1" of the fabric on all sides. Iron a crease into the fabric on each side then place the "stitch witch" in the crease on the under side and iron. Voila you have a cheap, unique place mat. Should be able to make 20 place settings). I always love to have fresh seasonal flowers around the house and on the tables to provide a fresh atmosphere, these can be purchased the day of the party. Take the time to make Name Cards and arrange couples across the table from one another as to mix up the group. Couples sitting next to one another tend to converse with each other, but if they are forced to converse across the table, then others can break into the conversation as well. There are many websites you can go to that will help you with ideas on place settings and design ideas. As much as I hate to say this that bitch Martha is possibly your best choice, but Rachel has cheap, inexpensive ways to do the place up as well.
Now when it comes to food things can be a little more tedious and time consuming depending on dietary needs of any of the invitees, that's why I always include a note on the R.S.V.P. Card for them to write down any special needs, this again makes the event more personal by simply taking the time to ask one question other than "Click Yes or No". If you're having a dinner party then it's best to prep a day or two ahead, you don't want to be spending the entire party in the kitchen away from your guests. Now if you can afford to hire help, then leave that work up to them, but not all of us have that kind of disposable income so we are left to do the work ourselves. Prepping the dishes the day before can save you so much time and alleviate the issue of you being in the kitchen all the time.
I always place out appetizers about a half hour before the guests are set to arrive because there is always going to be that one person who shows up early; whom I use to help me finish all the final details. Now you don't need to serve a 7 course meal, unless you want to, 3 simple courses will suffice. Depending on the time of year I will usually do a soup/salad, a fish/chicken entree and finally some sorbet/cake for dessert. NEVER EVER use pre-packaged food items unless you have no choice, take the time to use fresh ingrediants from local farmer's markets to create some fresh and fantastic local fare.
NEVER EVER have the TV on during a party, instead have some music playing in the background. If the TV is on people will tend to migrate to the Living/Family Room and not mingle, thus making your party a "clique" fest as I call it. People will break off in groups and not socialize with the others around. Some cool Jazz or Mellow House Music with a nice beat will pair great with the atmosphere of your party. Choose the music that you like, but heed my advice, NO ONE wants to eat Beef Wellington whilst listening to Black Sabbath...I'm just saying.
Some unique ideas friends and I have used in the past are listed below. Feel free to ask questions here or my Facebook page (Click the link on my home page of this blog).
*Trim-A-Tree...Great for people who just rented their 1st Apt. or moved into their new home. An empty Christmas Tree will be set up with lights and garland and EACH Guest that is invited is to bring an Ornament to place on the tree. Every year when you put up the Tree you will be taken back to the memories of that party and the people who were in your life at that time whether they are now or not. The boy-oh and I did this in 1997 and still comment on the ornaments each year when we pull them out. We got some EXTREMELY INTERESTING Ornaments, but I love them all the same!
*Progressive Potluck...3 to 4 families on the same street are need for this party to work. Each person's home will make one course. Usually appetizers at othe first house, Salad/Soup at the second one, entree's at the third and finally desserts at the fourth. You start the night off at the first house and the person who's house you are going to for the second course will dip out 15 minutes early to prepare and the same will happy at the third and fourth courses aslo. This type of party is unique and interesting because everybody's house has a different feel and vibe as well as everyone serves up different fair. This is a party I have longed to try, but living where I do it's hard to find a family on my street who wouldn't fry up some Spam and call it Goetta.
No matter what you are planning to serve or the theme you are going with I am sure it will be FAB-U-LES, but remember it is the small details that people remember and will make them talk about your party for years to come. Until the next post bitches I am signing off. Take care of one another and spit in the face of opression from the man for being who you are. Remember Love the Life you Live and Live the Life you Love!!!!
