Party Plan
December - January 2011
Organize an Unforgettable Holiday Fete
So you want to get into the Spirit of the Season by hosting a holiday Shindig. Should it be a high-end cocktail affair a la Gatsby, a festive seasonal dinner in the spirit of the Nutcracker Ballet, or a chic New Year’s Eve soiree with an endless supply of champagne?
No doubt, coordinating a party during this, the busiest time of year, is quite a challenge. We turned to master event designer Steven Boyle to get some tips for pulling off a memorable holiday party – even at the last minute (and let’s face it, unless you started in September, it’s last-minute). Over the past 20 years, Boyle has been the go-to expert for luxe venues and popular party hosts in making their special occasion dreams a reality. Some of his famous clients include Magic Johnson, Stevie Wonder, Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick.
Here are Boyle’s top to-dos for a planning a fabulous fete that would make even Daisy Buchanan swoon:
1. get real-You will have to be a taskmaster when it comes to time-and budget-management. Set a budget and stick with it. Create a “to-do” list. Give yourself more time than you think you need. You’ll be glad you did when the big day rolls around.
2. Mix it up-The right music also can set the tone for the entire event. Consider your guest list the music and setting beforehand. Then, pre-load your iPod with your party mix, making sure to increase the tempo throughout the night. For more formal events, hire a solo performer, such as a classical guitarist, to entertain your guests. It adds a nice, sophisticated touch.
3. Flower power-Fresh-cut flora are perfect for highlighting party focal points like an entryway, bar, or dining table. Don’t limit yourself to store-bought blooms. Head to your farmers’ market, or go on a foliage hunt – the wonderful thing about Hawaii is that you can always clip tropical flowers growing wild all over the islands. One fail-safe idea: Buy a mini-crock pot and add cinnamon sticks or orange to create a warm and welcoming seasonal scent.
4. Cocktail hour-Create a libation that matches your personal taste and event theme. Resist the temptation to complicate the recipe. When in doubt, stick with what’s fun, easy and something everyone will enjoy. Think vodka and champagne drinks. Done right, your signature cocktail can be the toast of the night.
5. Personalize the menu-Remember to keep it simple yet sophisticated. The important thing here is to make the menu your own. Add some dishes that you love: a designer pizza, perhaps. Then, fill in with add-ons that you buy pre-made. One idea that I’ve used successfully: Design a dessert or candy bar. You can always find delish treats that color-coordinate with your event.
6. Set the mood-Setting the proper ambiance is the essence of a memorable, lasting event. For that, good lighting is essential to creating a chic vibe. If you’d rather avoid purchasing pricey lighting, dim the lights and add plenty of scented candles to create atmosphere. Also, accessorizing an existing room can make a real difference. Try adding a splash of color with decorative pillows, colored vases or a swath of exotic fabric.
7. Go with what you know-In the beginning, do a walk-through of the proposed space. Work with the theme of the room. Quick idea: Pick an object found there or an accent color and make that your inspiration. Actually, I’ve designed many well-received events around a single color-like red-or an existing object like a decorative bowl or vase. Again, keep it simple and it’ll be memorable for guests.
