Holiday Entertaining

To some degree, we all find party-planning or entertaining a little stressful - even the pros so fret not. With the holidays just around the corner we thought we would share some  of our favourite tips for  stress-free entertaining.

The first thing to do is to decide what type of party you want to throw. Whether it's an ugly sweater party, a pot luck or an office party, the key to a successful event is knowing your desired outcome and planning ahead.

What's hot this year? Cookie Exchanges, The Ugly Sweater Parties are still going strong, Gift Wrapping & Stocking Stuffing parties and of course our favourite Mingle & Jingles. What's out - The Secret Santa or under $10 Chinese Gift Exchanges.

Now that you have your theme - choose your invite. There are so many avenues for sending invites these days. We like Celebrations as they offer a variety of both free and designer styles that you can customize and track your RSVP's with. There are plenty of options out there to suit your style and budget. Remember: Your invite sets the tone for your event. Start the event off on the right foot with an invitation that truly invites your guests.

Helping Hand

This depends on your budget, and there are many options available to you depending on where you want to spend your time and your money. 

One thing that we find invaluable is rather than rushing out to buy expensive new china, glasses and silverware for a holiday get-together, consider renting it. – Less clean up. Just put them back in their crate dirty and put them by the front door for pick up.

Food - If you have it in your budget you can hire a caterer to prepare and serve and take a major load of the stress off your shoulders. Some caterers offer a drop off or pick up service as well, then all you need to worry about is warming up and serving.

If you really want to make all the food yourself maybe consider hiring a bartender or a server to help. This way you can task them to keep the drinks flowing and the dirty dishes disappearing and you can have a little extra time to focus on your guests in-between trips to the kitchen.

While we are on the topic of food, it is always great to carefully consider your menu selection well in advance. Is anyone a vegetarian? Do they have food allergies? Are they on a restrictive diet? Asking ahead will prevent you from serving something your guests actually cannot eat. They will really appreciate that you cared enough to do your homework.

Drinks - A signature drink is always a welcomed thing at a holiday party. It also keeps the cost of alcohol down and eases your to-do list should you be trying to do it all yourself. One of our favourites of the season is Sparkling Wine. As seen in Food & Drink Magazine on page 266 is fruit infused sugar cubes. 

Recipe:

Give your favourite bubbly a boost with jewel like flavours such as cranberry, pomegranate and apricot.

Working in batches, soak cubes in a bowl of fruit concentrate or puree until completely saturated. Remove with a fork, and place on a wire rack (don't let them touch); let dry overnight. Present cubes at a champagne bar, or serve them in passed drinks. The sweet, tangy taste will keep guests sipping long after the toasts.

Calculate Quantities 

Most guests will consume two drinks the first hour of your event and one drink during each following hour. That's provided that there are not driving. When planning an event where you are serving wine, beer and mixed drinks, the general rule of thumb is:

• 50% will drink Wine
• 30% will drink Beer
• 20% will drink Mixed Drinks 

Ice - Generally is one pound per guest, more if you are cooling wines/bubbly.

Mood & Lighting - Candles, Candles and More Candles.  

Tea Lights are cheap and can fit into a variety of "containers" to add atmosphere. You can get a bag of 100 from IKEA for $3.99 Candles are like magic. Nothing makes your house feel more festive and special. I use candles in the kitchen and powder room, hurricanes on the mantle and coffee table, and tall, elegant tapers on the dining table. Keep the overhead lights to a minimum. Bonus: EVERYONE looks better by candlelit.

Music

Music is key and sets the tone when you open the door and it carries you through the evening. Don't worry, you don't need to go and create playlists on top of everything else you need to do, as there are so many great free apps out there to set the mood. Check out Spotify or Songza for their latest holiday playlists. 

Have fun and remember,  good party  happens when guests feel like they're privileged to be invited. Spoil them, indulge them and they'll always want another invite.

Should you need any recommendations for great caterers, florists, rental or linen companies we would love to share our little black book with you. Just get in touch! By email info@balanceinstyle.com or by phone 613-440-4446.

Happy Planning!