This past week at work we hosted an event for the Dallas Pi Phi alumni at our office (Ali was a Pi Phi at SMU). The Pi Phi girls came by to get easy and creative tips for holiday entertaining. It was so much fun preparing for the event, that I thought I might as well blog about the fun ideas we came up with. They're super easy (and economical) and will make your next holiday party a sure hit!
Getting Started...
Set the mood by selecting one color you love and use it throughout your event. From the invitations to the favor, everything should incorporate that color! We picked red.
Invitations...
Give your invitations an upgrade by lining the envelopes. You can use gift-wrap, specialty paper found in craft stores, pictures from a magazine or pictures of you and your friends. Paper Source has envelope lining patterns that make this a very easy project.
Décor...
You don’t have to spend a lot to make your event decor fabulous! Purchase inexpensive ornaments and Christmas décor items at a craft store and hang them from your light fixture using ribbon (Garden Ridge, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby and Dollar Stores are great sources). This can include festive items or even pictures of your guests that are attending the party. If you don’t have a fixture to hang from, use tacks and adhere to your ceiling.
Place Setting...
Borrow a friend’s china/glassware and mix up the place settings! Don’t feel obligated to use everything you own. Mix in less formal elements with your nicer china/glassware to give your table a more whimsical look.
Place Cards...
Make each guest feel special and personalize his or her seat! Hang a tag from an ornament with the guest’s name and place in a glass or on the table near their place setting. The ornament can double as the favor and a reminder of the evening for years to come.
Centerpiece...
For an easy and inexpensive centerpiece, fill a glass container or vase with fresh cranberries. Use candles or greenery found at a grocery store or florist to decorate the top. Add holiday ribbon around the rim of the container and sprinkle a few ornaments around the base of the centerpiece.
Dinner Menu...
When creating your menu, select items that can be prepared at least one day in advance. You don’t want to be worrying about cooking when you need to concentrate on hosting! Consider making dishes that are not seen at a typical holiday dinner…for example, go with an Italian or Asian inspired menu. Always finish with a fabulous dessert.
Cocktail...
It’s always nice to greet your guests with a specialty drink. For a fun cocktail, serve a colored martini. For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, have a festive punch prepared.
Atmosphere...
Always remember to have Christmas music playing in the background during your party! Have a classic Christmas movie playing on your TV (on mute) during the party too!
Conversation...
To spice up your dinner conversation, have your guests go around the table and share their favorite Christmas memory or tradition.
Favor...
Leave your guests with a small gift to remember the evening. Ideas include an ornament at each place setting, a small box of chocolates, homemade baked items for them to enjoy the next morning or a CD of your favorite Christmas songs!
Here's to your next holiday party....may it be merry and "bright!"
Getting Started...
Set the mood by selecting one color you love and use it throughout your event. From the invitations to the favor, everything should incorporate that color! We picked red.
Invitations...
Give your invitations an upgrade by lining the envelopes. You can use gift-wrap, specialty paper found in craft stores, pictures from a magazine or pictures of you and your friends. Paper Source has envelope lining patterns that make this a very easy project.
Décor...
You don’t have to spend a lot to make your event decor fabulous! Purchase inexpensive ornaments and Christmas décor items at a craft store and hang them from your light fixture using ribbon (Garden Ridge, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby and Dollar Stores are great sources). This can include festive items or even pictures of your guests that are attending the party. If you don’t have a fixture to hang from, use tacks and adhere to your ceiling.
Place Setting...
Borrow a friend’s china/glassware and mix up the place settings! Don’t feel obligated to use everything you own. Mix in less formal elements with your nicer china/glassware to give your table a more whimsical look.
Place Cards...
Make each guest feel special and personalize his or her seat! Hang a tag from an ornament with the guest’s name and place in a glass or on the table near their place setting. The ornament can double as the favor and a reminder of the evening for years to come.
Centerpiece...
For an easy and inexpensive centerpiece, fill a glass container or vase with fresh cranberries. Use candles or greenery found at a grocery store or florist to decorate the top. Add holiday ribbon around the rim of the container and sprinkle a few ornaments around the base of the centerpiece.
Dinner Menu...
When creating your menu, select items that can be prepared at least one day in advance. You don’t want to be worrying about cooking when you need to concentrate on hosting! Consider making dishes that are not seen at a typical holiday dinner…for example, go with an Italian or Asian inspired menu. Always finish with a fabulous dessert.
Cocktail...
It’s always nice to greet your guests with a specialty drink. For a fun cocktail, serve a colored martini. For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, have a festive punch prepared.
Atmosphere...
Always remember to have Christmas music playing in the background during your party! Have a classic Christmas movie playing on your TV (on mute) during the party too!
Conversation...
To spice up your dinner conversation, have your guests go around the table and share their favorite Christmas memory or tradition.
Favor...
Leave your guests with a small gift to remember the evening. Ideas include an ornament at each place setting, a small box of chocolates, homemade baked items for them to enjoy the next morning or a CD of your favorite Christmas songs!
Here's to your next holiday party....may it be merry and "bright!"
1 comment:
Mindy - these tips are fabulous!!! LOVE this post!
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