Our Event Coordinator, Lisa Stranko, dishes her tips for entertaining this holiday season. If you aren't up to hosting your own event, give us a call, we have event spaces to fit your needs from small intimate gatherings, to larger parties.
1. MAKE A LIST: The best way to create a stress-free holiday is to make and live by a list. Plan ahead, and don't be afraid to delegate to others. Know what you're capable of and comfortable doing, give other people the things on your lift that you don't want to tackle.
2. KEEP IT SIMPLE: Make easy but impressive food. Creating a menu that is primarily "Finger Food" and does not require utensils, plates or vessels...means far less clean up.
3. STREAMLINE: Offer a single signature cocktail (you can make ahead in pitchers) and supplement with wine, beer and sparkling water. Be sure to open a couple of bottles before guests arrive.
4. SET THE MOOD: Before the guests arrive turn off the bright overhead lights and use festive votive holders and candles. Decorate your space with metallic accents which will bounce light around.
5. OPEN HOUSE: Too many friends and family to host at one time? Have an open house with set hours and let guests know they can drop by any time between certain hours on one special day. Your guests will appreciate the flexibility as their calendars fill up, and you'll gain quality time with the ones you love. Bonus: you can serve finger foods and small dishes throughout the day/evening as opposed to one huge main course or a sit-down dinner.