These are the Things Party Planners Do To Make Your Holiday Event A Success

• Planners for parties Ellie NottoliAnd Michiel PerryWe have shared some tips on hosting a successful holiday party.
• They recommended decor that can last all seasons and home-cooked meals with premade options.
• This article is part a larger series called “How to Holiday”The series provides tips and tricks to prepare for the holidays.

Holiday season is upon us, so revelers are taking down their holiday decorations, tweaking their recipes and sending out holiday invitations.

This will be many people’s first holiday party in years.

These 15 tips are from professional party planners and will help you make your holiday season more enjoyable.

1. It all boils down to good food, and good drink.

Ellie Nottoli is the owner of elliestyledInsider was told by a party planning and lifestyle company, that your guests are most likely to be touched by their stomachs. You should pay more attention to what food and beverages you serve when you party plan.

“I think being a good host goes down to the basics: food and drink,”She said. “I always teach my children that when someone feeds you or when someone makes something for you or cooks for you, it’s the ultimate form of ‘I love you.'”

She said that if you focus on these two elements, your party will be successful.

2. Order everything right away

The country is currently experiencing a Supply-chain crisisInsider previously reported. This means that party hosts might have to wait longer to receive their items.

Michiel Perry is the founder of Black Southern BelleHosts are encouraged to order everything they need now by lifestyle brand,

“You really can’t assume anything is available or will reach you in time, so it’s best to start shopping now,”Insider was informed by her.

Be flexible if something isn’t possible. You won’t let your guests know that you have to substitute turkey for chicken, or change the color scheme. Be flexible and don’t worry if something isn’t possible.

3. You can reuse items you already own

A vase can become a champagne bottle and old curtains can become table linens.

Perry stated that repurposing items you already own will help you save money. You won’t have worry about the stock running out.

Perry recommended that you start the planning process by looking through your house and assessing what might work for the party.

Friends and family can help you find the right product or service if you don’t have it.

4. Add personal touches

Nottoli stated that no matter what theme your event is, personal touches will make it memorable.

You could start with something as simple as handmade ornaments for children on Christmas trees or dusting off old dishware in your china cabinet.

“We often have stacks of plates that we’ve inherited from our grandma, or maybe we found at a thrift store, and I encourage people to pull out their pretty plates or their pretty glassware and use them,”She said

“It just offers that really beautiful level of sentimentality to a holiday table,”She said.

5. Do not feel obliged to make everything.

Perry stated that it can feel overwhelming to prepare all the dishes for your holiday party.

Instead, think of ways to add personal touches to premade meals. You could purchase a rotisserie chicken, and make your own glaze.

“Cooking everything is very stressful,”She said. “I like to suggest going half homemade, half premade to take some stress off of the event, but it will still feel like you made something.”

6. You can check with your caterers to make sure your event is catered.

There may be changes to the menus, higher prices, or a combination of both.Manpower shortageThis could indicate that your favorite caterer isn’t operating in the same way as before the pandemic.

Perry advised that you get in touch with your caterer early to ensure they have everything you need to host your event.

7. Gauge your guests’ comfort levels

Nottoli shared that she has seen clients opt for smaller, more intimate events in this holiday season due to ongoing concerns about the pandemic.

Perry stated that it is important to communicate expectations, ranging from COVID comfort levels to dietary limitations. “create a space that allows your guests to share their party preferences.”

Nottoli stated that you can adapt elements of your event depending on the comfort level of each guest. You might consider having a plated meal instead of a buffet, or single-serving starters.

8. You can tailor the event to suit your guest list

Nottoli stressed the importance of having a guest list to plan a party.

“To understand the audience, that’s everything,”Nottoli added. “Is it a cocktail party? Is it adults only? Is it black tie or family-oriented and kid-friendly?”

Nottoli said that she will be skipping the traditional cocktail at a family holiday party this year and instead opt for a gingerbread-house station. Children will have plenty to do, and the adults can go back in time.

9. Buy decor that will last for a long time

Nottoli creates decor that seamlessly transitions from Thanksgiving dinner to Christmas parties and into the New Year when she plans events for people.

Her favorite decorating tip is to use evergreen branches and greenery.

“I think evergreen is a brilliant way to save a coupe buck and have your space come alive,”She said. “You can use it on your mantle, cut sprigs and place it in bud vases, or use a sprig and twine to tie a napkin. There are just so many uses for it.”

10. You can rent large pieces if you want to save money, but still love extravagant decor.

Nottoli and her staff at elliestyledYou can rent pre-lit Christmas trees or tabletop decor.

Nottoli’s decor rental team isn’t the only one. Nottoli stated that many event and party planners offer similar services.

Nottoli explained that renting some oversized items makes it easy to create extravagant events without spending a lot of money.

11. Get started cleaning weeks in advance

Perry stated that hosting a party at home is a great excuse to deep clean.

Perry suggested that you start cleaning a list of all the items that will be needed a few weeks prior to the party.

It might be dusting — something Perry always forgets to do — or cleaning your baseboards.

You can gradually check off items by making a to do list before the event.

12. Do your best the night before you go to the party

Perry says that a productive preparation day is essential for a successful holiday party.

Perry claims that she hosts parties as hard as she can the day before. She ensures that her home is clean and tidy, that the food is ready, as well as that the decor is in perfect place. Perry can even help with small tasks such as setting up the table and putting away trash the night before.

“The more you can do the night before, the better,”She said.

13. For help, don’t hesitate to reach out to family and friends Get help

“You don’t have to party plan alone,”Perry said.

Perry stated that it was difficult for her to learn to accept help from others, but that it was worth it in the end.

Perry stated that friends and family are more likely to be able to help you host a party.

14. Use your space to be creative

Many people still worry about COVID, so Perry and Nottoli suggested moving your party outside.

Perry lives in the South so she can host her 100-person holiday party outdoors. However, Nottoli has hosted outdoor events in the Midwest and plans events there, she explained.

She helped a grandmother coordinate an outdoor gathering with heaters and bonfires last year.

“We created this winter wonderland,”She said. “People are really looking outside of their dining rooms to create spaces and opportunities to gather where it feels a little bit more comfortable and safe.”

15. Spend as much as possible on post-party cleaning services

Perry shared that she feels lighter when she knows her budget for a cleaning service next morning.

Perry stated that even if the cost is prohibitive, it is worth cleaning up before and after the party.

“Oftentimes, people really do want to help with the cleanup. So just accept the help,”She said.