‘Tis the season!  You know what that means.  Time to party.  Time to celebrate in style.  Time to hostess your own fete?  Mais oui!
 
Entertaining is a great way to present yourself.  Hosting a party gives you the opportunity to build relationships with those you find interesting (maybe even meet someone new!) and give back to those you love and enjoy.
 
 Hosting your own party doesn’t have to be overwhelming or trite.  It can be fun and festive.  Whether it’s the girls coming for cocktails or a grander gala … you can entertain in your own style!
 
Here are ideas to consider when planning your party:
 
 1.  THEME

What is the occasion?  What is the hook?  Is it a Dicken’s Christmas complete with carolers? Is it hip, chic, modern cosmopolitan?  Is it in combination with another event – like a birthday?
 
Often a theme can be built around what you want to wear.  It’s that simple.  Maybe it’s a special dress.  Maybe new boots.  Perhaps a costume.  Whatever.  Your wardrobe can set the theme.
 
This year our holiday party is combined with an African fundraiser, so we’re enhancing our theme to reflect it.  We’re calling it “Joy to the World.”  (It all started with a red skirt. )
 
2.  GUEST LIST

Who’s invited?  Who’s going to make your party fun?  Do you have an interesting mix of people?  Are they diverse enough where no one knows everyone?  Or is it your same ‘ole crowd?  (Nothing wrong with the same ‘ole crowd, but it’s nice when you add new people!)
 
* One note of caution:  If you get the “ugh” feeling about someone on your guest list, don’t invite them.  It’s your party.  Invite who you like.
 
We like sprinkling our parties with friends, neighbors, business colleagues, celebrities and people we find fascinating. 
 
3.  INVITATIONS

Your invitations set the stage.  Your party starts when your guests receive their invites.  You can call and invite them.  You can send an e-vite.  You can send a formal invitation through the mail.
 
No matter how you choose to invite your guest, your invitation sets the tone and mood.  Is it casual, formal or festive?  Is your party is worth attending?  Do your guests know what to expect when they receive it? 
 
Our invitation reflecting our theme has hanging ornaments with African prints.  We sent it the old fashioned way – through the mail.  (There’s something nice about receiving a party invitation in the mail, don’t you think?)
 
 4.   DECOR

Depending on your budget, you want to create an ambiance for your party.  You don’t have to go “all out.”  You may have items around your house that you can use to support your theme.
 
Maybe it’s an unusual souvenir you collected from your travels.  Maybe it’s a tone on tone color scheme.  Maybe it’s just lighting a bunch of candles.  Candles make everything and everyone look better!  (How simple is that?)
 
We’re using a Masai tribal shawl (red plaid) as the buffet table cloth and corn kernels to support the candles for our centerpiece.  Just little touches can make a big difference.
 
Of course, don’t forget your entrance!  Get your party started before your guests enter the door!
 
5.  MENU

Keep your theme in mind, but also keep it simple.  Think in terms of “what can you serve that tastes good, presents well, can be made or bought in advance and is low maintenance during your party?”  The last thing you want to be doing is schlepping hor d’oerves from the oven and passing them among your guests.  (Caterers do that if you want to hire one.)
 
Four really delicious platters artfully presented makes a much better impact than tons of chips and salsa, cheese and crackers, and a veggie plate.  (Yawn.)
 
My husband, Lorenzo, is making polenta lasagna (creating off the corn) as our “Star” dish.  (Yum!)
 
Memorable parties have a tasty menu and a signature drink.  What is your special cocktail de nuit?
 
6.  “WOW” FACTOR

Hopefully the big “WOW” factor is YOU!  Prepare for your party by looking and feeling as refreshed and relaxed as possible.  It’s helpful to set up days in advance so you don’t have to rush to do everything the last minute.
 
Ask for help.  A friend can answer the door or light last minute candles.  Hire a bartender to pour the drinks.  Enroll your niece or a college student to clear the plates.  Have a system in place so you can actually enjoy your event.  
 
Cheers to celebrating in YOUR style this year!  Let the party begin!