Holiday Prepping 101

September is here. Labor Day weekend is over. Some days are still hot, some do feel like the season is turning. It is as if fall is saying “I’m getting there, just wait a minute!”. The holidays are just around the corner, and with the assumption that you will have family, friends, colleagues, customers, PEOPLE over for a drink / coffee / dinner / party, it is time to start preparing for the season!

When getting ready for entertaining this season, consider the following:

Is your SPACE ready for guests? Uncluttered, tidy, clean space will always feel more welcoming. Fresh flowers, table decorations, holiday accents make you home even more festive.
Are YOU ready? Physically? Emotionally? When you feel good about yourself, it is easier to make others feel welcome. Get that haircut, get that new shirt, do your physical activity of choice the day of your event.
Do you have the right DRINKS? You know your guests. Is it a soft drinks night? An afternoon tea party? Wine and beer? Or is hard liquor a requirement? Your guests are coming to celebrate with you; make them feel welcome with the right choices.
Do you have the right FOOD? Think about the time frame of you party. If this is dinner time, people will expect heavier food choices. If you do not want to serve dinner, consider having your party before or after dinner time. Make sure to have a variety that will accommodate people with allergies or dietary choices such as gluten intolerance, vegan, vegetarian, nut allergies etc.
What about DISHES and ACCESSORIES? You decided to have that beef tenderloin, always a crowd pleaser. Do you have a platter to serve it on? A carving knife? What about appetizer plates for the guests? An ice bucket? Make a list of what you need, and make sure to purchase or rent items you will need yet do not have.
What about the ATMOSPHERE? A lot of hosts forget this, but it will make the difference between a nice and GREAT party. Engaging another sense makes the experience better with the right play list, or maybe you want to have a live pianist? A singer? A DJ that will get everybody dancing?
Make it MEMORABLE. Most everyone has camera on their phone these days. But some candid pictures do not make for a real memory. Consider hiring a professional to capture your event, on stills or video.
DETAILS. You know your crowd. You know your area. Do you need to send formal invites? Do you need to remind people of the dress code expected? Is there a parking problem in your area? Should you book a car service or valet service for the day of your party? And that is just the beginning…

With proper planning, proper help, professional or from family and friends, and with a detailed task list, your party can be a great success.

Feeling overwhelmed? We can help!

Come and listen to @ChefMesilati share some more ideas and insight regarding holiday entertaining this coming Thursday, September 22 2016. The details HERE.