Tis the season for holiday cheer. It’s also the season for holiday hosting, which can be overwhelming.
However, it doesn’t have to be.
“If you enjoy the party, your guests are going to enjoy it. If you’re stressed, they're going to see that and feel that,” says David Twigger, creative founder and director of the award-winning Vermilion Events and Design. “They want to enjoy it, and you need to enjoy it, as well.”
With more than 20 years of hospitality and events industry experience, Twigger has helped 4- and 5-star resorts across the country achieve their elite style. But he got his start doing private parties at residences—and still does them today.
Here, Twigger shares the keys to throwing a great holiday celebration at home.
Timeline
Start by determining what can be done in advance. About 1-2 weeks out, this includes menu planning and placing any festive decor that won’t disrupt your daily routine.
Once your menu is solidified, plan what can be done one or even two days in advance, like dips, baked dishes that can be refrigerated and warmed before the party, or batched cocktails.
Keep in mind that most home lighting is made for living rather than entertaining. Twigger suggests walking through your house at the time of day or evening when your party will be held, check the lighting concepts, and play with them to get the desired effect. If you don’t have dimmers, you can switch different powered light bulbs so that the party areas are appropriately lit.
“That makes a huge difference. You don’t want it too dark or too bright, which is not the entertainment vibe you want,” says Twigger.
Finally, figure out what tasks need to be done at the last minute. Moving furniture, rearranging room decor or lighting, and setting up food and beverage areas fall into this category.
Layout and Flow
To ensure an atmosphere that keeps everyone mingling, Twigger recommends planning how your guests are going to flow through your home once they arrive.
This can be done by selecting a gathering spot—or two or three, depending on the size of your home and backyard—and encouraging people to head there after they walk in.
“If someone is greeting guests at the entry, they can hand them a cocktail or appetizer when they come in and guide them to the next area,” Twigger says.
Twigger likes to give guests what he calls a “move-to” area where they can head after grabbing their bites and drinks. Determine where you want guests to congregate and put food and beverages there. The move-to spaces can be a corner of the patio or an area adjacent to the food and beverages.
Decor
If the thought of going all-out and decorating every square foot of your home is too stressful, a few fun touches in select spots will be just as effective.
Like food, Twigger suggests placing decor in the areas you want guests to mingle.
Twigger likes purchasing plain decorative trees in different sizes, garnishing them with colored lights, and placing two or three of them in a corner.
If you’ve got clear glass containers, bowls, or vases around the house, put those to work by filling them with colored bulbs and twinkle lights. Like the trees, this strategy works indoors and outdoors.
“It’s easy to do, makes a big impact, and you can easily move them around,” Twigger says. “It looks like you’ve done up the whole house and really it’s just a couple of areas.”
Menu
Twigger likes bites that can be served at room temperature, so you won’t be worried about whether something is getting too cool or too warm. If you’re using a caterer, the passed appetizers option is ideal because guests won’t have to pause conversations to search for food when cravings hit. Back this up with a charcuterie plate or seasonal snack plate display.
It’s easy to remember to provide plates and napkins but it’s easy to forget about how guests can discard them once they’ve served their purpose. A discrete trash can or tray on a corner table that can easily be bussed will help avoid used items piling up in undesired areas.
When it comes to drinks, Twigger suggests keeping it simple.
“Have a signature cocktail or two, and champagne. It’s easier than figuring out a full bar, you’ll have it covered, and it takes the pressure off everybody,” he says.
Details That Make an Impact
Music tends to be an afterthought, although it can be planned far in advance by crafting a playlist.
“Start with songs that are fun and then move to music that’s energetic,” Twigger says. “You can create a mood with music, but people often forget about that.”
Cast holiday shows—like the Rankin/Bass classics Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town—without audio to your television.
“Instead of a blank screen, it’s a real visual piece and that makes it memorable,” Twigger says.
Twigger is a big fan of hiring staff. Even if it’s just one person for a small party, it’s someone designated to refresh ice and food and tidy up when needed.
“It’s a lifesaver for anyone,” he says. “It’s the biggest piece so you can enjoy your party instead of working your party.”