With the holidays rapidly approaching, it helps to know what to expect when planning a celebration. While intimate gatherings usually come together without a hitch, larger events include more moving parts to think about. We asked Meghan, owner and lead planner of Denver’s 5-star MAG Events, to provide some party planning pointers.
How to Begin
To start, Meghan recommends nailing down the basics. “Think about the atmosphere you want to create, your guest list, where you plan to host your party, and your budget.” She suggests a simple spreadsheet to create an event timeline that includes set-up, cocktail hour, dinner, and clean-up. When complete, this can be shared with key vendors to keep everyone on the same page.
Next, take some time to consider the aesthetic you want. Websites like Pinterest are great for offering inspiration. How you want your event to look is more effectively conveyed if you’re able to provide some examples of what you have in mind. “Often, an event planner or vendor can suggest some options within your budget.” Meghan recommends looking for vendors that can provide more than a single service. “Selecting a reputable planner or vendor that will manage multiple details can help achieve a cohesive design and eliminate some of the hassle of multiple vendors and deliveries.”
Consider Your Timeframe
Give some specific thought to how long your party or event should last. A cocktail party is bound to last less time than a dinner party. For a simple cocktail gathering, Meghan suggests three hours. “It is such a busy time of year,” she explains. “A three-hour timeframe lets people enjoy themselves without feeling overcommitted.”
For a dinner party, four to five hours is ample. “Nobody wants to feel hurried through a meal,” notes Meghan. “A buffet line takes time. If dancing after the meal is part of the agenda, it should also be a consideration.”
Hire a Caterer and Bar Staff
Meghan says this recommendation will be helpful for anything other than an intimate dinner or event. “Hiring staff for food and beverage service allows hosts to be present for their guests,” she explains. “Bartending staff can professionally oversee a tailored cocktail menu.” Professional staff also prevent the stress created by trying to mingle and making trips back and forth to the kitchen.
Create a Festive Vibe
Parties are for greeting old friends and meeting new ones. evening. A cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres facilitates mingling and lively conversation. Beverages and appetizers, followed by dinner and desert can be served buffet-style or plated. For a more casual, “open house” approach, heavy appetizers and a signature cocktail will make an enduring impression.
Make Your Party Sparkle
Little details are all-important in the creation of the evening’s ambiance and mood. Holidays are a great time to infuse some sparkle into your event. While confetti and glitter are usually not desirable based on their reputation for difficult clean-up, sparkle can be incorporated into the centerpieces, décor, and even the drinks.
Beautiful lighting goes a long way toward enhancing a festive aesthetic. Consider custom lighting for the tables, the venue perimeter, and even projection on the walls for a warm, welcoming touch.
Choose décor with an eye for texture and layers. Natural elements such as florals, evergreen, leaves, berries, and dried fruit offer sustainable décor options that won’t create inorganic waste at the end of the event.
Enjoy the Event
Hosting an event—no matter the size—should be fun for everyone. Take time beforehand to cover the details so that you can enjoy the party with your guests.
“Think about the atmosphere you want to create, your guest list, where you plan to host your party, and your budget.”