How to throw the perfect holiday party
White Bow Events founder Martina Stritesky has made a career out of orchestrating unforgettable social and corporate events ranging from a wedding on a private island in the Bahamas attended by President Clinton to an intimate dinner at the home of celebrity fashion designer Naeem Khan. Here, she shares her top five tips to help make your next holiday bash a standout.
1. Streamline your decor:
Choose a colour and then use varying shades for a tone-on-tone effect. “For example, if you are using red flowers for your party, stick to all red but bring in different red flowers for texture and variance. It looks way more luxe than a bouquet of mixed colours,” says Stritesky. Another hot tip: “Use plenty of candles. It’s a cheaper alternative to loads of flowers and everyone looks better in candlelight.”
2. Make it personal:
Try to incorporate at least one custom detail. “From personalized napkins or cigar boxes to an edible custom gold leaf on desserts, it goes a long way to show that there was real thought and purpose behind the creative details,” she says. Stritesky also recommends adding personal splashes into the mix. “For example, is the couple from different parts of the world where the holidays are celebrated differently? Bringing in a traditional item from another region and letting your guests try new things is a good way to make your party stand out from the rest.”
3. Stock up on food and drink:
“It doesn’t have to be the most expensive wine or top chef cuisine. Just make sure there is plenty to go around and then some. People may not remember what they ate, but they will remember if you run out of something.”
4. Create a good first impression:
“It’s the first five minutes after a guest gets to an event that truly set the mood. If their coat is checked and a drink is in their hand within a couple minutes of arriving, then you are going to have one happy party guest who is ready to put their best foot forward. A happy guest makes for a fun party.”
5. Go for wow-factor:
“Put at least one unique twist on your party. I love a beautiful champagne tower around the holidays and it’s rarely done! Not only is is functional, but it also adds to the decor and wow factor of a party.”
