Entertaining Ideas
Whether it's a full blown bash, a small intimate get together we all know how stressful party planning and prepping can be. The key here is to have all the essentials on hand to throw a fool-proof party. By having everything you need in house, it's just a matter of bringing it out, setting it up and rolling with it. This will eliminate last minute stress and allow you to focus on your soiree and less on the décor.
Extra seating is important to have. Whether its ottomans or fold out chairs, the more the merrier. When you aren't using them, you can tuck them away, but when the guests arrive make sure you have extra seating for those who do want to sit.
Ray Kachatorian
Make sure you have the proper stations set up so your guests can help themselves. That way you don't have to entertain and play bartender at the same time. We have stations for guests to grab finger foods (these are always easiest) and a drink of their choice. A food and beverage station is essential to allow guests to come and go as they please. Stacked with all the essentials, plates, forks, napkins, glasses etc., they can help themselves.
Ray Kachatorian
Lighting is super important to creating the mood for the party. Bright lights really ruin your party atmosphere, so invest in dimmer switches (you can have these installed and use them all year round), lower wattage bulbs, and plenty of candles.
Ray Kachatorian
Fresh flowers are great at making a last minute centerpiece. Go buy a bundle. You can place the whole bunch on the table. Or buy two, break them up, put them on each table, or spread around the house. My rule of thumb is if they are in guests' reach, go with real. For fireplace mantel decorations you can always use artificial ones, throw them up for the party, pack them away when it's over, and have them out for next time.
Ray Kachatorian
Consider shopping after the holidays for all these things…they are on sale and costs sometimes 75% less than they were all year. Sounds like something to celebrate!!
Try out some of these ideas and you'll have the peace of mind that everything is in the right place when the guests arrive.
Ray Kachatorian
