How to Host a Holiday Party

Let's take the guess work out of hosting a holiday party this year....

Here's the top 10 dinner party must-haves.....

1.  If you are going in a formal direction for this dinner party, a printed invite is classy but also personal, it's special and everyone loves getting mail.  I love these fun paper invites by two guitars available on Etsy.



2.   A stylish centerpiece really adds something to the ambiance of the evening.  you don't have to be frilly or formal - i love something simple like a few flowers in a clear vase or votives in mason jars.  these simple glass vases are from CB2



3. Think so something fun like  craft paper on the table, you can use it to play games while you eat and drink.  It's make the evening more playful - I also love this idea for a kids' table during any holiday family meal



4.  Tiered trays are perfect for dessert but also appetizers.  I love that you can stack vertically and you still have room on the table, a crowded table can be uncomfortable and you are more likely to have spills.  there is a stunning wood cheese board tiered tray available at Bed, Bath and Beyond



5.  What's a dinner party without a few cocktails?  You could get inspired with a signature drink for the evening or just stock the bar with basics but don't forget the bar accessories 



6.  Over sized serving platters are perfect for family style meals, who says a dinner party has to be formal?   You will get a lot of use of over sized serving platters so it's worth spending a bit more plus it is a great gift to give someone who loves to entertain.



7.  Glassware is a must.  Personally, I have two boxes of extra wine glasses i store in my basement and bring out whenever I host a cocktail party.  If you want to add an extra touch to your glassware, try monogrammed glassware from West Elm




8. A wine decanter looks amazing but also serves a purpose especially if you plan on serving a savoury red wine, plus it adds another touch of glam to the table.




9.  Dessert stands can actually be a beautiful centerpiece displaying stunning cakes and desserts on the table. I've seen some beautiful cake stands at Homesense



10. Flatware in a versatile style is a must.  There was a time when you had a formal and a casual set but you will get much more use out of a versatile set.

Holiday style swap

The holidays are a fun and wonderful time of the year! It is so great to get together with friends and family but it can be expensive...but it doesn't have to be.

why not try some of these fun ways to save over the holidays and still have a fun and fabulous holiday

- try a cookie exchange. it's easier and most cost effective to bake multiples of one cookie plus it's a great way to try some new baking goodies. but choose your cookie exchange members carefully, reliable friends are best!

- if you know someone maybe even a family member who does not decorate the house anymore (maybe they travel or don't host anymore) ask if you can buy or have their old decor items

- get the kids involved in homemade decorations. popcorn strings, hand painted wood or over baked dough ornaments, paper chains etc...it's fun to do too!

- make wrapping paper and cards too

- share the duties: if you are great at wrapping and a friend is fabulous at decorating why not exchange duties? you'll both end up with fantastic results and less frustration too

- do a gift exchange (a great idea for the gown-ups) we don't really need anything and it helps every one's bank accounts

- what to do with all of your leftovers after those big holiday meals? do a left over party on the 26 th. my family started doing this a number of years ago and it's fun and so easy plus no more leftovers filling up the fridge. invite anyone you want - family, friends, neighbours and they are to bring their leftovers. have a table with all of the food for everyone to pick at, let the kids play, watch movies whatever and just have a relaxing day!

It's doesn't matter how you and your loved ones celebrate - the number of gifts, what you eat and how to decorate what matters is who you are with and the fun you have together!

Last minute decoration ideas

Yes, the holidays are here and although it is a fun time to celebrate with friends and family, it can also be very stressful! The food, the gifts, the drinks etc....can all be too much and add the decor too! I have found some great holiday decorating ideas and tips that are simple and make any home look fabulous for the holidays.

1 -- Put your glass vases to work or your cake stands by filling (or displaying) them with pine cones or Christmas ornaments .Use the vases/cake stands as a holiday decor piece on an end table, by the fireplace or on the coffee table. Group the ornaments by colour or shape.

2 -- A bright red tablecloth, with red candles or tea lights adds drama to the table but you can also add some kosher salt on the table. It looks like ice crystals. For the centre piece you could use some beautiful flowers (all one colour is a more contemporary look).

3 -- Turn off the lights and dine (and drink) by candlelight. It's romantic and festive but if you are serving a meal, I would recommend use unscented candles.

4 -- Add bows to the backs of chairs, door knobs, railings etc...but don't over do it.

5 -- Select a colour theme and stick with it. Gold and white is very formal, all red is bold and dramatic, silver is cool, red and green is very traditional - but you can also choose a funky colour palette such as fuchsia and turquoise. It's up to you!

6 -- Rosemary trees are very popular this time of year and they make for fragrant decor that can also be used in the kitchen (this is also a great gift idea).

7 -- Don't play with your food decorate with it. Large bowls of mixed nuts, clementine oranges, red and green apples and pomegranates make beautiful bowls come to life, add splashes or colour (and textures) and won't go to waste - encourage your guests to eat the decor!

8 -- Pine bows in a vase look very simple but elegant. You can add Christmas ornaments or bows for some flare.

9 -- Hang fishing line above doorways (or use twine) and paperclip or clothes peg your Christmas cards from this year (and/or previous years) to create a memory garland for the holidays.

10 -- Display your child's holidays art in frames or hung on the tree (depending on what they have created). The holidays are for everyone and children's art is always special and unique.

11 -- Keep it simple! Don't stress and enjoy your time together.

Be my guest

Now that the holiday season is upon us, you may be expecting some guests. Here are some great ideas to improve the look of your guest room and to make your visitor feel welcome.

1 -- Keep your colour scheme classic and neutral. Since the guest room is only used occasionally you want it to stay stylish without up dating it regularly.

2 -- Keep a closet and a drawer or two empty so long term guests feel comfortable. Living out of a suitcase can be uncomfortable.

3 -- If the room allows have a chair in the space for sitting and relaxing - again creating a comfortable atmosphere.

4 -- Have extra blankets and towels in the room already laid out for your visitors.

5 -- Make sure you have some task lighting on the bedside tables for reading.

6 -- Keep an inviting stack a magazines in the guest room.

7 -- Set up a small TV or radio

8 -- Have a small bowl or empty dish, a perfect spot for guests to keep their watch and jewellery

9 -- Take a cue from a chic hotel and leave a small box of chocolates and a bottle of water.

10 -- A small bouquet is the perfect touch for welcoming anyone to your home.