How To Throw a Holiday Party
For the holidays, we pull out all the jingle bells + whistles. From planning the menu and setting the scene to perfecting the perfect playlist, we take pride in throwing the most memorable events beaming with candlelight and happy drunken faces. It can be pretty simple, really. Here's how we make the holidays happen, with a little help from Table + Dine:
SET A THEME
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Pick a theme and let’s get festive. Martini’s + Mistletoe? Tipsy + Toast? Let’s Get Ugly holiday sweater party? Once you pick your theme it’s easy to plan your décor around your seasonal style.
Need inspiration? Browse our curated looks in the Portfolio or shop fresh seasonal pieces from the Newer Collection to bring your vision to life.
MAKE THE GUEST LIST
Great guests make grandiose parties. Make your list, check it twice, and then you can start planning what you have and what you need. Once numbers are confirmed, everything from place settings to serveware falls into place.
INVITE THE PARTY PARADE
There’s nothing like tearing open a paper invitation. But let’s be honest, ain’t nobody got time for that. We love a gorgeous Evite that sets the tone and gets guests excited from the start.
Hosting tips, entertaining ideas, and party inspiration can always be found on our Blog, including one of our favorites, Table + Dine: The New Hot Spot to Shop Everything for Your Next Dinner Party.
SET THE TABLE
Once we confirm the guest list, we know exactly how many place settings to set. When setting any table, we start by going through the basics, not necessarily all on the same table:
Linens: Tablecloth, Runner, Placemats, Napkins
Table Décor: Chargers, Napkin Rings, Placecards, Candlesticks + Votive Holders, Vases + Table chotchke’s to scatter down the runway
Dinnerware: Dinner Plates, Salad Plates, Soup Bowls, Tidbit Dishes
Flatware: Forks, Knives, Spoons, Appetizer + Dessert Tools
Glassware: Wine, Champagne, Water, Coffee, Pitchers + Carafes
Serveware: Appetizer Plates, Platters, Bowls, Trays, Dessert Stands, Salt + Pepper Shakers, Butter + Gravy Dishes
We love adding texture and layers to create a luxurious tablescape. This year we’re combining inspiration from our favorite bloggers and DIY’ing cork trees like it’s nobody’s business. For more about who we are and what inspires us, visit our About page and explore the incredible brands we collaborate with on our Clients page.
HAVE A SIGNATURE DRINK
Everyone loves a signature drink. Shake up something festive that tickles your fancy. This year we’re mixing Cranberry Margaritas and our signature staple, Prosecco with a splash of St. Germain.
Always keep the bar well stocked so guests can sip on their bevs of choice.
BAR CART ESSENTIALS:
Champagne, Wine, Beer
Spirits: Well Vodka, Whiskey, Gin, St. Germain, Tequila
Mixers: Tonic, Soda, Cranberry, OJ, Sparkling Juices
Cocktail napkins + Ice. You never want to run out of ice. Ever.
Tools: Shakers, Muddler, Jigger, Mixing Glass, Ice Bucket + Tongs
Garnish: Rosemary, Oranges, Limes, Lemons, or even a striped straw or stir stick
SET THE MOOD
Dim lighting and candles are guaranteed to put everyone in the mood to eat, drink + be merry. Deck the tables with unscented candles and let the glow of the Christmas tree work its magic.
PRESS PLAY + PARTY ON
You can’t be the DJ at your own event. We want you mingling, laughing, and living in the moment. Create your playlist ahead of time, organize it from arrival to cocktails to dinner to dancing, then press play and let the night unfold.
MAY ALL YOUR PARTIES BE MERRY WITH MISTLETOE
XX // ALLIE + DEB
For more entertaining inspiration or to start planning your next gathering, explore Table + Dine or reach out through our Contact page.