Party season is nearly upon us and that means a whole host of fun to be had. From festive decor to thoughtful gifts and schedules packed with swanky gatherings, the coming months are sure to be filled with seasonal delights!
If you're anything like me, you will love being the perfect hostess, but I can't deny it comes with a large serving of pressure. Handily, with my business I've had to become a bit of a pro with planning, and so I'm going to let you in on a few of my most precious party hostess secrets.
Preparation is Key
Preparation is everything - I can't stress this enough! Planning is the fast track way to ensure that nothing goes wrong, and that you won't have a pre-party meltdown one hour before your first guests are due to arrive.
It might sound over-organized, but I personally love to write detailed lists of everything from what supplies are left to be purchased to an approximate timeline of when tasks should be completed.
Plan the food you need, the drinks you will offer, and hell, even plan your outfit! Write yourself a shopping list and tick items of as you go. And if you need to order anything, make sure you do so a couple of weeks beforehand, as this time of year tends to slow everything down.
Photo Credit: The Werk! Place
@TIffanyMBattle
1. PAIGE Denim Overalls 2. TED BAKER Necktie Blouse 3. CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Platform Pumps 4. NICK FOUQUET Match Detail Hat 5. MEL BOTERI Denim Snake-Effect Clutch
A Signature Cocktail
Nothing says stylish party like having your own signature cocktail on the menu. Everyone does punch, bottles of wine and beer at the table, but how many hostesses actually take the time to add a personal touch to their beverages?
Do some research online and pick the spirits that are A) easy to find, B) budget friendly, and C) in line with your party theme! You won't struggle to find plenty of recipes for cocktails online, so set aside a couple of hours to find your best option, and then practice, practice, practice! Once you've perfected the flavor, all you need is a fun and fancy way to serve it.
Photo Credit: Kerrently
@Kerrently
1. QUALIA Glass Flute Sets 2. MACKENZIE-CHILDS Check Casserbole 3. MEL BOTERI Design-Your-Own Suede Leather Tassel 4. ELIE SAAB Velvet Dress 5. LELET NY Gold-Plated Headband 6. GIANVITO ROSSI Portofino Patent Leather Sandals
Yummy Appetizers
A party is not a party without nibbles, and when people are drinking, they get the munchies. You don't want to be that guy or girl that only serves chips and dips; you want to do something more imaginative and festive!
Again, head online and check out recipes, writing yourself a shopping list as you go and sourcing the best ingredients in terms of quality and cost. Of course, you're going to need to do a test run first, but hey, that means you get to sample the goodies before everyone else!
Photo Credit: Life To Lauren
@LifeToLauren
1. MATTER & HOME Love Scented Candle 2. MEL BOTERI 'Marissa' Black Leather Tote Bag 3. L'AGENCE Low-Rise Skinny Jeans 4. ROSIE ASSOULIN Black Silk Blouse 5. PRADA Platform Sandals
A Stunning Tablescape
If you're feeding people then you need your table to look just as tasteful. Whether you are hosting a sit-down affair, or simply serving drinks and snacks your setting needs to look the part.
Head to Pinterest for a plethora of decorative ideas and get creative with your look. Tie in the theme of your party, and your friends will think you hired a pro!
Photo Credit: Gal About Town
@LynleePoston
1. SACHIN & BABI Chacha Tassel Earrings 2. GIANVITO ROSSI Over-The-Knee Texas Suede Boots 3. CHLOE White Bell Sleeve Dress 4. MEL BOTERI Tan Suede 'Taylea' Fringe Bag
Follow my party-planning hints, and your role as hostess will not only be super easy, but your gathering of friends and family will be one everyone keeps talking about for days or weeks to come - for the right reasons of course ;)
If you haven't sorted out you Thanksgiving outfit just yet, tune in next week when we're giving you the low down on how to quickly pull together a last minute, super-stylish look. Trust me, you will be thankful for this one!