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Hi, friends! I am so excited to be writing a guest post for Katy. Katy Dee & Co. is one of my absolute favorite stops for inspired weekend and work wear, travels, and so much more. The first time I met Katy was at an event at Bloomingdale’s. She had the chicest silk leopard pants paired with the most well-thought-out accessories. I knew instantly that we’d be friends. When she reached out to see if I’d be willing to share a few of my entertaining tips, I leapt at the challenge – which brings us right here!
Hosting easily and effortlessly is what my blog is all about. I started Magnolia Stripes as a way to share with you what I already had been sharing with my girlfriends for years: how to decorate and curate your home and how to throw a fabulous fete. And, today, I’m excited to share a few of my favorite tips with y’all on Katy Dee & Co.!
When you’re throwing a party – no matter how big or small – it’s easy to get overwhelmed. You have to figure out your menu, whether it’s going to be cocktail or sit-down, and a theme. That’s why my first step when planning a party is always creating a list. It doesn’t matter how formal or casual the affair, getting your to-do’s in order will make it instantly easier. That’s why it’s….
#1 Create a party list to break it all down
Take a few minutes to jot down everything you need to figure out: serving pieces, grocery shopping, what you need to get done between now and the big day, etc. Brain-dump everything you can think of and then organize it into lists by day leading up to your party. I always do night before, day of, and 30 minutes before lists, too. It helps so much to know what all you need to check off – even basic things like taking the cheese out of the fridge and placing it on its platters. I use post-it notes for food placement and it makes everything easier. Here’s my checklist for planning a party one week out – and my holiday party checklist, which is actually great for almost any kind of party.
#2 Make sure your bar is stocked
The night before your party is not the time to be wondering if that old decanter is really broken or if your last gin bottle is still there. Here’s our list of barware essentials and beverages to keep on-hand.
#3 Greet your guests with something to drink
Make sure you have your drinks set up and ready to go as your guests arrive. Use a spare table, kitchen island, or end/side table and place it right as they arrive. I like to have a signature drink or something bubbly (my favorite recipes involve lots and lots of bubbles) and set it up at a table near our entrance, then have the full bar in the main entertaining area. Try making it do-it-yourself, which will make your life as the host/hostess a bit easier. Write the drink recipe and frame it, then lay out the ingredients, glassware, garnishes, and cocktail napkins, so your guests can help themselves while you put up coats and exchange kisses on the cheek.
#4 Don’t overthink your menu
A cheeseboard, grazing board, and vegetable tray are part of almost any party I throw because they’re easy and who doesn’t love a good cheeseboard?! Go for things that are tried-and-true, which brings me to…
#5 Resist the urge to try a new recipe
I filed this under “learned this the hard way” a long time ago so that you don’t have to go through it. There is enough to keep you busy when you’re planning a get-together (no matter how casual). Don’t add a new stressor to the mix. You’ll inevitably have plenty of last-minute things to tend to. Promise.
#6 Decide on a color palette or theme in advance
I almost always go with some version of blue-and-white because it’s such a good base for almost any kind of theme – from turkeys to jingle bells and everything in between. Invest in a good basic set of white dinnerware. It’s simple to mix and match other colors in if you have a good set of white dishes. I can’t recommend that enough. You can find them anywhere, everywhere, and at all kinds of price ranges. I love the French porcelain sets that Williams Sonoma carries. Their open kitchen line is great, too.
#7 Go big or break up your flowers
I love a big arrangement, but not one that’s so tall that my guests can’t see one another. A fun thing I’ve been doing recently is breaking up my usual one arrangement into five smaller ones and scattering them throughout the table.
#8 Don’t forget about the powder room
It’s not just about the food, drinks, and living area. Make sure that your restroom is ready for guests. I did an entire post about it because it’s something that’s usually an afterthought, but is always appreciated.
#9 Be ready 15 minutes before
My mother always told me to get myself ready first. It sounds counter-intuitive – especially if you have appetizers you have to get out, an ice bucket to fill, and things in the oven. Trust me though. Moms are always right. Because when your guests arrive, it’s much easier to set them to work pouring gravy into a boat or lighting candles than helping you with your makeup. Your attitude (and stress level) sets the tone for the evening, so make sure you’re ready well in advance and leave these details to the very last.
#10 Set up the night before
This makes life much easier. Time somehow flies the day of the party, so fiddling with the placement of your trays and serving pieces is something much better done the day – or night – before. As a bonus, you’ll wake up and your home will be extra festive. Talk about getting into the party mood fast!
I’ll leave you with one more thought: enjoy and don’t stress. You’ve put a lot of work into making sure your guests have a fabulous time. Remember to have fun yourself! Sit back and get ready to play host or hostess. If there’s something you forgot to do, don’t stress about it. Unless it’s forgetting to pick up the champagne, you’re probably the only one who will notice anyway. Now, pour a glass of bubbly and enjoy, darling! Cheers!
