The upcoming year-end holidays are a prime time for home entertaining. Catered Creations —a long-time special events caterer serving Grand Rapids and West Michigan — has “been there and done that” so many times we have developed some great ideas and tips on how you can make your year-end celebrations more memorable!
1. Begin planning now.
You’ll increase your chance for success — and reduce your reasons for stress — if you take time now to decide what type of home holiday party to throw and how many guests you’d like to host. Start today! The closer you come to the year end, the more distracted you’ll become by other holiday special events, activities and responsibilities.
2. Set your date immediately.
“Premium” days during the month of November and December fill up quickly on everyone’s holiday event calendars, so the sooner your invitations go out, the greater the chance invitees will commit to your affair over competing ones. Of course, If you foresee needing the assistance of a professional event caterer, waitstaff, bartender or entertainer for your year-end holiday celebration, you’ll also want to get on their busy, special event schedules as early as possible.
3. Consider your alternatives.
While most home holiday party hosts think dinner or lunch for their year-end celebrations, consider a mid-week afternoon mixer instead — especially if you’re entertaining the company crowd or neighborhood crew. A get-together from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with beverages and light finger foods can be a great way to entertain! If the holiday party includes your co-workers, invite employee spouses or significant others to enhance the family atmosphere.
4. Set the tone with a festive décor.
Think elegant instead of extravagant. Given the proliferation of holiday decorations, there’s little need for “overkill” when decorating for your year-end special event. A few tasteful decorations, centerpieces or other flower arrangements can go a long way. Also, consider candles, linens and other décor to set the warm and festive holiday party mood. A bonus? By keeping it simple, you’ll keep your post-holiday party chores to a minimum!
5. Select a “signature” cocktail.
Few elements make home holiday entertaining more memorable than a special cocktail or other drink. If you’ll be serving alcohol at your Christmas party or New Year’s party along with beer and wine (and plenty of non-alcoholic choices), consider pumpkin pie martinis, sparkling rum punches, mulled wine sangria or any number of other special recipes to add holiday cheer. As for non-alcoholic choices, how about a hot chocolate bar?
6. Consult a professional caterer.
You’ll defeat your intention to relax and interact socially with family, friends, co-workers or neighbors at your home holiday celebration if you’re tied to your kitchen throughout the entire affair,” said Patti Zylstra, owner of Catered Creations.
“As professional caterers, we can be as elegant as you wish but we also recognize that most home holiday parties aren’t on the company budget and don’t qualify as once-in-a-lifetime affairs like a wedding. Ordering straight from our special event catering menu is one way to economize. Or, have us drop-off dishes, set-up a buffet and return later for clean-up. We have plenty of ways to stretch your budget to cover memorable home holiday entertaining as well as gift-giving and other commitments!”
All about creating mouthwatering – and memorable – experiences, rely on Catered Creations to enhance your next event. From weddings and social parties to picnics and corporate functions, we’ve been serving West Michigan since 1986.
