For some, a satisfying Christmas is having the knowledge that one has thrown the bash of the year. Experts reveal invaluable secrets of event planning. ; Mix and match guests of varying sociability, interspersing the chattier ones with those who may need more time to come out of their shell
The theme
While the holiday itself serves as the perfect theme to some party hosts, others like to get their creative juices pumping and come up with something a little different. Themes make a big impact on a party, affecting everything from table settings and menu choices to party attire and music. A White Christmas theme, for example, makes all the difference when it comes to choosing between Midori and Bailey's when stirring up party cocktails.
One might see playing cards rather than flower petals scattered across the table for an Alice in Wonderland theme. The right theme could be the deciding factor in determining whether your party is a flop or a resounding success. When choosing your theme, be sure to be socially aware, and exercise caution in your creativity. While it was considered the height of fashion decades ago to hand out trendy boxes of cigarettes as party favours, this gesture might not be received with equal enthusiasm in this day and age. And to ensure a friction-free evening, it would be best to stay away from politically or religiously charged themes. Guests generally prefer to engage in a light and friendly conversation, rather than a heated debate on the war in Iraq.
A basic knowledge of your guests' lifestyles and personalities also comes in handy. It might not be a good idea, for example, to pull up a fur-lined chair for an animal rights activist, or throw a wine-tasting party for a group of recovering alcoholics. Sensitivity is the key. Lastly, a word on table decorations. Whatever the theme, make sure that they hang way above eye level or stand below it, allowing visual access to the guest opposite. It wouldn't be very nice to put a towering tablepiece directly in front of a vertically challenged guest.
Food and beverage