Celebrating at home in style is a great way to honor milestone moments and to spend time with people we enjoy and love. Pulling together a party isn’t everyone’s strength, so why not do what you do best and hire others for the rest?
ATMOSPHERE IS KEY
Choosing a theme, colors, music, food and decor is a good start. Regardless of whether you are a DIY type or hire everything out, a theme communicates that this is a festive event; your guests will feel welcomed.
Much can be done at every budget level. Be creative and use what you have in unexpected ways. Fill martini glasses with nuts or candy, or turn them upside down as bases to give food platters height on the table.
Fairview Park caterer Sandra Krueger opened her home for a couples tasting party on a recent Sunday afternoon. A few miniature tastings of sweets and savories with pops of vibrant yellow accents helped pull the mini-theme together, energized guests and spurred conversation. Fresh flowers and lemons from Trader Joe’s, yellow striped placemats, and white and clear serving pieces drew attention to the table and made already delicious food look even more appetizing.
Motivated to plan a stylish celebration but all you have time for is cleaning the bathroom? Bring in the local experts; Northeast Ohio has plenty of talented party-planning pros.
TIPS FROM PARTY PROFESSIONALS PROFESSIONALS
RAISE YOUR PARTY IQ
Jacquie Sopko, owner of Balloon Crew Inc. in Cleveland (ballooncrewinc.com)
• If you can help it, NEVER use helium-filled balloons onNtables outside. Rather, use air filled designs that can be weighted down.
• Get instant glamour by filling the ceiling with balloons.
• If inflating your own balloons, inflate them the day of the event (unless you are using Hi Float, which extends the float time of helium balloons).
• Start the party theme at the driveway by using balloons as signage to direct guests to your home.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC
Grafton DJ John Schneider (soundproofentertainment.com)
• Enjoy light background music when guests are arriving or having drinks or dinner. When the party has some momentum, change the music to something more lively.
• A themed party (luau, ’80s, Hollywood or country western) can be a fun way to pull your event together.
LITTLE TOUCHES, BIG IMPACT
Northeast Ohio designer Kim Ausbury (stagedandstyled.com)
• Add a small lamp to the bathroom vanity for extra ambiance.
• Coordinate bathroom soap with your color and party theme. Having a Mexican fiesta? Use lime-, lemon- or margarita-scented soap.
• Provide disposable hand towels in your party color or coordinating pattern.
NOSH IN STYLE
Caterer Sandra Krueger (ditaliankitchen.com)
• White plates make food stand out.
• Showcase seasonal ingredients.
• Focus on make-ahead items to ease food prep the day of the event.
• Keep a veggie platter fresh by covering with a layer of damp paper towels, then wrap the platter in plastic wrap and refrigerate until the big day.
• Appetizer-only party? Offer a couple of hearty appetizers to fill people up, such as bite-sized meatballs or sweet sausages in a Crockpot.
PARTY PLAN
Make a list of people to invite and choose a date.
2. Decide how much you will do and whom you will hire.
3. Send invitations (by mail, email or phone).
4. Plan the menu, including drinks.
5. Make a shopping list (food, paper goods and decorations).
6. Determine what can be made ahead and frozen, made the day before and made that day. Consider already-prepared food.
7. Make list of equipment needed (rental chairs, tables or a portable restroom).
8. Plan the layout of the rooms. Make sure to allow room for the food tables to ensure a smooth flow for guests and areas to mingle.
9. Plan music and lighting.
10. Buy or make a centerpiece and other decorations.
11. Gather serving pieces.
12. Consider borrowing items from friends, such as chairs and platters.
