How to plan your winter celebration

If you are tempted to organise a Christmas party this year then now is the time to start organising. The festive season can be full with other engagements so get the date in peoples diary now.  Do you have a vision for the party, is this to be a fun celebration or opulent dinner? By knowing the priorities will help spend the money in the right areas. As with all events make sure you know what your budget is, you can’t begin to start hiring suppliers if you don’t know what you have to “spend”.

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Food & Drink

Research caterers in your area, don’t discount your favourite restaurants as they may also have an outside catering service. Depending on your budget will determine whether you are offering cocktails and canapees or a full sit down meal. Remember the food and drink will counter for a huge portion of your budget.

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Cocktail Mixologists

Marquees are not just for summer!

If your home is not large enough then consider extending a room by hiring a marquee. Contrary to belief marquees are not just for summer, in fact in winter they can feel very opulent and luxurious. A fully lined marquee with no windows increases the possibilities with lighting effects, again adding to the ambience.

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I love how different a marquee can look in the midst of winter, lighting can dramatically change the ambience of a party. Carefully select your dining furniture, feature bars and lounge furniture. Think about what props to bring in to enhance the design. You can even build a santas grotto should you desire!party planner essex

 

Guest experience

Think about the guest experience so from the moment they arrive how do you want them to feel? Will the mood start off calm and relaxed or do you want a party vibe from the outset? What type of entertainment will you have? Will this be an ipod plugged in or live musicians? Background or for guests to dance? For most of my parties we like to build the momentum up with the entertainment, it forms a large part of the budget as it enhances the guest experience.

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Design

For the design start by thinking whether you want a particular theme. Invite guests into your own elegant winter wonderland, this theme is so versatile and works well as an intimate dinner party or indeed a larger celebration in a marquee.

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Research luxurious linen, don’t automatically use from the caterers as this can be worn and starched. Layer your table with items like chargers, coloured water glasses and crystal wine glasses.   You want to add interest to the table and I think for winter dinner parties you want to fill the space to create that opulent feeling.  Scatter lots of candles of different heights throughout the table. What stationery will you use? If this is an intimate gathering you can be a little more generous with bespoke name tags and perhaps a gift for every guest. Hire a lighting company, or ask the marquee company to light the exterior for the guest approach this ensures the right mood is created from the outset.

Professional party planner

It is not too late to ask for our help, our shortest lead time to date is 12 days. If you need help pulling together a winter celebration then do please get in touch. My approach to our parties is very tailored to your needs. There are no pre-packaged parties, my service is utterly bespoke and tailored to your individual needs. I do not accept commission so you can rest assured of my honesty and transparency at all times. My role is to create a celebration that exceeds expectations and leaves every guest memories of a spectacular party.

Whether it’s an intimate private dinner or elaborate themed party, I have the experience to organise it for you. Once hired I will bring the chosen team of suppliers on board, I organise all the details and will attend the party along with my assistants to ensure all plans go perfectly. Having me  allows you to simply turn up on the day and celebrate. Please contact me to arrange a no obligation phone call to discuss further.

 

Photo credits: Highfield Event Group | Mark Bothwell | Neil Fortescue | More Than Words

 

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1 Comment

  1. Louise on 23rd November 2017 at 7:27 pm

    I love a marquee in winter, lighting is everything! Great advice!

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