How do you feel when it’s your turn to host a family or
friends holiday or event? Do you look forward to sharing your home with the
special people in your life, or do you go into a panic and dread the day? I know lots of people who definitely fall into
the latter category. It doesn’t have to be that way!!
This past Easter Sunday I hosted our family and friends. Like
you, I don’t have loads of time to spend preparing. I have a job (planning
other people’s events), a business to run, a home that has to be cared for,
etc. etc. But it is important to make the day special and show your guests how
important they are to you.
I’ve put together some tips for you to get started planning
your next event like an Event Planner.
#1 Start
collecting some basic go-to items you can use to create simple décor. In the picture
of my kitchen island I’ve used some DollarTree vases to create an Easter Candy
Bar. I’ve used the same vases on my dining table to hold some beautiful irises
that I found at our local farmer’s market. These vases have been to weddings
and parties all over town. They’ve held candy, flowers, balloons on sticks,
floating candles…The little square bowl holding nuts was picked up at the Crate
& Barrel Outlet for about $2! I have several and they have served as candy
dishes, ice cream bowls, dip bowls, etc, etc.
#2 Don’t try to do it all yourself! This
Easter was a “Potluck Brunch”. I asked everyone to bring their favorite brunch
dish. My son was asked to be sure the
patio was ready, and my hubby to come up with a game. Enlist help to clean up so you don’t spend the
next day putting your home back together. Whether planning an event for 20 or
200 you can’t do it all yourself. I’ve
always got my go to vendors who I know will make things happen, who I can count on.
#3 Don’t
leave yourself with too many last minute things to do. Plan a menu using as
many prepare ahead dishes as possible. Just pull out of the fridge or oven and
serve. For my brunch I had 3 casseroles that were prepared the day before and
waiting in the fridge with foil and a note taped to the top with the
instructions for finishing. Lists and
timelines are your best friend!
#4 Keep it
Simple!! Unless you enjoy gourmet cooking or elaborate floral décor, don’t do
it!! The point of the event is to enjoy time with our loved ones. Tried and
true family favorites are the best. Simple décor that sets the day apart from
every other day, but not something you are going to stress over.
I set two tables like this. The other is in my
kitchen. Simple DollarTree vases with irises from the Farmer’s Market, held in
place with crystals also from DollarTree. A sage tablecloth and napkins can be
mixed with many different colors to go with many holiday themes. I added purple for Easter and to accent the
irises.
I
have a bag full of these little wreaths that came
from Michael’s several years
ago. They make budget friendly napkin rings that can be embellished in so many
ways. This time I added little egg ornaments, on clearance at Michaels for $.60
each! Tied a purple ribbon around each napkin and added the wreath and egg. You can’t always plan everything. Go with what
you find and make it work.
After brunch, and a quick clean-up, snacks for grazing were
set out, and the games were begun. This year my hubby planned a dominoes
tournament. We had 3 tables and everyone switched tables after each round. It’s
a fun game that everyone could play, and were able to socialize with all the
other guests. Of course there had to be a prize, two movie tickets for the
Champion!
It all made for a great day spent with our favorite people.
How did you make the holiday special?
