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| party possibilities |
Holiday Parties December 2008 |
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Happy Holidays!
The Thanksgiving turkey is barely gobbled up and yet, it's time for holiday parties. In the spirit of the season, this issue of party possibilities focuses on inspiring ideas for hosting a true 'holiday' party, one that appeals to everyone on your guest list.
In DC, we're fortunate to live in multicultural communities, where many people are cognizant of other people's cultural and religious celebrations. But sometimes, people are forgetful (or just don't know the finer details of these celebrations) and host 'holiday' parties that include ornament exchanges, Christmas caroling and visits from Santa, for example. These are nice activities but not always appropriate for all guests. It reminds me of holiday office luncheons many years ago. Each year, my boss, the VP of Corporate Communications, took our small group to lunch and gave us wrapped ornaments. A nice gesture except my Afghani co-worker had no use for the ornaments. For the most part, she laughed off his faux pas ... and I collected her ornaments. Your guests would probably react the same but with a little creativity, you can avoid these awkward moments and allow all friends and family to 'mix, mingle and be merry' at your next holiday party!
Wishing you a joyful holiday season, and happy entertaining ... |
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Holiday Party Ideas
I'm working with a client that is hosting a Holiday Open House in her home for friends and family. Her objective? To lift spirits.  To that extent, her
'winterberry' invitation asks guests to join her family for an afternoon of holiday cheer. What a generous gift!
If you're in the mood for gathering friends together and lifting spirits, I have a few holiday party theme ideas for you, ideas that will make all of your guests comfortable in celebrating the winter season.
Winter Wonderland - it rarely snows in DC in December but it's easy to achieve the look with white decor accented with shimmery metallic bobbles, ribbons and spray painted floral arrangements. Add lots of candles for a warm glow!
Game Night - host a casual family-friendly party with a game of Scrabble. Put out the board, with extra tiles, and allow guests to create holiday words.
Wine Tasting - the holidays are a great time to sample new wine. Select a country or region and serve up some fun.
Progressive Dinner - a great party option for neighborhood gatherings. One family hosts the neighbors for hors d'oeuvres, another family hosts dinner and yet another family hosts dessert. Other families can contribute, as needed.
Good Fortune - a few years ago, my interfaith family hosted a 'Good Fortune' holiday party for our neighbors. We're so lucky to have live next door to exceptionally nice people. The invitations were distributed in tiny 'holiday' take-out boxes and we dined on yummy Chinese take-out.
Two other theme ideas that I adore because there is so much that you can do with invitations, decor, food and beverages to make it 'posh' without overspending.
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Peppermint Twist - a red and white party with a sweet ending. Goes well with peppermint martinis or creamy hot cocoa!
Mistletoe & Martinis - who can resist a kiss on the holidays? Add a few festive martinis (or mocktails) and you're bound to have a lot of holiday fun! | |
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Corporate Holiday Party Ideas
Many years ago when I produced global marketing and internal events for a local Internet company, we hosted traditional Christmas parties. It took a few years, as well as supportive HR staff, for the company to comfortably host a holiday party void of Christmas. Eventually, I produced a holiday party where comedy took centerstage, and then, a Carnivale-inspired fete with 'Cirque' entertainment. And before I left, a member of my team had evolved the production to Award Parties held simultaneously in many US cities, once with Broadway acts and show tunes in between the dinner courses.
Fast forward to Winter 2008. Many companies have slashed lavish parties from their 4Q budget but they still need to celebrate - to lift employee morale, recognize contributions and achievements, and foster a team environment. I recommend laughter as an inexpensive remedy. For example, I'm producing a corporate holiday party on Saturday night at the International Spy Museum's restaurant. The highlight of the evening will be a 45- minute custom musical and improv comedy show, which will include lots of audience participation.
If you're still brainstorming holiday party theme ideas, how about one of these unconventional options:
Cirque du Dessert - gather employees together after dinner for sweet treats and fancy [decaf] lattes. Hire human buffet tables to dazzle your guests!!
Casino - Viva Las Vegas ... in DC! Casino tables are available for rent and include fast-paced dealers to show your guests the ropes.
Tropical - no need to worry if the annual sales meeting got nixed from the '09 budget; host a hot, hot, hot! party in DC complete with leis, fruity drinks and Beach Boys music. The best part ... no sand!
Murder Mystery - it's lots of fun figuring out 'who done it.' This activity works well at a cocktail party where guests walk around.
Awards Night - host an Oscar-inspired party to acknowledge your super talent!
Comedy - again, who doesn't love to laugh?! | |
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| About posh parties, LLC
Created for people who enjoy entertaining and celebrating life's special occasions, posh parties, LLC is a full service professional party planning firm.
Services include:
- Event Design
- Party Planning & Coordination
- On-site/Day-of Event Management
for all types of celebrations, such as:
- Milestone Birthdays
- Children's Birthdays
- Anniversaries
- Retirement
- Baby Showers & Welcome Parties
- Bridal Showers & Rehearsal Dinners
- Holiday Gatherings
- Just-because Cocktail Parties ... and more!
If you are entertaining in the near future, I invite you to contact me to assist in the planning of your special occasion. With over 10 years of professional party planning experience, I make entertaining effortless and enjoyable! |
Next Month's Issue
The next issue of party possibilities will focus on Winter Holiday Parties. |
| Ashleigh Dorfman, CSEP
professional party planner
posh parties, LLC
703.476.6530
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