Nobody knows how to throw a party better than celebrity event planners, who put together some of the most lavish and glamorous soirees around. If you want to throw a holiday party worthy of an A-list Hollywood star, you have to get the inside info from some of the top event planners. And, lucky for you, we have a few celebrity tips from the pros to help you put together a party your guests won’t soon forget.
Set a Theme
Colin Cowie–who has planned events for Jennifer Aniston, Oprah Winfrey and Tom Cruise–suggests setting a theme for your party that can be seen throughout your apartment. Identify a specific look and color, and start the theme off on your front door using a wreath that sets a festive tone for the rest of the space.
Think About Lighting
The lighting at your party can make or break the ambiance of your event. Cowie also suggests creating a warm and subtle glow by making a tablescape that features candles and votives. For added glamour, consider placing the lighting options on a mirrored table runner. It creates an alluring and captivating environment that all of your guests will love.
Offer Comfort Food
There are three reasons people attend a holiday party: the drinks, the people and–of course–the food. You can’t have a great party without delectable treats for everyone. And what better way to ring in the holidays with a lavish display of comfort foods?
Lawrence Scott has produced and planned some of New York’s biggest charity events and celebrity gatherings. His guests have included Kelly Ripa, Jennifer Hudson, Janet Jackson, Kelly Clarkson, Donald Trump, Mark Wahlberg and more. According to Scott, comfort food is the key to setting an easy and relaxed atmosphere. It can trigger some of the happiest memories. Offer trimmings like turkey, mashed potatoes, baked ham, wedges of iceberg in place of a salad, and lots of desserts. Serve it elegantly with spectacular china and richly colored linens.
Send Your Guests Home with Treats
Nathan Turner is a Los Angeles-based designer whose parties, products and designs have been featured in major publications including Vogue Living, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, C magazine, Domino and Food & Wine. Turner recommends creating a take-home gift for your holiday party guests. It can be something simple like jam, truffles or chocolates.
Use Natural Elements
Drew Barrymore, Reese Witherspoon and Jenni Kayne turn to Los Angeles-based event planner Yifat Oren when they’re looking to throw a party. Oren is a master at blending tradition and religion elements for weddings, and he does the same for holiday parties. Instead of decorating according to a particular holiday, keep things neutral by sticking to a winter theme. Use whites and creams with gold or silver accents. Oren loves using lots of natural elements to dress up a space, like moss, birch trees, antlers and greenery.
