Putting the *Clink* in Holiday Cheer(s)...10 HOLIDAY PARTY TIPS & TRICKS
You know we love a good party at Mango Ink! For real, though. We love hosting that party and making everything *just right*. The right food, the right drink, the right decor, the right signage and invitations (obviously), the right music, the right vibe…yeah we get into this stuff. We’ve thrown so epic parties in our time and we plan on throwing a lot more. (So much, we now have a sick event space to use called the yellow x?)
As the holiday season kicks into full gear, let’s talk parties! Large (a wedding!?) or small (an intimate dinner party?), we’ve collected some tips and tricks we’ve gathered over the years to help make your party SHINE, for you AND your guests. We asked the team. Here are the nuggets we got back. Cheers!
HEADS UP!: From the Whole Team
Get that party on everyone’s calendars well in advance. Everyone is busy these days (and probably have been) but give some space to clear the calendar for you. (Rule of thumb for weddings is nine months ahead for save-the-dates, but save-the-dates need not solely be for weddings, nor do they have to be anything fancy to get the job done for a smaller affair - a text or email will do the trick - though physical cards are always the most special…in our humble opinion).
PREP: From Katie, Producer
Always give yourself a buffer and start prep way earlier than you think you need to. Whatever you do, do NOT go to the grocery store on the day of your event. This is not exactly a glamorous tip, but I’ve been rushing around like a mad woman at the 11th hour before guests arrive too many times, and I vow to do it no more. I’ve learned my lesson. Better to have almost too much time to get myself ready, turn on the music, light the candles, and get some bevies ready to roll; it sets the tone for the whole gathering and allows me to enjoy myself at my own party so much more.
LIGHTING: From Ryan, Owner/Designer
Lighting is obvious, right? Apparently not. It's everything and it should not feel like an operating room in your dining room - I mean unless it's a surgery-themed party or something. Which could be kinda cool. Light those candles (get the hygge going) and turn the lights down, please, for the sake of everyone's vanity everywhere across the world. And because it feel nice. (There’s a reason Karyn White sang about turning those lights down - if you get that props to you!)
FOOD: From Jess, Producer (Yellow X) & Production Assistant (Mango)
When it comes to food, follow one simple rule: keep it coming. Food for appetizers, a consistent snack source, a main meal, more food to snack on after the meal is over…people like to eat. No place for a scarcity mindset where a party spread is concerned.
BEVIES: From Heidi, Owner/Designer
Have one signature cocktail. Just one. It's so elegant and pretty to have one fun drink you offer for everyone, and it’s also simple and easy to prep. (And when they are gone, the wine is ready to flow!)
Here’s a festive favorite of mine:
Bourbon Renewal
2 oz bourbon
1 oz fresh lemon juice
.5 oz creme de cassis
.5 oz simple syrup
1 dash Angostura bitters
Shake ingredients with ice until cold; strain over fresh ice into an old-fashioned glass, garnish with a lemon wedge, or if in season, fresh currants.
MUSIC: From Katie, Producer
Make a party playlist (or source one). Whatever you do, just be thoughtful about it. The power of music to set a mood simply can’t be overstated. One of my personal favorite playlists for dinner parties (esp. with Latin American food on the menu) is the soundtrack from the movie Chef.
CURATE SPECIAL MOMENTS: From Jess, Producer (Yellow X) & Production Assistant (Mango)
Plan meaningful activities, perhaps a fun game or two… you want people to leave your party wanting more! Maybe incorporate a surprise… something they wouldn’t expect that sets your party apart from the rest.
LITTLES: From Katie, Producer (and mother of young children)
Are kids coming? If so, take a minute to think about how you can make it special for them and keep them engaged. Perhaps their own separate snack spread? For younger kids, consider offering a separate activity like a pretend “drive-in” movie showing, a scavenger hunt, or a custom Bingo game with small prizes (run by the older kids)? If the kids are having fun (esp. on their own), then the adults are definitely having fun (and you will be earning major brownie points as a host).
INCLUSIVITY: From Katie, Producer
If you’re providing food and beverage, make sure to include options for everyone. This is the surest way to make your guests feel comfortable and that they’ve been considered (which is really just a form of loving people). Plan to accommodate for food allergies and vegetarian/vegan preferences, have non-alcoholic beverages available, and be mindful of anyone who might have dietary restrictions tied to religious observance. Other ways to be inclusive include communicating clearly about plus ones, making plans to host kids/families when appropriate, and providing concurrent activity options for larger groups so folks can engage in the way they feel most comfortable (i.e., let the introverts be introverts).
THE “WHY”: From Ryan, Owner/Designer
Why? Word on the street is that if you don't know why you're doing something, well... good luck. Don't know why you want to lose 5 pounds, well you probably won't. (And maybe you shouldn't.) Dont' know why you want to exercise? Well you probably won't. (And, again, maybe you shouldn't.). So, why are you throwing the party? To show off? To give the gift of hosting to friends? To give them a night they won't forget? Community? Just good food? I mean the choices are endless but if you know the why, you know the vibe, and it just helps guide the entire event. That's in my humble opinion at least.
Cheers to you and to all whom you will gather - and create epic events with - this Holiday season!
Photos by @tacenda_co