Of course, there’s more to a good party than beverages and great food. a “So much of successful events are all about the planning process,” Brogan says. Caterers suggest making a detailed to-do list and schedule, starting three or more days before the party. Include everything from polishing serving pieces to buying plenty of ice. “Make sure you cover all the bases,” Ferretti says. “I see people running around at the last minute because they can’t find a lighter. Have a lighter for your candles ready. . . . Have all your platters out, polished, ready to go.” Once the party starts, Rice suggests putting a friend in charge of refilling serving dishes. “You’re the hostess,” she says. “You need to be interacting with people.” To that end, Rice also likes to set out a box of trivia cards, which she says can serve as a conversation starter. “Especially if they don’t know each other, it’s a great way to get people to interact,” she says. Milner notes it’s important to engage all the senses. Try serving spiced cider to fill the house with a warm holiday scent, he suggests. Turn down the lighting to create a cozy ambiance, and choose the playlist wisely. Perhaps most importantly, don’t forget to take it easy and enjoy the party. When the host can’t relax it just makes guests uncomfortable, Ferretti says. “The whole idea is that you spend time with the people you love. That’s why you have people over,” she says. “Expect your house to get dirty. Expect somebody to spill something. And just relax.” 90 WBM december 2014 b
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