Lady Byrd Cafe Owner Shares Her Top Tips for Throwing a Festive Holiday Party
The holiday season is here and it’s time to spread some cheer! What better way to do so than by throwing a festive holiday party? But with all the planning and preparations that go into hosting a successful party, it can feel overwhelming and stressful. That’s why we sat down with Misty Mansouri, the owner of Lady Byrd Cafe, to get her top tips for throwing a memorable and stress-free holiday party.
Mansouri has been in the hospitality industry for over 15 years and has hosted countless parties at her cafe. She knows the ins and outs of throwing a successful event and is excited to share her expertise with us. So, let’s dive into her top tips and make your holiday party a hit!
1. Plan Ahead
The key to any successful party is planning ahead. Start by setting a date and time for your party. You want to choose a date that works for the majority of your guests and gives you enough time to prepare. Mansouri suggests sending out invitations at least three weeks in advance, so your guests have enough time to RSVP and make arrangements.
Once you have a date, start brainstorming your party’s theme and decorations. This will help you create a cohesive and festive atmosphere. Make a checklist of all the things you need to do and start tackling them one by one. Planning ahead will not only reduce your stress but also ensure that you don’t forget any important details.
2. Keep the Menu Simple
Food is an essential part of any party, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen preparing elaborate dishes. Mansouri advises keeping the menu simple and focusing on a few high-quality dishes. This will not only save you time and effort but also allow you to enjoy the party with your guests.
Consider serving easy-to-make appetizers like cheese platters, dips, and finger foods. You can also opt for a potluck-style party where each guest brings a dish to share. This will not only lighten your load but also add variety to the menu.
3. Don’t Forget the Drinks
No holiday party is complete without some festive drinks. Mansouri suggests creating a signature holiday cocktail for your party. It can be something as simple as adding cranberry juice to champagne or creating a hot toddy with cinnamon and apple cider. You can also offer a selection of non-alcoholic beverages for those who don’t drink.
Remember to have enough ice and mixers on hand and consider hiring a bartender if your budget allows. Having someone else handle the drinks will free up your time to mingle with your guests and enjoy the party.
4. Set the Mood with Music
Music is a crucial element in setting the mood for your party. Mansouri recommends creating a holiday playlist with a mix of classic and modern songs. You can also ask your guests to suggest songs beforehand and add them to the playlist. This will make them feel involved and ensure that the music caters to everyone’s tastes.
If you have the budget, you can also hire a live band or DJ to provide entertainment for the night. Music is a great way to get everyone in a festive mood and encourage them to hit the dance floor.
5. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
As guests arrive, make sure to greet them with a warm smile and make them feel welcome. This sets the tone for the rest of the party and makes your guests feel appreciated. Mansouri suggests having a designated area for coats and bags, so your guests don’t have to carry them around all night.
You can also create a cozy and festive atmosphere by dimming the lights, lighting candles, and decorating with holiday-themed accents. This will make your guests feel like they’ve stepped into a winter wonderland.
6. Plan for Activities
While mingling and enjoying good food and drinks is a great way to spend a holiday party, it’s also a good idea to plan some activities to keep your guests engaged. Mansouri suggests having a Secret Santa gift exchange or playing holiday-themed games like “Name That Tune” with holiday songs.
You can also set up a photo booth with holiday props and encourage your guests to take pictures together. This will not only create great memories but also serve as a fun activity for everyone.
7. Don’t Stress, Have Fun!
Last but not least, Mansouri reminds us to not stress and have fun! Your guests are here to celebrate and
