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More on planning the holiday party
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It's a Wonderful Party
Visions of candles and white lights covering every inch of our home dance in our heads, along with perfectly placed poinsettias, matching china sitting atop crisp linens, champagne in fluted glasses and finger hors-d'oeuvres wrapped in buttery, flaky phyllo dough. We imagine our impeccably dressed and coiffed guests gathering around the baby grand piano and singing Christmas carols, while the fire crackles with roasted chestnuts and the snow falls silently outside.
"Dashing through the snow, on a one-horse open sleigh…"
Yeah, right, in Martha Stewart's dreams.
The reality is, unless you are a seasoned host with lots of cash to burn, throwing the aforementioned Christmas party could induce a headache that would pound away at your temples well into the New Year. But with a little planning, a little creativity and just a little bit of money, throwing a successful Christmas party is possible, say professional party planners.
Go with what you know
First and foremost, go with what you know and keep things as uncomplicated as possible.
"Entertain in the style you are comfortable with, that your kitchen can accommodate and that your dining room can accommodate," said John Cummins, co-owner of New York Caterers and Party Planners in New York City. "Dress yourself, your table and your food in a style that fits you. People often get too ambitious, but reaching too far allows opportunities for making mistakes."
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