Floral Designer and Unwilted Founder Liz Carter Shares Her Top Hosting Tips with ET
Hosting a party or event can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and tricks, it can be a breeze. Floral designer and founder of Unwilted, Liz Carter, is no stranger to hosting successful events. With her expertise in creating stunning floral arrangements and her passion for entertaining, Liz has become a go-to source for all things hosting. In an exclusive interview with ET, Liz shares her top hosting tips to help you throw a memorable and stress-free event.
1. Plan Ahead
The key to a successful event is proper planning. Liz advises starting the planning process at least a month in advance. This will give you enough time to create a guest list, send out invitations, and make any necessary arrangements. “Planning ahead allows you to be more organized and reduces the chances of last-minute stress,” says Liz.
2. Set the Mood with Flowers
As a floral designer, Liz knows the power of flowers in setting the mood for an event. She suggests incorporating fresh flowers into your decor to add a touch of elegance and charm. “Flowers have the ability to transform a space and create a welcoming atmosphere for your guests,” says Liz. She also recommends choosing seasonal flowers to keep costs down and to add a touch of freshness to your event.
3. Create a Signature Drink
A signature drink is a great way to add a personal touch to your event. Liz suggests creating a unique cocktail that reflects your personality or the theme of your event. “It’s a fun way to get your guests excited and adds a special touch to the event,” says Liz. You can also create a non-alcoholic version for those who don’t drink.
4. Don’t Overdo the Menu
When it comes to food, less is often more. Liz advises keeping the menu simple and focusing on quality over quantity. “Choose a few crowd-pleasing dishes and make sure they are prepared well,” says Liz. This will not only save you time and stress in the kitchen but also allow you to enjoy the event with your guests.
5. Pay Attention to Details
Details can make all the difference in creating a memorable event. Liz suggests paying attention to small details like personalized place cards, unique napkin folds, or even a thoughtful party favor for your guests. “These little touches show your guests that you put effort and thought into the event, making them feel special,” says Liz.
6. Have a Backup Plan
No matter how much you plan, unexpected things can happen. Liz advises having a backup plan in case of any mishaps. “Have a plan B for things like bad weather or unexpected cancellations,” says Liz. This will ensure that your event runs smoothly, no matter what happens.
7. Be a Gracious Host
As the host, it’s your responsibility to make sure your guests are comfortable and having a good time. Liz suggests greeting each guest personally and making them feel welcome. “Take the time to introduce guests to each other and make sure everyone is included in conversations,” says Liz. This will create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your event.
8. Enjoy Yourself
Last but not least, Liz reminds us to enjoy ourselves as hosts. “It’s easy to get caught up in the details and stress of hosting, but remember to have fun and enjoy the event with your guests,” says Liz. Your positive energy will be contagious and will ensure that your guests have a great time as well.
In conclusion, hosting a successful event is all about proper planning, attention to detail, and being a gracious host. With these tips from floral designer and Unwilted founder Liz Carter, you can throw a memorable and stress-free event that will leave your guests impressed. So go ahead and start planning your next event with confidence, and don’t forget to enjoy yourself!
