Lady Byrd Cafe owner Misty Mansouri sat down with ET to share her top tips for throwing a festive holiday party. With the holiday season in full swing, many of us are busy planning and preparing for our own celebrations. To help make your holiday party a success, Misty has some great advice to share.
As the owner of Lady Byrd Cafe, a popular spot known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious food, Misty knows a thing or two about hosting a great party. She believes that a successful holiday party is all about creating a warm and welcoming ambiance for your guests. Here are her top tips for throwing a festive holiday party:
1. Start with a Theme
Misty suggests starting your party planning process by deciding on a theme. It could be something as simple as a traditional Christmas theme or something more unique like a winter wonderland or a movie-inspired party. Having a theme will help you stay focused and make your party planning easier.
2. Plan Ahead
Misty stresses the importance of planning ahead for a holiday party. With so many things to do during the holiday season, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Misty suggests making a list of everything you need to do and setting a timeline for completing each task. This will help you stay organized and avoid any last-minute stress.
3. Create a Festive Atmosphere
Nothing sets the mood for a holiday party like a festive atmosphere. Misty recommends decorating your space with holiday-themed decorations such as twinkling lights, garlands, and ornaments. You can also add some scented candles or diffusers to create a warm and inviting aroma.
4. Prepare Delicious Food and Drinks
As the owner of a cafe, Misty knows how important food and drinks are for a successful party. She suggests preparing a mix of sweet and savory snacks, as well as a variety of beverages for your guests. If you’re not confident in your cooking skills, don’t be afraid to ask for help or even cater the party. Your guests will appreciate the effort you put into providing them with delicious food and drinks.
5. Keep it Simple
While it’s great to have a variety of food and drinks, Misty advises keeping things simple. Don’t try to make too many complicated dishes or have too many drink options. Stick to a few crowd-pleasers and focus on making them delicious.
6. Provide Entertainment
Misty believes that having some form of entertainment at your holiday party is a must. It could be something as simple as a holiday playlist or a fun game for your guests to play. You could also hire a live musician or plan a holiday-themed activity. This will help keep your guests entertained and engaged throughout the party.
7. Have a Signature Cocktail
A great way to impress your guests is by having a signature cocktail for your party. It could be a traditional holiday drink or something more unique. Misty suggests having a non-alcoholic option as well, to cater to all of your guests’ preferences.
8. Don’t Forget the Little Details
It’s the little details that make a party memorable. Misty suggests paying attention to things like the lighting, table settings, and even the bathroom decor. These small details will make your guests feel special and add to the overall ambiance of your party.
9. Be a Gracious Host
As the host, it’s your responsibility to make sure your guests are having a good time. Misty recommends making an effort to talk to each of your guests and make them feel welcome. Don’t get too caught up in the details and forget to enjoy the company of your friends and family.
10. Have Fun!
Last but not least, Misty’s top tip is to have fun! After all, the holiday season is all about celebrating with loved ones and creating special memories. Don’t stress too much about making everything perfect and remember to enjoy the moment.
With these tips from Misty, you’re well on your way to hosting a successful and festive holiday party. Remember, the most important thing is to have a good time and spread joy and cheer to those around you. Happy holidays!
