News from Toast Your Event
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CHRISTMAS PARTIES – THRIFTY NOT SHIFTY
Most of us will be watching the pennies a little harder this year, but that’s no excuse for a Scrooge Christmas says Tina Dolder, Creative Director of Northumberland based events specialist Toast Your Event.
Toast Your Event has produced a unique range of colour changing LED furniture to turn any home or office into a Lux Bar for one night and with a little forward planning Tina Dolder believes thrifty need not mean shifty.
Tina says:
“Glitter and glitz are very much in this year so get some big glass vases and bowls then fill them with Christmas baubles and hiring crystal trees or curtains to turn a room into the Land of Narnia need not break the budget. Twigs and branches covered in white sparkly spray paint finish off the effect.
“Strings of fairy lights can transform a room and you can get personalised crackers form the internet. How about fireworks to make a break before food, or ask your local church if they can arrange Carol Singers in exchange for a donation? There are loads of Murder Mystery Games on the interenet, with props supplied. A current favourite is called “Who kidnapped Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer”.
“If food is being provided, have an eye for carpets and soft furnishings. Sloppy food on paper plates is a huge clean-up waiting to happen. Nothing quite dampens the party mood like the hostess on her knees, scrubbing with a cloth and muttering “No, it’s nothing really. I am sure it will come out”
“Get creative with the food. If you are hiring a caterer, ask for Christmas Dinner done on canapés. Or how about just ordering a chip van to turn up? You agree a price for the number of fish suppers you require in advance, and everybody gets piping hot food delivered in sparkly boxes you have provided. You could order a turkey to be spit-roasted on the patio then serve it on baps with stuffing. Buy sparkly paper plates that come wrapped with napkin, cutlery and a drinks clip, that way people wont lose their glass, or you can order ‘wine charms’ with guests name on them.
“Welcome drinks are important. How about hot apple Pimms or mulled wine? You can hire glasses from most off licences and sometimes get them free if you spend more than £50. Don’t break out the best crystal unless it is a small, intimate party. Finally, think about serving only white or sparkling wine and beer? Keep a bottle or two of red in the kitchen but only serve it if someone asks. No scrubbing carpets on your knees, remember?
“Games can be fun if your guests are up for it. How about a Christmas themed Karaoke that only offers Christmas chart toppers? Bandaoke is big this year. You hire a band to do the Karaoke backing and your guests get the real pop star experience when they shout “Good evening Wembley”.
“Finally, have a thought for the smokers? They’ll be out on your patio, puffing away at some point. And if you don’t provide ash trays, you have flower beds to clear up in the morning.
“But the most important rule is to get as much forward planning done as far in advance as you can. It’s your party, so prepare in advance then relax and have the time of your life.
ENDS
