Entertaining can be a scary word until the a-ha moment when you realize most any get-together can be as simple or extravagant as is comfortable for the host. If you enjoy going all out with food and decor, have at it! If you want to make things pretty for a small group with prepared foods and minimal effort, that’s great, too. The bottom line is setting aside a special time to spend with people who matter to you; the less you need to do on party day, the more fun you’re sure to have.
Date: Even before Thanksgiving, many people start to get busy with commitments, so try to select a date and time for your gathering that seems realistic and gives plenty of advance notice.
Theme: This can simply be a color or food type on which to base other ideas on. Similar to a child’s character-driven party – once a theme is decided, the ideas flow!
Budget: Based on how many people you’ll have, figure out what you can spend. Consider keeping things affordable with potluck, something large and simple to easily feed a crowd (say, a pot pie) and BYOB options.
Clean: Do small cleaning, tidying, and decorating jobs as you approach the party so all that’s really left to do the day of is clean areas like bathrooms.
Prep: If there are things you can do in advance, do them. Mix dip and let it set in the fridge, chop veggies for crudite and clean it all up, and get oven use out of the way to avoid heating up the place.
Shop: Leave what you don’t want to cook or bake to the pros.
Plan: Create a fluid timeline for the event: guests arrive, set aside time to chat over apps, plan an activity, etc.
Goal: Be sitting dressed, ready, and bored waiting for the first knock at the door.
A listing of small businesses used in this feature, and where to find them.
North Kingstown | @aucoindesigns
Featured: Styling and tabletop rentals for parties up to 16 guests, including napkins, skewers, and wine charms.
November 25: Field of Artisans at George’s of Galilee, Narragansett
December 2-3: Hoppy Holidays at The Guild, Pawtucket
North Kingstown | @backyardbeachdecor
Featured: Oyster Shell Salt and Pepper Cellar
December 2: Holiday Street Faire, Narragansett Chamber of Commerce
Providence | @bloomingblossoms.boutique
Featured: Holiday centerpiece and table garland designed by Achelle Reynoso
Providence | @eastsidecheese
Featured: Cheese and accompaniments – Parmigiano Reggiano, Colston Bassett Stilton, Kris Lloyd Artisan Goat Cheese, Hornbacher Alpine, Salt & Twine Classic Bistro Salami, Potter’s Crackers Classic White Organic Crackers, Chocopologie Flat White Bar, Salted & Fried Marcona Almonds, Pistachio Cream.
East Greenwich | @wildwoodri
Featured: Candles and votives, figurines, linens, trinket dishes, and wooden charcuterie board.
December 1-2: Walk through the Wildwoods Holiday Festival, 4pm-8pm
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