Make your holiday party sparkle

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Story by Lucy Hyslop & photos by Tracey Ayton

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holiday party season, which means playing host has to hit just the right festive note. So forget about your shopping — now’s the time to be all wrapped up in those decor and menu decisions to make your soiree sing. For Vancouver’s Erin Sousa, founder of digital creative agency Sparkle Media, it all comes down to careful planning. Having just the right mix of people and a casual environment is a top priority.
“I like to strike the right balance between people feeling hosted and taking formalities out of the picture,” she says. “You want people to feel comfortable, so instead of doing something sit-down, I really love to have a relaxed cocktail style with plenty of cosy spots to curl up with a cocktail, a plate of treats and great conversation.”
So make sure hors d’oeuvres are created in advance to leave you in front of guests rather than the stove. And, she adds, never be afraid to ask caterers to do some of the heavy lifting.
Nothing screams “hello, holidays” more than a guest being greeted with a signature cocktail. “It really sets the tone for an evening that’s more special,” Sousa says, explaining her 2015 cocktail of choice is Champagne with a skewer of sugared cranberries. “You can do something simple yet elevated in terms of working with the garnish,” she says.
As for decor, gone are the days of the same old bright green and red. Inspired way back in September by a grosgrain black-and-white ribbon, courtesy of a bunch of flowers from the Flower Factory, Sousa will add a similar ribbon to a fresh boxwood wreath. She will also deck out the windows with a slew of fresh greenery, such as fresh-cut boughs. “I like to leave the greenery a bit loose to keep it from looking fussy,” she says.
Sousa wants her holiday home to luxuriate in a few contrasting tones this year: her tree decorations, serving decor and floral accents range from gold glass to hints of jewel tones such as dark cranberry. “Update your palette with a more neutral or monochromatic base, adding in hints of colour, texture and of course sparkle — it reflects light and attracts the eye,” she says.
Festive lights, for example, don’t need to be saved just for the tree, but can be liberally sprinkled on a centrepiece. She also favours champagne glitter on her DIY creations such as gift tags, the gift ribbon and, of course, on the tree. And as for the grand exit? Sousa thinks it should be just as notable as when your guests arrive, which is why she likes to give away gifts such as a tree ornaments. “It’s a great mark of friendship,” she says, “and a memento for your guests to add to their own tree year after year.”

Erin’s advice to really enjoy the season

Get the holiday shopping out of the way early so you can enjoy all the fun the season has to offer without a mile-long to-do list.
Plan a new tradition, such as organizing a cookie swap or a brunch with friends, or take a Christmas Eve drive to see lights around your neighbourhood.
It’s not just about being at home. Get into the spirit by taking part in community activities such as the VanDusen Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights, or go for a hay ride in the countryside with hot chocolate.
Bring on the spirit of Christmases past by setting up the holiday movies in rotation, from The Holiday to Home Alone.

Erin’s top holiday style tips

With most of us living in smaller homes, it’s important not to overwhelm your space with holiday decor, so add elements of cosiness with light (such as strings of sparkle lights) or swap out your throw pillows for more seasonal picks.
To add to the occasion, don’t forget to pull out your special platters, glassware and cake stands to make things more elegant. “Mixing and matching your older classic pieces (like mom’s silver serving platter or delicate crystal glasses, for instance) with more contemporary finds creates an eclectic mix that never feels too stuffy or precious.” Sousa says.
Don’t forget to create a special playlist. For Sousa, it’s all about the classic Christmas favourites, from Bing Crosby to Frank Sinatra. Use layers of texture, like a plush sheepskin under the tree to replace the traditional tree skirt, to make things warm and contemporary.
Shop high and low — meaning everything from craft and discount stores to stylish boutiques — for decor items to save money and avoid matchy-matchy vignettes.
Original source: West Coast Homes & Design
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