WHIRL Magazine: Cocktail Time!

Published December 2011
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Present a posh party with a little bit of planning — and plenty of Champagne, of course!

This time of year is all about celebration. So what better time to throw a killer cocktail party? Adding that special something to your soiree is easy with help from party planning and catering experts.

First and foremost, pick a theme and personalize it, says Bob Sendall, owner of All In Good Taste Productions. “When you celebrate what the holidays mean to you, it comes out in your décor, in the music, in everything,” he says. “Celebrate how you were brought up, and it will bring out the kid in everyone.” Bonnie Walker, of Bonnie Walker Events, agrees. “When the party’s about you, how could you not have a blast? For guests to have a good time, you have to have a
good time.”

Timing is everything when it comes to serving food. Alan Peet, director of catering for big Catering, says to schedule a party for just before or after dinner. “You never want to replace dinner with appetizers,” Peet says. “And, you can clearly state in the invitation that light cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served.”

And, what’s a party without music? Sal Richetti of Big Day Entertainment suggests keeping the party mood in mind when selecting the playlist. “We work with the client, we work with their tastes, their guests, and what they can afford,” he says.

Give guests a chance to mingle and keep the conversation cozy by creating “cluster” stations, including relaxing lounge areas or high cocktail tables for four. Kristin Nolte, of All Occasions Party Rental, says the company’s chameleon chair transforms to fit the party’s needs. Chair covers are available in color schemes to match a holiday theme, along with lounge party furniture.

And, perhaps, this is the most important tip of all: When hosting a party, make sure to take time and enjoy yourself! Cheers!

Bottoms Up!
Warm guests with not only the comfort of a heated home, but with specialty drinks as well. Peet says serving warm drinks, like hot toddies, or cream-based White Russians, in addition to typical cool cocktails, is warming and welcoming at a winter cocktail party. “Always buy high-quality alcohol,” Peet says. “And make sure the drinks are complementary to the food served.”

• It’s fun to ham up the holiday theme, says Sendall, with red and green cosmos, or drinks with raspberries or cranberries for a holiday glow.

• Have the specialty cocktail of the night ready for guests to enjoy as they enter the party.

• A simple Champagne flute or colorful martini glass served on a silver platter at the entrance will have guests feeling welcome from the moment they walk in the door.

• At the end of the night, send guests off right with a toasty cup of hot chocolate and a feeling of celebration that will last all season. “Everyone should leave on a high,” Walker says. “There’s always that handful of people that don’t want to leave, and don’t want the party to end. You have to think of new ways to keep the spirit high.” Don’t be shy — commencing with spirited caroling around a piano keeps guests engaged until the very end, says Walker.

Take a Bite
Timing is everything when it comes to serving great food at a cocktail party. Alan Peet, director of catering for big Catering, says scheduling a party for just before or after dinner keeps the atmosphere low-key. “You never want to replace dinner with appetizers at a party,” Peet says. “If you start at 7:30 or 8, most people will have eaten dinner already. And you can clearly state in the invitation that light cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served.”

• Keep the portions small and manageable to eat during conversation.

• Never serve sweet and savory items at the same time, says Sendall. Dessert is best served at the end of the party as a parting gift for guests.

• Design a menu with a mix of warm and cold selections. Peet says sliders of beef, lamb, and turkey are popular this time of year, as well as crab cakes and antipasto dishes.

The Spin
What’s a party without music? Sal Richetti from Big Day Entertainment suggests keeping the party mood in mind when selecting the playlist. “We work with the client, we work with their tastes, their guests, and what they can afford,” he says.

• Live entertainment is the ultimate in cocktail celebrations. Book a jazz trio or pianist for those intimate get-togethers, or a full-piece band for a holiday dance party.

• If your home or the venue doesn’t lend itself to live musicians, Big Day DJs offer a variety of tunes, from modern pop, to smooth jazz, to classical. And many are solo musicians themselves!

• Richetti says to not be afraid to mix modern music with a holiday setlist. With the décor, food, and guests all on holiday theme, it’s OK to slip some Sinatra into the mix.

• Keep guests engaged through the night with interactive activities. One of Walker’s favorite holiday events was a Santa’s Workshop set up in the home of a party host. As guests entered, costumed “Santa’s Helpers” guided them to a tailor station, where they designed their own custom-made apron, complete with bobbles and holiday fabric, to be used in a holiday cake decorating activity. Or, swap out the apron for a personalized stocking decorating for the holidays. “Any activity where guests are involved is wonderful,” Walker says. “It’s something fun, it creates a buzz, and people can talk about it all night.” At an event where all in attendance may not know each other, Walker says a great activity will bring guests together for a night of camaraderie. “Your employees, business associates, friends, family, they’ll all leave as one big family. And that’s what you celebrate at the holidays, is family.”

Design & Décor
Give guests a chance to mingle by setting chairs and tables perfect for small groups. Creating “cluster” stations with the set up, including relaxing lounge areas or high cocktail tables for four, will keep conversations cozy.

Whether it’s formal entertaining or casual cocktails, Kristin Nolte, regional account executive from All Occasions Party Rental, says the chameleon chair transforms to fit the party’s needs. Chair covers are available in color schemes to match a holiday theme, and the chameleon chair is great for elegant dinners or relaxed parties. The chameleon chair, slip covers, and other lounge party furniture are available for rent through All Occasions Party Rental.

• Peet suggests using both a stationary buffet table and waiter service so guests won’t have to leave a group to refill their plate. Reserve a table for cheeses, dips, breads, and other “finger foods,” while waiters roam with specialty drinks and select appetizers.

• Pick a theme and personalize it. “The party should be all around you,” she says. “When it’s about you, when it represents you, how could you not have a blast? For guests to have a good time, you have to have a good time.”

• And, perhaps the most important tip of all: When hosting a party, make sure to take time and enjoy yourself! Cheers!

Enter with Style
Beauty is in the details, says Bob Sendall, owner of All In Good Taste Productions. “When you celebrate what the holidays mean to you, it comes out in your décor, in the music, in everything,” he says. “Celebrate how you were brought up, and it will bring out the kid in everyone.”

Pick a theme for the decorations and guest attire. “For one party, we’re doing silver bells,” Sendall says. “The invitations match the house decorations, and I have no doubt some of the guests will show up wearing bells!”

WHIRL Magazine: Trend Setters

Published Thursday, December 1, 2011
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Healthy Hair

Between the sun’s intense rays, chlorine from the backyard pool, and Pittsburgh’s humidity, it’s any wonder we can manage our hairstyles at all during the summer months. But before you blow big bucks on that yearly Brazilian blow out, which can actually damage your hair more than help it, check out Philip Pelusi’s new P2 Formaldehyde Free Blow Out Keratin Treatment with Ceramide Complex. This allergen-free treatment is gentle on the skin and eliminates frizz without harsh odors. Unlike other products and treatments that alter the chemistry of hair, this semi-permanent version leaves it stronger, smoother, and shinier for up to six weeks. Philip Pelusi, philippelusi.com.