HOW TO THROW A KICK ASS PARTY IN ONE HOUR

IT’S THE HOLIDAYS.

Can’t you tell?

I certainly can, I mean 1.) people are driving like absolute nuts. Some psycho cut me off 3 times today 2.) pumpkin flavored everything ( like no thanks I don’t need a pumpkin flavored car freshener ), and eer, 3.) my bank account. LOL.

Amid the nuttiness, there’s holiday parties! Parties on Monday, parties on Tuesday, on Wednesday, you get it.

I feel like everyone is on the same page when I say, for the next two weeks we all may be semi hungover. Not just from alcohol either, there’s cookies, crackers, cheese…oh my.

Anyway, since the next two weeks seems to be heavy on the holiday party theme, I thought I’d show you guys how I like to set up for a holiday party.

Don’t worry you don’t have to be Martha freaking Stewart either. My tips are super simple, quick, & EASY.

Really though, I set up this whole soirée in literally 30 minutes. And if we’re counting the time, I went to Cost Plus World Market and it took an hour. In & out. That’s how I like it. ANYONE ELSE?

So here’s the breakdown of my 1 hour holiday party prep…

HOW TO THROW A KICK ASS PARTY IN ONE HOUR:

1.) I ran into Cost Plus World Market & grabbed a bunch of goodies. They’re awesome for a one stop shop. Why I prefer this market: you can get everything at once. SO NICE. It’s so much easier than running to the market for crackers/cheese/wine & then having to go to a party store. I ran in with a friend grabbed candles, candle stands ( do you die for these horn candle holders or WHAT? ), candy, homemade potpourri materials, gingerbread men kits, tiny Brie cheeses,jalapeño chips, spicy pumpkin salsa, tiny Christmas trees, twinkle lights, wine/champagne/more wine, AND super cute glasses.

2.) After quickly checking out, I went home to set up! As you can see my set up is straight to the point with a touch of TSC flair. I kept the colors holiday-esque with a pop of pink ( hello sparkling rosé & tall, sexy candles! ).

3.) As you guys know I’M ALLLLLL ABOUT different heights, dimensions, & sizes. I believe that’s what makes a table set up SPARKLE. I use things like tall plants, tall candles, or bottles for the height & then keep the coasters, candies, food, & holiday decor shorter. I know that sounds weird, but trust me. When it comes to home decor or party design, different heights make ALL the difference.

4.) I always like to give my guests something to do that’s interactive but not douche-y. To be honest, I have no interested in playing ‘Pin the Diaper on the Baby’ when I’m at a baby shower…& when it comes to holiday parties, I love to do cookie decorating. It’s a rad way to keep the group talking, drinking, eating, & having fun while doing something that they can bring home as a souvenir.

Hence the gingerbread men kits:

5.) I’m also a huge fan of keeping the food snack-y. I never serve some huge chicken. I like tiny cheeses, chips, fruit kabobs, crackers, caviar ( shocker ), etc.

6.) Let’s talk drinks— shall we? I wanted to do something simple with a little holiday sparkle. When I found PEPPERMINT DUST SPARKLE at Cost Plus World market, I was more thrilled than when Michael proposed. BECAUSE ummmm, how cute & fun does it look around the rim of a cocktail glass!!! YES. To make my cocktails red, I just did vodka, pomegranate juice, & a little bit of raw, local honey. In each drink, I added a rock candy stick too!

7.) Make sure you do the obvious like: light the candles, add some Frank Sinatra holiday music, take an Instagram, & put out plenty of napkins/plates too.

8.) Lastly, along with the cookies I like the guests to leave with a little something something. In this case I found delicious holiday body scrubs ( like ‘honey almond’!! ) & mini champagne bottles.

Definitely would want each of the guests to take home a little sparkle with them. Fun, right?

Ok, shoot— your turn: how do you throw together a quick, fun party? Would love to hear any of your fun, easy additions!

On that note, I’m off to drink some tea with a leftover peppermint candy stick ; ).

Cheers to the holiday madness, lauryn x

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