Whether it is figuring out the perfect meal options or finding new ways to decorate your home for guests, holiday entertaining is especially busy during the winter season. And there are various things to consider: Should there be a color scheme or theme? How about festive dinnerware? How do I calculate how much food needs to be served? The questions go on and on.
But, fortunately, there are answers. In an effort to calm the nerves of area hosts and hostesses during holiday occasions, Manhattan Designers for Home & Garden Party Deana Hancock and Dana Rex are showing local residents how to make entertaining easy for 2008.
"When it comes to planning a get-together for friends, family members and other loved ones in your home during the holidays, there are definite things that should be considered,"
Deana suggests the following advice for those looking to entertain for the holidays this year:
• Preplan. Preparing and planning ahead of time is probably the best thing you can do to make sure everything for your event runs smoothly and to ensure a stress-free celebration. Put together a "to-do" and shopping list to keep you organized.
• Create an Ambiance. Your home's environment sets the mood for your guests. Therefore, keep it joyous and your guests smiling during celebrations. It is also important that guests feel right at home. Home fragrance, for example, is a great way to design a warm atmosphere. Home & Garden Party's candles, fragrance lamps, reed diffusers and décor candles are of the highest quality and are perfect choices for the home, Deana said.
• The Sound of Music. Many choose to play Christmas carols in their homes to keep the spirit in the air for the holidays, while others like soft music like jazz or classical. Another choice could be something more upbeat to get people dancing.
• Think "Holidays". When it comes to food trays, place settings and other serving accessories, keep the holiday spirit in mind; themes can even be fun to incorporate. A winter wonderland celebration could incorporate blues and whites and snowmen. Try Home & Garden Party's Snowman Tray to add a little festivity to your occasion.
• Not Enough Time to Cook? Food is probably one of the most important things to consider when planning an event. If you're stretched for time, consider finding easy-to-prepare dip mixes or dessert items. Or, have the entire event catered so you can have plenty of time to greet and socialize with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen, Deana said.
• What are the Holidays without Presents? Giving a party favor to say "thank you" to your guests is something that they will always remember and treasure. From uniquely designed candle holders to small home accents like Home & Garden Party's Tumbling Snowmen or Snowy Snowman Tealight Holder, guests will enjoy the fact that you thought of them during the holidays.
The Manhattan Home & Garden Party business offers high-quality products through Designers like Dana and Deana to enliven homes, including stoneware pottery, candles and fragrance lamps, framed art, florals, bakeware and accessories for both home and garden. In addition, the company also provides wall décor, home accents, dining and entertainment pieces. The company was founded 12 years ago by Penny and Steve Carlile, whose mission was to create a business where people could obtain the American Dream. Home & Garden Party currently has thousands of registered Designers.
For more information about the Home & Garden Party business in Manhattan, please contact Deana Hancock and Dana Rex at (785) 539-3741 or deana@rkteam.com. To order products on-line please, visit www.homeandgardenparty.com and use the WEB ID of DeanaDana.
About Home & Garden Party
Founded in 1996 by Penny and Steve Carlile, Home & Garden Party specializes in tabletop stoneware, candles, framed art, gourmet food mixes and home décor. Its products are sold via home parties conducted by thousands of registered Designers from coast-to-coast in the United States. Additional information about product or business opportunities is available via the company Web site at www.homeandgardenparty.com.
