With end-of-the-year holidays approaching, there will be plenty of opportunities for get-togethers and parties along the way. As you’re pulling out your good china and tablecloths, you may also be brainstorming ways to take your tablescapes and holiday spreads to the next level.
To help inspire you, NJ HOME asked four New Jersey event planners for their favorite ways to throw a party this season that’s truly special.
Soup’s On
“I always suggest a soup appetizer during the colder months, and I love the soup and mini sandwich take. Tomato soup and a mini grilled cheese is always a hit. For drinks, sangria is always popular at a party, and can definitely be cidered and spiced-up with cinnamon sticks to conform to the cooler holiday season.”
—MaryJane Perez Fitzgerald, MJS Weddings and Events, Parsippany
Decorative Drinks
“In a tablescape, I love to include various textures and heights—something festive to the season of course but strategically placed and thought through with purpose. If there is something meaningful to the family of the holiday—for example, something that Grandpa loved—then that can be purposed into the tablescape. More often than not, the presentation of the drink is more important than the drink choice itself. Clip a sprig of pinecone to the side of the glass, drop in some cranberries or add edible glitter.”
—Aimee Petersen, The Perfect Shindig, Wyckoff
Candles and Garland Galore!
“My favorite festive touch for a holiday party is always a little sparkle, be that on leaves, artificial fruit or any kind of table or wreath décor. For your tablescape, include garland with battery-operated votive candles tucked in throughout for a cozy glow. For an easy holiday appetizer, go for baked brie with a fruit jam, and a holiday punch always pleases—just combine rainbow sherbert, Sprite, white cranberry juice and fresh cranberries.”
—Christine Figliuolo, Creations By Christine Events, Waldwick
Gifts For Guests
“I love the idea of creating something like a holiday ornament that people can take home with them at the end of the night. This is especially great if it is an annual party, and people can collect ornaments over the years. The most important thing to keep in mind for the tablescape is to break it up so that there is room for all of the options on the table. For instance, if you are using greenery garland, have it in smaller pieces to create the tablescape around the food options. Of course, don’t forget twinkling lights and keep the candles in places where they won’t get knocked over.”
—Danielle Rothweiler, Rothweiler Event Design, Verona
Have a tablescape worth showing off? Tag us in all your pictures on Instagram @njhomemag.