How to plan the perfect seasonal party

From now through to Christmas, people will be gearing up to banish the winter blues and getting into the spirit by throwing parties. If you're throwing a bash yourself, you'll want it to be an affair to remember but the question is, how do you give it that certain 'wow factor'? The answer, quite simply, is by getting creative when it comes to planning the details.
So how can you plan the kind of event they will talk about for weeks after? Catherine Borowski, one of London's top party planners has some top tips:-
- Send out invites at least three weeks in advance to avoid diary clashes
- Be specific as the nature of the party so they can dress accordingly
- Ask guests to RSVP to aid your planning
- Themes are great but be careful not to choose one which may alienate people [preparing for a fancy dress parties can cause stress]
- Have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks available and mix-up some 'mocktails' - there are lots of recipes online.
- Quick and tasty meze-type foods [hummus, tzakziki, toasted pitta chips, Kalamata olives, falafel] save preparation time.
- Tailor the music to suit your audience. Start of with some laid-back background music, and as the evening moves on, up the tempo a little until you're all dancing around the living room.
- A relaxed, sophisticated and sexy ambience can be achieved by using candlelight. If you're nervous of candles, try placing lots of tea lights in little glass dishes around the room. Failing that, fairy lights can also provide low-level illumination.
- Finally - relax. If you are calm your guests will follow suit
A personal wine tasting could well be the way to give your winter party that wow factor as there has been a recent trend towards activity-based parties such as wine tasting evenings. It is possible to rent the wines from the manufacturers instead of buying them - thus giving your guests an opportunity to taste the world's greatest grapes without it costing the earth.
As Catherine says: 'The UK has become ever more established as a nation of wine lovers, so opportunities to make wine itself a star attraction at social gatherings have been springing up.'
For more information visit www.wineshare.co.uk