Looking for ways to make your party memorable? Barrington’s White House has some great trend ideas for your holiday party.
1. DECK THE HALLS
Break out of the mold and create a look that’s unique and fresh for your holiday party! For Thanksgiving, try greens and golds. For Christmas, pick blue and sparkling white. And for New Year’s go all metallic, all the time, with mixes of gold, copper, and silver. Select colors that go with your décor and your venue. Barrington’s White House lights up during the holidays with golds, silvers, and greens, creating a warm, cozy glow that makes guests feel welcome. Pick décor that does the same for your holiday party. Run a traditional garland down the center of your table, but add mixed-and-matched candle holders to update this beautiful look. Surprise guests with unique, vintage dishes atop a sophisticated charger to make your table pop.
2. COZY CORNERS AND SPECIAL PLACES
No one likes going to a fancy event wearing their giant winter snow boots, it’s pretty hard to avoid in the midst of a midwestern winter. Create a cute space where guests can place their boots, coats, and purses to avoid getting snow throughout the venue. Decorate the area with cute signage, and set out shoe racks to allow for more space without any tripping hazards. Don’t forget a stylish chair, where guests can sit to change their shoes!
Create an area where kids can be kids. Serve a delicious punch with 4 cups of cranberry juice, 2 cups of orange juice, 1 bottle of sparkling apple cider, and 2 liters of ginger ale. The kids will feel like they’re sipping their own mocktail! Have coloring pages set out with crayons and lots of candy canes to keep children entertained.
Guests love to chat and mingle. Set aside quiet spaces where guests can retreat for private conversation. Setting up different styles of tables, like mixed high boys and cabaret tables, will create the perfect lounge-like atmosphere. For example, Barrington’s White House has a wonderful landing on the second floor where guests can sit, sip, and socialize.
3. SEASONAL SIPS
Make your guests feel merry at your holiday party with delectable drinks with a seasonal twist. Traditional cocktails transform with holiday names, like a Merry Manhattan or a Gingerbread Fizz. Warm up your guests with a hot chocolate or coffee bar featuring Kahlua and Bailey’s. Add toppings like fresh whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, and crushed candy canes to allow them to customize to their taste.
Work with your caterer and bartender to come up with fun, festive drinks to keep the party going. For more amazing drink ideas, check out our article in the upcoming edition of Quintessential Barrington Magazine! We styled some fun “holiday spirits” for your enjoyment.
4. FESTIVE FOODS
When it comes to serving friends and family at your holiday party, we tend serve food family style. Why not break from tradition and serve your guests at unique stations that don’t adhere to the typical holiday party fare.
Try a delectable sweet or savory crêpe station made to order. Guests will flip over choosing their own ingredients. Give guests miniatures of their favorites, like mini Chicago-style hot dogs or mini donuts served on tiered platters. Allow guests to choose from several carving stations. It’s a stylish step up from tradition, and guests get to experience the chef in action.
Make sure to end your night with delicious sweets that will make your guests long to stay all night. Molten chocolate lava cakes a la mode warm the heart and soul. Mixes of holiday flavored truffles go perfectly paired with hot cocoa.
Make your holiday party a favorite this year with these festive trends. Looking for a unique venue? Barrington’s White House loves to host holiday parties, but we’re booking up fast. Be sure to call to reserve your date today!
Written by Kelsey O’Shaughnessy Podgorski
Barrington’s White House is a unique community event, private event and wedding venue located in the heart of downtown Barrington at 145 West Main Street. This meticulously restored 1898 mansion hosts cultural and community events, and is also available for rental for weddings, corporate meetings, non-profit fundraisers and family celebrations. Visit www.BarringtonsWhiteHouse.com.