Follow these tips and inspiring tidbits to plan a fest that your guests won’t be able to stop talking about.
All Fun and Games
It is a delicate balance, getting the ambiance, music, and mood just right for a holiday soiree. But if you want guests to really get into the spirit, think beyond a Spotify playlist.
Have An Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest
A mess of sequins and glitter can be hilarious. Don your most hideous holiday getup and encourage guests to be just as tacky—a prize goes to the best of the worst. For inspiration, hit these local thrift stores: Our Closet in New Rochelle, The Side Door Thrift Store at the Woman’s Club of White Plains, or The Cherry Door in Tarrytown.
Decorate Gingerbread Houses—Blindfolded
Buy preconstructed ginger homes, blindfold your friends, hand each of them a tube of icing, and see how quickly things can go south.
Do a “Favorite Things” White Elephant
Instead of the typical white elephant swap of jokey gifts, in this version everyone brings something they’re currently obsessed with—within a set budget and gift-wrapped. Think small gadgets to make life easier, a food item, or a fun self-care necessity. Guests can trade, steal, whatever it takes to bring home a new favorite.
Go for Stress-Free Apps
For optimal mingling and merriment, consider a large grazing board to keep your partygoers full, without the need to sit down for a full meal. Professional charcuterie board maker Desiree DiBuono of Board Appetite (@boardappetiteny) says to adhere to the 4-3-2-1 method: four cheeses, three meats, two accompaniments like nuts or fruit, and one type of cracker. She also recommends getting cheery with the presentation. Arrange the cheese into a festive shape, buy themed accompaniments, and add nonedible, fun flourishes to the board such as miniature ornaments, bells, or bows for extra presentation points.
Just Desserts
End the evening on a deliciously sweet note with a variety of treats from Seth Greenberg’s Just Desserts in Larchmont. Standouts include the always-popular coconut cake, caramel brownie cake, and seasonal gingerbread loaf.
Count on Catering
Party planning is hard enough without spending hours cooking—and messing up—the kitchen. These Westchester restaurants and caterers are happy to save you time and create great apps for you. Here are four options we love:
Smokehouse Tailgate Grill
New Rochelle / Mamaroneck / Somer
Must Order: The agave smoked wings are fall-off-the-bone tender.
No Place Like Home
Must Order: The Argentinian Empanadas. Flaky, flavorful, and easy to eat with one hand.
House Kitchen
Pleasantville
Must Order: Trust us—the sweet plantains are incredible.
Battaglia Brothers Deli
Dobbs Ferry
Must Order: The antipasto tray, of course. If you run out of time and can’t put one together yourself, these irresistible meats and cheeses will do the trick.
Related: How to Host a Fabulous Holiday Party in Westchester
