Gather friends and celebrate with any one of the following ideas (or all of ’em)
Make a Personal Statement
greenwichhistory.org
Craft your own centerpiece courtesy of the Greenwich Historical Society (GHS) at the Festive Holiday Centerpiece workshop. Join in for an evening in the barn making arrangements of pine cones, berries and
fresh flowers. December 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ($100 members and $110 nonmembers).
Or bring home a ready-made tabletop tree from the Festivalof Tabletop Trees benefiting GHS. View, purchase or bid on a tree at the silent auction beginning on Wednesday, December 4 running through Saturday, December 7. Hours Wed.–Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cheers to Cheer
jujucantina.com;
sirenrestobar.com
Every good party needs a signature cocktail. Borrow from the clever minds behind Siren RestoBar and JuJu Cantina. Managing Partner, Anshu Vidyarthi offers up this holiday creation.
Un Bombón
The use of Mezcal gives it the smokiness that puts a new spin on an espresso martini. The Ancho Reyes Chili Verde liqueur gives it just a hint of spice and pepperiness.
Ingredients
1 oz. Mezcal
1 oz. simple syrup
1 oz. Cantera Negra Café Liquer
1 oz. espresso
½ oz. milk
½ oz Ancho reyes chile verde liqueur
Important Note: Never use Baileys or Kahlua
Mix all ingredients with ice in a shaker and shake until very cold.Strain into a chilled martini or coupe glass.Dust cocoa powder on top (optional) Garnish with a few espresso
Be Mobile
thevintagehorses.com
Elevate your event and leave the mixology to a professional. The Vintage Horse Mobile Bar combines crafted cocktails and seamless service. From set-up to clean-up, glass wear to drink supplies, your party planning list just got shorter. Go a step further and check out the bites menu, which features optionslike grazing tables and portable charcuterie cups.
Think Themes
A theme can be the perfect way to tie a holiday party together and make planning easier. It helps focus décor, menu and even gift favors. Consider putting a regional spin on your next celebration.
Winter Fest
A ski lodge party is perfect inside or out. But avoid the mess and fuss by hosting outdoors and take the opportunity to use your outdoor fireplace or fire pit. Or invest in a Solo Stove (less than $300). Encourage guests to dress in ski wear. Think festive warm drinks—hot toddy’s or warm cider punch. Fill a fondue pot with cheese or chocolate. Finish with decor you can use like Shot Skis, which are exactly what they sound like—a ski with shot glasses attached. As a favor, send guests home with cocktail glass rim tins from Snowy River Cocktails. bonus: This party also gives you the perfect excuse to break out the Gorsuch catalogue and buy those furry boots you’ve always wanted.
theshotski.com; gorsuch.com; snowyrivercocktails.com
Southern Charm
Go elegant and Southern. Décor is easy with a glossy magnolia wreath or garland adorning the staircase and mantle.Greenwich’s McArdle’s is the perfect stop for those shiny touches or order directly from the Magnolia Company. Southern charm means good food, so serve pimento cheese and be sure to slice the pecan pie. Be sweet and send guests home with local honey available at Back 40 Mercantile.
mcardles.com; themagnoliacompany.com; back40mercantile.com
Southwest Style
A bounty of red poinsettias and blooming amaryllis set the stage for a Southwestern holiday party. Go funky and string hot pepper lights, hire a mariachi band and serve a holiday margarita. Send a bloom from the desert home with guests by wrapping up small Christmas cactus available at Trader Joe’s.