As the holiday season approaches, the hustle and bustle of preparing for festive gatherings often becomes the highlight of our winter months. To delve into the art of hosting a memorable holiday party, I sat down with Olivia Harrington, a seasoned event planner whose insights into creating an extraordinary yet sustainable holiday experience are as refreshing as a brisk winter walk. Olivia’s approach blends modern sustainability with nostalgic charm, offering seven practical yet delightful tips for celebrating this cherished time of year.
1. Multipurpose Magic
Olivia’s first tip revolves around sustainability, which she believes is more important now than ever. “This year, we’re seeing a big push towards sustainable items that can be reused for years,” she tells me with enthusiasm. She describes innovative alternatives to traditional holiday décor, moving beyond the classic plastic Christmas tree. “Think outside the box,” she suggests, “like decorative paper trees or LED-lit faux pine trees in unique colours, such as champagne or even pink.” Olivia herself has embraced this trend with a stylish pink tree that perfectly complements her personal style.
2. Unwrap the ‘Boxed’ Meal
When it comes to serving holiday fare, Olivia offers a creative twist on the traditional buffet. “Presenting festive treats in pretty, magnetic-lidded boxes can be both fun and hygienic,” she explains. Guests can easily identify their selections, and each box acts as a mini gift to unwrap. “It’s a simple yet effective way to add a touch of excitement to your party,” she adds with a smile.
3. Nostalgic Nuances
Olivia is a strong advocate for incorporating nostalgia into holiday décor. “People are really craving connections to the past,” she notes. She recommends digging out vintage photos and displaying them in matching frames. “These become instant conversation starters,” she says. Olivia also suggests sharing childhood photos with Santa, creating a playful and heartwarming display of holiday memories.
4. Minimalism Meets Elegance
In line with her sustainable focus, Olivia highlights the growing trend of minimalist holiday decorations. “Sophistication can be found in simplicity,” she asserts. Utilising metallics and whites, she crafts chic displays using faux evergreen and subtle lighting. “Whether it’s a glass tree on your mantel or evergreen spelling out ‘merry’ on your wall, minimalism can be incredibly impactful,” Olivia assures.
5. Creative Cuisine Presentation
Moving beyond the ordinary, Olivia encourages hosts to rethink how food and drinks are served. “Instead of plastic, why not use those antique cordial glasses gathering dust?” she suggests. These vintage pieces can be repurposed for serving crudités or desserts, adding a touch of elegance to the evening. “This approach not only reduces waste but also brings a sense of history and nostalgia to the table,” she explains.
6. Illuminate the Atmosphere
Lighting, Olivia insists, is key to setting the festive mood. “It’s one of the most affordable ways to transform a space,” she shares. By using patio lights or colourful uplights, you can easily change the ambience of your venue. “Whether you’re aiming for a modern, clean look or something cosier, lighting enables you to adapt your space to any style,” she advises.
7. Family First
Finally, Olivia emphasises the importance of family and tradition. “The holidays are about bringing people together,” she asserts. She suggests incorporating personal touches, like setting up a gift-wrapping station for children. “Let them paint kraft paper or decorate with stickers and pom poms,” she says. “It’s a fantastic way to engage kids and add a personal touch to your gifts.”
As our conversation draws to a close, it’s clear that Olivia Harrington has a knack for weaving together the threads of tradition, sustainability, and creativity into a tapestry fit for any holiday gathering. Her insights remind us that the true essence of the holidays lies in creating meaningful connections and cherished memories with loved ones. Whether through a pink Christmas tree or a childhood photo with Santa, Olivia’s approach ensures that every holiday party becomes a timeless celebration.
Fabrice Fèvre
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