The holiday season is upon us and that means it’s time to start planning for the perfect holiday party. But with so many details to consider, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s where Diego Osorio, founder of Lobos 1707, comes in. With his expertise in hosting and entertaining, he shares his tips on how to throw the perfect holiday party and avoid any common party fouls.
First and foremost, Osorio emphasizes the importance of planning ahead. “The key to a successful holiday party is to start planning early,” he says. “This will give you enough time to prepare and make sure everything is in place for the big day.” This includes sending out invitations, deciding on a theme, and creating a guest list. By starting early, you can also avoid any last-minute stress and ensure that your party runs smoothly.
When it comes to invitations, Osorio suggests getting creative. “Instead of sending a generic email or text, try sending out physical invitations,” he advises. “This adds a personal touch and makes your guests feel special.” You can also use this opportunity to set the tone for your party by incorporating the theme or color scheme into the invitations.
Speaking of themes, Osorio believes it’s a great way to make your holiday party stand out. “A theme can tie everything together and make your party more memorable,” he says. “It can be as simple as a color scheme or as elaborate as a winter wonderland.” Whatever theme you choose, make sure to incorporate it into the decorations, food, and drinks to create a cohesive and festive atmosphere.
When it comes to food and drinks, Osorio suggests keeping it simple yet delicious. “You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to impress your guests,” he says. “Choose a few crowd-pleasing dishes and focus on presentation.” He also recommends having a mix of both hot and cold options to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. As for drinks, Osorio suggests having a signature cocktail that ties in with your theme. “It’s a great way to add a personal touch and make your party feel more special,” he adds.
While it’s important to have delicious food and drinks, Osorio reminds us not to forget about the music. “Music sets the mood for any party,” he says. “Create a playlist that includes holiday classics and some upbeat songs to get your guests in the festive spirit.” You can also ask your guests for song requests beforehand to ensure everyone has a good time.
As the host, it’s also important to make sure your guests are comfortable and having a good time. Osorio suggests having a designated area for coats and bags, as well as providing enough seating for everyone. “You want your guests to feel relaxed and able to mingle with each other,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to introduce people to each other and keep the conversation flowing.”
While it’s easy to get caught up in the details of planning a party, Osorio reminds us to enjoy the moment. “Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the company of your loved ones,” he says. “Don’t stress too much about everything being perfect.” If something doesn’t go according to plan, just go with the flow and make the best of it.
Now that we’ve covered the essentials of throwing a successful holiday party, let’s talk about some common party fouls to avoid. Osorio shares his top three tips on how to keep your party running smoothly and avoid any potential mishaps.
Firstly, Osorio advises against overindulging in alcohol. “It’s easy to get carried away with the festive spirit and end up drinking too much,” he says. “But as the host, it’s important to stay in control and make sure your guests are also responsible.” He suggests having non-alcoholic options available and keeping an eye on how much your guests are drinking.
Secondly, Osorio reminds us to be mindful of our guests’ dietary restrictions. “Make sure to ask your guests beforehand if they have any food allergies or dietary restrictions,” he says. “This will ensure that everyone has something to eat and avoids any potential health issues.” It’s also a good idea to have a few vegetarian or vegan options available for those who don’t eat meat.
Lastly, Osorio advises against inviting too many people. “It’s tempting to invite everyone you know to your holiday party, but it’s important to
