Sometimes the best way to get the house dressed for the holidays is to just have a party. Inviting a smallish group of friends and neighbors over makes you get the tree up and the bar stocked. And, by doing it early you get to enjoy all your work and stock of supplies for the rest of the season.
Since we’re pretty much only wine drinkers here’s what the expert caterers suggested we have on hand: Triple Sec, Gin, Vodka, Flavored Vodka, Rum, Tequila, Whiskey, Scotch, Bourbon, Dry and Sweet Vermouth. Those are the basics and now like the wardrobe here are the accessories: Grenadine, Lime Juice, Lemons and Limes, Oranges, Maraschino Cherries, Olives, Olive Juice, Tonic Water, Sour Mix, Bitters, Pineapple Juice, Simple Syrup, Soda, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Cranberry Juice, Ginger Ale. That’s it, don’t you love being given a great list and advised on what’s needed? Thank you Giancarlo’s, we’re ready to serve cocktails now too.
Decorations were kept simple, white candles and evergreens. To create instant and easy atmosphere I buy multiple boxes of sixteen votives from Pottery Barn and group them around in odd numbers. Nothing quite like the magic of candlelight in the evening. Evergreen boughs from the grocery on top of white linen makes for clean and do-it-yourself, don’t really like the word but here goes, centerpieces. Isn’t there a better word than centerpiece?
Even did a little editing and took down the needlepoint stockings. Yes, those stockings took hours upon hours of handiwork by two generations of women in the family but like a good outfit sometimes it’s what you take away to create the mood and look you’re after. Needlepoint stockings weren’t mixing well with the cocktail hour. 🙂
Bonus points when you have a party: you also get the good advice to install a new Sonos System. Wireless HiFi for every or any room in your house, all controlled from your iPhone, or even the iPhone of one of your guests. We did Play:3 and Play:5, a couple times over, and it’s been happy dance parties in the kitchen.
Have a party. It gets your tree up, your bar stocked, and your house not wired.
Thank you Gabriela and Tony Walker & C0., you are a one stop wonder.
Catering | Giancarlo’s Sicilian Steakhouse & Pizzeria
5 Comments
these caterers know WHATS UP. could prolly whip me up a bomb margarita
-second daughter, now officially 21
The house looks incredible – makes me wish I were home for the holidays. No one does it quite like you, mom! Always 150%. Xoxo.
Thank you for having us cater your wonderful party Rebecca! We loved working with you. You, your home, and party style are beautiful! Enjoy the rest of your holiday season 🙂
~Gabriela, Giancarlo’s Sicilian Steakhouse & Pizzeria
trouble…
Becky, need the paint color of the wall on 3rd photo down…looks like a corally orange color that I need for my dining room or hallway….please share:) the house looks beautiful!