10 tips for holiday parties
(A couple of years ago, we asked local residents for 10 holiday party tips. I found this information recently and realized it is good information for this year too….so here is a party re-run with tips for holiday parties. There are three good drink recipes too. HFW)
By Helen Ford Wallace
What kind of holiday party do you want to host this year? Elaborate? Simple? Lots of fabulous food? Dinner? Come and Go party? Come and Stay?
If you are having a party for the first time, make lists of everything: interesting mix of guests, delicious food, festive decorations, thoughtful gifts, liquor, wine, creative entertainment, holiday music, photos and everything you need to do. Then check them off.
You set the mood. If you are happy and festive, the guests will be happy and festive.
We asked several partygoers and party planners to share a few of their ideas on entertaining during the holiday season.
Invitation Designer and Calligrapher Linda Garrett:
Invitations should go out earlier than usual because there are so many events during the holidays.
And always have party favors (can be inexpensive) since you may not be at the door to tell your guest goodbye. Have a basket filled with cards that thank the guest for their friendship and for taking time to share the season with you. Put a sign on the basket saying please take one to tie on your tree.
If you don’t like people who ‘hit and run’, let your guests register for a surprise that will be given later in the evening. If you are encouraging ‘hit and run’, add ‘come and go’ to the invitation.
Bridal, Wedding and Party Consultant Judy Lehmbeck:
Keep everything for the party simple. Make sure everything you do can be done ahead of time so when guests arrive you will be able to focus on their comfort. Have all decorating done a day or two before the party. Make sure all serving pieces along with the serving utensil are out and put a sticky note in each container telling what is to go in each one.
Party Caterer Larry Brannon:
For entertaining, cook dishes that you know people would like. Many recipes are passed down generation to generation. It will make your party a little more personal. Do everything ahead of time as much as possible.
“When you set the table, use name cards with party favors using your holiday theme, Brannon said.
Local philanthropists and superb party cooks Jenny and David Kallenberger:
In planning a menu, try to include a family recipe such as ‘Grandma’s rolls’ as traditions are appreciated. Think local and seasonal as it hard to beat a homemade chocolate local pecan pie.
“For a dinner party, choose something tried and true ( not a great time to experiment). Entrees that are braised, roasted or baked are helpful when entertaining allowing attention to be turned towards guests instead of the kitchen. Make a complete shopping list. There is no reason to feel limited on choices of cuisine with places like Mediterranean Imports, Super Cao Nguyen, Gulfport, Kamp’s and Buy For Less and Crescent Market.
Trochta’s Florist Owner and Designer Jim Vallion:
Figure out where you want to have your party. Plan the menu. Order the flower centerpieces and other floral decorations. Send out festive and fun invitations so friends look forward to attending. Remember the economics of ‘how much do I want to spend on my party.’ Select the date and where to have it…home, club or restaurant. Plan a little something different with the theme…you might have all red, all gold, all silver.
“Good food is a must. You might have music and party favors and be sure to make everyone, friends, family, business associates, feels comfortable and special so they have a great time,” Vallion added.
Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club Events Director Carolyn Harl:
I like to send unusual printed invitations ( I hate e-mail invitations…they are so impersonal) . I love to create the party from either an experience I have had or have read about . I go on the Internet and see what the current ‘in thing’ is on the east and west coasts.
“I love giving party favors at the holiday season. It could be an ornament, bundle of cinnamon sticks tied with Christmas ribbon. Or it could be candy made from a secret family recipe beautifully wrapped in cellophane, ribbon and a small Christmas ornament attached to the ribbon. You might just give a Christmas handwritten note saying how important that person is to you sealed in a Christmas envelope,” Harl said.
Cookbook Author and excellent cook and party planner Ranell Brown:
Plan a party at least two months ahead. Send invitations four to five weeks ahead. It is hard to know, because sometimes if you send them too early, people forget. Remember to have a good time and enjoy your own party. If this means hiring someone to make all the arrangements, do so. The holidays are stressful enough without adding the pressures of entertaining.
Realtor and person who loves entertaining at home Kanela Huff: Be prepared. Do as much as you can ahead of time so you can enjoy your party. I try to add one new item, signature food or decoration each year. It could be Italian or Mexican food for the holidays which adds something new in decorating. Usually, I have a new color scheme or new theme each year. This year? We are working on it.
At a meeting some time ago, Junior League members asked Curtis Bramlett, Chris Fuhrman and Brian Ferguson to talk about holiday tips for food menus and drinks. Nancy Skaarer-Brown from Paper N More discussed party invitations.
Some holiday drink ideas from that seminar are listed:
“Reindeer Martini-Created by bartender Sherri Flynn of Harry’s Velvet Room in Chicago.
Shake over ice and strain to serve straight up in a martini glass, garnished with a cherry (red nose) and two cinnamon sticks making a “V” for antlers.
2 parts vodka
1 part Frangelico
1 part Malibu
Splash of cream
Mama’s Eggnog
In a bowl beat the egg yolks with the 1/2 c. sugar until thick. In another bowl beat the egg whites with 1/4 c. of sugar until thick. In a third bowl beat the cream until thick. Add the cream to the yolks, fold in the egg whites, and add the milk, bourbon, vanilla and a pinch of nutmeg, if desired. Chill in freezer before serving. Serve in punch bowl.
6 eggs, separated
1 pt. Heavy cream
3/4 c. sugar
4 pt. Milk
1/2 pt. Bourbon
1 T. vanilla
Nutmeg
Carolers Confection
Combine ingredients and top with whipped cream.
1 part Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila
5 parts Freshly brewed strong hot coffee
1 package hot cocoa mix
1/2 part coffee brandy
Party makeup has arrived at Balliet’s!
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FALL AND HOLIDAY SHIMMERMER
Helen interviews Devin Whiting, cosmetic buyer and manager at Balliet’s; Jennifer Gordon, Bobbi Brown counter cosmetics manager at Balliet’s, and The Oklahoman’s fashion editor, Linda Miller.
Parties Extra! Nancy Brown talks about party invitations
Helen interviews Nancy Brown of Paper ‘N More about party invitations.
Society events in Oklahoma!—Parties Extra!—Helen Ford Wallace
THIS WEEK’S PARTIES
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DINNER AND SHOWER…The beautiful home of Fanny and Don Bolen was the setting for the dinner and miscellaneous shower honoring Carter Samis and Fred Fellers III.
The hosts served a southern menu. Guests enjoyed chicken with bacon and jalapeños, rice and okra, Vidalia onion tart, chive biscuits, sweet potato biscuits and fruit cobblers.
Kent Regens, Katharine Samis, Fred Fellers, Carter, Mike, and Karen Samis (Photo by David Faytinger).
It was also Carter’s birthday, so, on the menu was a large coconut birthday cake. Sherry and Jerry Cash were co-hosts.
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Megan Rezai, Connor Choate, Hilary Hamm , Jane Hamm, Jill Marshall, Ester Kofman (Photo by David Faytinger).
TWICE THE FUN…Jane Hamm, 18, and Hilary Hamm,15, celebrated their 18th and 15th birthdays in rockin’ birthday party style.
Their party invitation was a special edition of a rock magazine cover featuring the two sisters with a steel guitar. Guests wore a VIP pass around their necks for admittance to the party which was at the Grand Ballroom of the Skirvin Hotel. A leopard carpet marked the entrance of the Hotel.
“ The Maine” Band played as everyone took to the lighted dance floor and the pop rock band members who were from Phoenix, Ariz., had a great time too and posed for pictures and signed autographs during the party. A disc jockey played the first two hours of the event.
There were lighted tables and chairs in the Ballroom which was arranged like a New York lounge with sofas, an oxygen bar, two photo booths, lighted coffee and smoothie bars. Orange, lime green, hot pink Gerber daisies were on the tables.
A huge electric guitar shaped birthday cake was served and the 200 guests, most Casady students , received party favor tee shirts. Guests included Tom Lerum, Kathleen Howard, Michael Janusa, Matt Cyr, Esther Koffman, Brian Licata, Carlos Delatorre, Justin Strickland, Caitlin Roberts, Jill Marshall, Wylee Price, all from out of state, from New York to California.
And Connor Choate, Meagan Rezai, Cassidy Nicholas, Eddie Lima, Gabi Henson, John Waken, Brooks Labrue, Alyssa Shearer, Brock Bates, and Grace Enmeier, Harrison Maud, all from Enid.
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Matt and Kristen Brown, Tom Knott, Robert and Katy McGee (Photo by David Faytinger).
On the table was a layered-like cake but because this was a baby shower, it was made out of diapers. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
SAIL ON BY….Katy and Robert McGee were honorees at a dinner and baby shower in the home of Ranell and Steve Brown.
Co-hosts were Becky and Jim Buchanan, Peggy Burris, Jane and Sandy Elliott, Judy Ferguson, Kathy and Tim Knott, Bette and Jim MacKellar, Marty and Robert Margo, Dianne and Denny Meacham, Linda and Joe Mideke, Karren and Phil Napier, Linda Steinhorn, Sandy and Jon Trudgeon and Jeannie and Dennis Wolfe.
The hosts gave the couple a wooden cradle with bedding and a guest -signed picture frame. In the cradle was a Teddy bear wearing a monogrammed sailor hat. The baby is due in November.
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NORMAN CELEBRATES….Norman Wilks celebrated his 80th birthday in Taos, New Mexico, during the Labor Day weekend. His birthday was May 12 but he and his friends, who meet monthly for lunch, decided that the group would wait until August to party.
The first night the group had dinner up in the mountains at the Stakeout Restaurant. Hosts were Karen and Herb Klontz, Peggy and John Crawford, Pat Snyder and Nancy and Les Conner, who could not be there.
The next day was a Mexican luncheon at Rancho Plaza Grill. Hosts were Olive and Gerry Austin, Randy Floyd, Michael Smith and Florence Birdwell.
That night, the group had dinner at Lambert’s Restaurant and hosts were Marion and Atlee Vernon, Betty Bradley and Ed Huycke.
The last day, Betty and Norris Price hosted a brunch at their home, near Taos. Co-hosts were Katy and Jim Davis, Joan Gilmore and Al McLaughlin.
Additional guests included Margaret and Jim Foley, Susan Vernon and Natalie Vernon.
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LINDA’S ART……Linda Bowles celebrated the hanging of her art show at La Baguette. Wine and Hors d’oeuvres were served at a reception. The show themed “Art a la Mode” will be on display until October 31.
Parties Extra!—September 10, 2008—Podcast on “Wine, Women and Shoes”
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CLICK HERE for Parties Extra! Podcast—Helen interviews Jane Thompson, Debbie Yoekel, Barbara Buttner and Linda Miller, about the fund-raiser, Wine, Women, and Shoes 
Linda Miller, Barbara Buttner, Debbie Yoekel and Jane Thompson were in the NewsOk podcast studio. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
They were at the NewsOk podcast studio to talk about a special fund-raiser. Jane Thompson is chairman of Wine, Women and Shoes; Debbie Yoekel is from Impact Oklahoma; Barbara Buttner, is from Calm Waters, and Linda Miller is The Oklahoman’s fashion editor. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Jacquelyn Farris is our Parties Extra! podcast producer. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace)
Parties Extra!—September 7,2008—Fund Raising—Chi Omega’s Fashion for a Passion
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FUND RAISING AND FUN RAISING
Chris Purcell, Candy Dulaney and Claire Kennedy were at the Chi Omega Sorority Alumni’s “Fashion For A Passion.” (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Members of Chi Omega Alumni were hostesses for a cocktail buffet and fashion show in the home of David LeNorman in Gaillardia.
Lots of sorority members and their guests attended the fund-raiser which benefits Hearts for Hearing. CK & Company provided the fashions and models were members of Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Chi O.
Committee members were co-chairmen Lori Hill and Laura Gary, Diana Beeler, Jeanie Butts, Alison Calhoon, Carolyn Chancellor, Marsha Funk, Kate Gary, Elaine Jackson, Brooke Kivett, Gayle Larimore, Shelley Loomis and Judy Moses.
Also Barbara Perry, Patti Pojezny, Cherish Ralls, Janet Rayburn, Jimmie Stromberg, Judi Smith, Amy Stephens, Rebecca Thompson, Jane Ellen Weaver, Lynette Wolfe and Meredith Mustain-Brown.
Check out the Chi Omega website @ www.Chi Omega.com
Teresa Caraway, Lori Hill and Laura Gary were at the cocktail party and fashion show to benefit Hearts for Hearing. Hill and Gary were co-chairmen of the event and Caraway was one of the founders of Hearts for Hearing. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Helen Ford Wallace Reports..Parties Extra!
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AT THE CLUB…
Karen, Stuart and Rich McLain were at the Hawaiian luau at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. (Photo by David Faytinger).
SUMMER’S END….Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club members celebrated Labor Day holiday with two club parties. There was a picnic from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and then an evening buffet from 5 until 8 p.m.
The buffet had a tropical beach party theme and the Hart and Soul Band played under a big tent on the club’s outdoor terrace.
Menu items included a roasted pig, mahi-mahi fish, Trader Vic’s rice pilaf and seafood salad, along with other salads and Hawaiian bread.
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Justice John Rief , left, conducts Bob Lake Grove’s swearing in. (Photo provided).
SWEARING -IN….Bob Lake Grove was the honoree at a reception at the State Capitol Rotunda following his swearing- in ceremony, as he became the Workers’ Compensation Court Judge.
Supreme Court Justice John Rief officiated at the swearing -in and robing ceremony of Grove who was appointed for a six -year term by Gov. Brad Henry. Assisting with the “robing” was Grove’s goddaughter, Meridith Echols-Warren.
100 friends, court officials and members of the Judiciary attended the ceremony in the Supreme Court courtroom and the reception.
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Katrina Myers and Brenda Wood were in charge of collecting box tops. (Photo provided).
BACK- TO- SCHOOL….One of the back- to- school events in the Edmond area was the lunch buffet at Chisholm Elementary School. It was also information day for the school. The Parent Teacher Organization organized the lunch for teachers and staff.
Joann Graham is Chisholm principal.
Parties Extra!—September 4th, 2008—Birthday Party….Happy Birthday… Norman Wilks
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CELEBRATING IN NEW MEXICO
Norman Wilks celebrated his 80th birthday in Taos, New Mexico, during the Labor Day weekend. Friends who meet monthly for brunch went with him.
There was a dinner at the Stakeout Restaurant hosted by Karen and Herb Klontz, Peggy and John Crawford, Pat Snyder and Nancy and Les Conner (who could not be there.)
The next day Olive and Gerry Austin, Randy Floyd, Michael Smith and Florence Birdwell entertained at a Mexican luncheon at Rancho Plaza Grill. That night Marion and Atlee Vernon, Betty Bradley and Ed Huycke were dinner hosts at Lambert’s Restaurant.
The final morning of the weekend, Betty and Norris Price were hosts for brunch in their home, 12 miles from Taos. Co-hosting were Katy and Jim Davis, Joan Gilmore and Al McLaughlin.
Betty Price welcomes guests to the birthday brunch in her home. (Photo provided).
Pat Snyder and Betty Bradley were at the party. (Photo provided).
Norris Price decorates for the party. (Photo provided).
CLICK HERE to see more Parties Extra! pictures in the photo galleries
Parties Extra!—September 3,2008—Podcast….Lyric Theater Broadway Ball
Carrie Leonard and Erika Huffman talk about the Lyric Theater Broadway Ball. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
Parties Extra!—September 2, 2008— KCSC Cuisine Classic Set with Edgar Cruz
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FOOD AND WINE AND MUSIC
Coach House Chef Kurt Fleischfresser, KCSC station manager Brad Ferguson, and guitarist Edgar Cruz meet to plan the food and wine tasting event. (Photo provided).
Plans are being finalized for a food and wine tasting event on September 19 from 6 -9 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center.
It is sponsored by KCSC 90.1 FM, the locally owned and programmed all -classical public radio station.
Food and drink will be from The Coach House, Metro Wine Bar & Bistro, The Catering Company, Tom and Jerry’s Steak & Fish Grille, Le Cep Bistro, Ruth’s Sweete Justice, Ned’s Catering, and Jouillian Winery.
There will be performances by Edgar Cruz, acoustic guitar; Tess Remy-Schumacher, cello; Ron Howell, clarinet; Sam Magrill, piano; David Forbat, piano; Tatiana Kuleshova, piano, and The Edmond Jazz Quartet.
Cost is $75 per person and tax deductible. Reservations may be obtained by calling Susan Clark at (405) 974-2120 by September 9.
Proceeds will benefit the KCSC Classical Radio Foundation.
