Parties Extra! talks holiday party manners
Helen Ford Wallace interviews Etiquette Expert Carey Sue Vega about holiday parties and party good manners.
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
Seventy Five Dance Club members have party at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club
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Larry and Cynda Ottaway and Sharon and Tom Boismier were at the Seventy Five Club Dance. (Photo by David Faytinger).
Seventy Five Club members had the fall dance at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. Larry Ottaway is president of the group.
New members are Billye and Jimmie Austin, Joan and Coler Yoakam, Jane and Jim White, Jane and David Thompson, Susie and Lee Symcox, Patsy and J.R. Homsey, Gay and Ed Kirby, Sharon and Thomas Boismier, Natalie and Stephen Browne, Janie and Bill Comstock, Marsha and John Funk, Kathryn and Cooper Johnson, Beverly and Mark Funke, Dianne and Denver Meacham, Sara and Rob Northwood, Mary and Jim Richard, Amalia and Paul Silverstein.
The Christmas dance is December 12th.
Birthday party in Oklahoma City
SASSY AT SIXTY
Barb Shrago, Karen Swyden, Judy Austin, Dixie Jensen, Marcia Crook, Judie Steelman were at Austin’s 60th birthday party. (Photo by David Faytinger).
Judy Austin celebrated her 60th birthday recently. She and husband Sanford planned a party in their backyard. They have been working on the garden for two years and it features a waterfall and water garden.
Centerpieces were orchids and koi fish swimming around in vases. The fish were added to the water garden at the end of the evening.
Chocolate bars and water bottles labeled “Sassy at Sixty.” The birthday cake also had that saying on it. Vegetables and skewers of meat were arranged artistically on the buffet table.
Guests included Judie Steelman, Dixie Jensen, Barb and Stan Shrago, Marcia Crook, Larry Clinton, Anita and Charles Marcus, Carolyn and David and Sam Abrams, Maxine Austin, Roberta and Sonny Jackman, Karen Swyden, Suzanne Owens, Ashley Parrish, Tim Fields, Eddie Walker, Susan and Mark Robertson, Jerry Jennings, Peggy McMillen, Chloe and Hank Wahl, Becky and Don Sable, Sarah Sagran, Mike Belanger, Stacey and Eric Stiglets and Ann and Jack Taylor.
Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club members have pool party
MEMORIAL DAY PARTY
Keith Waddell, Bill Bozalis, John McCaleb, Jeff James enjoy the activities at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club on Memorial Day. (Photos by David Faytinger).
At the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club on Memorial, there was a 60 foot banana split for members and their guests.
The swimming pool opened and there was a lunch cookout on the upper terrace and a dinner buffet that night. The ice cream banana split was dessert, along with key lime and coconut cream pies.
Pool games were played throughout the day.
Sue and Charlotte Cheek, Kristen Taylor, Tim Cheek were at the pool party.
Oklahoma City Lotus Club
LOTUS CLUB SPRING DANCE
Susan Hoffman and Lela Sullivan check members in for The Lotus Club Dance. (Photo by David Faytinger).
Lotus Club members had a spring dance recently at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. 100 members attended. Tom King is president of the group.
Seating was determined by a “blind draw.” Members drew for table numbers and sat at the table with people who drew the same number. Centerpieces were white orchids and glossy red anthuriums.
On the arrangements committee chairmen were Susan Hoffman, Lisa Pierce and Lela Sullivan.
At the party were Shirley and Pete Everest, Barbara and Bud Beeler, Sharon and John Bozalis, Kaye and Ed Cook, Holly and Clay Healey, Susan and Peter Hoffman, Linda and Ken Howell, Lucinda and David Huffman, Linda and Ron James, Libby and Steve Steakley, Jan and Dick Parker, Barbara and Ralph Thompson, Candy and Chuck Ainsworth, Jane and Paul Austin, Linda and Bill Rodgers, Susan and Mike McPherson, Linda and Tom Klos, Penny and John McCaleb, Leslie and Scott Samara and Connie and Gary Fuller.
Mike McPherson, Scott Samara, John McCaleb, Tom Klos were at the Lotus Club Dance. (Photo by David Faytinger).
Susan Parker looked beautiful at the party. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).
John Trigg celebrates birthday
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BIRTHDAY PARTY
Rosemary Patterson, John and Lynne Trigg, Katylee Strange celebrate John Trigg’s birthday. (Photo by David Faytinger).
Family members honored John Trigg on his 80th birthday with a barbecue dinner in his home. His wife Lynne Trigg was hostess.
Pat Patterson who is a jeweler in Glenwood Springs, Colo., created a handmade key chain with a mountain range etched on it.
At the party were Ann and Craig McBride, Cullen and Courtney Greer, Marylee and Tim Strange, Juliann and Katylee Strange, Rosemary Trigg Patterson, Jack Trigg, Janice and Joe Dan Trigg, Liz Brown, Mike Muckleroy, Margaret, Jessie and Lizzie Muckleroy, Trish and Max Clark.
He was also honored at a dinner party with his “Friday Night Group”, a longtime group of friends who dine out every Friday night.
McClendon’s home is the scene for wedding party for Paige Gordon and Ben Dougherty
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BEAUTIFUL PARTY
Dana, Bryan, Chris, and Paige Gordon, Ben Dougherty, Callie Gordon, Warren Bunch celebrate at the party for Paige Gordon and Ben Dougherty. (Photos by Helen Ford Wallace).
Paige Gordon and Ben Dougherty were honorees for cocktails, dinner and a wedding shower in the home of Katie and Aubrey McClendon.
Co-hosts were Louise and Clay Bennett, Lerri and Rick Cooper, Amy and Eddie Edwards, Laurie and Charlie Givens and Beverly and John Perri.
Tables were set outdoors and beautiful flowers, peonies, hydrangeas, lilacs and tulips, were on the tables, the buffet table and throughout the house.
Among the guests were Beth and Ed Wells, Ellen Carey, Kelly Ford, Emily Prieto, Sherry and Ford Price, Mary Lee and Brian Dougherty, Beverly and Mike Ellis, Gaye Sherman, Jan Hoepfner, Debbie and Jeff Bolding, Katherine and Michael Nichols, Tallie, Triska and Charlie Givens, Warren and Blair Bunch, Amy and Adam Hutchinson, Justin Dick, Diane and Tod Sanger, Debbie and Mike McCurdy, and Brian Beavers.
Guests enjoyed a wonderful buffet supper.
Wedding Shower in Oklahoma City
MEGAN EDWARDS AND ANDY BRAUML HONORED
Paige Frenzel, Andy Bauml, Megan, Susan, and Carl Edwards were at the bridal shower in the home of Sara and Rob Northwood. (Photo by David Faytinger).
A couple’s shower honored Megan Edwards and Andy Brauml in the home of Sara and Rob Northwood. Co-hosts were Janie and Jon Axton, Kirk and Royce Hammons and Nancy and Larry Herzel.
The Northwood home was decorated with silver epergnes filled with hydrangeas, roses and lilies.
60 people attended the event, including the sister of the bride, Paige Edwards Frenzel. Also there were Lucinda and David Huffman, Susan Porter, Mary and J. Robert Reneau, Gennie and Bob Johnson, Jeary and Mike Seikel, Barbara and Jay Quillian, Kathleen and Tim O’Toole and Sandy and Michael Mayhall.
The wedding is scheduled for August in Colo. Springs, Colo.
Spring dance in Oklahoma City
SEVENTY FIVE CLUB
Dick Marshall, Earl Ingram, Bud Beeler, Don Leeman were at the Seventy Five Club dinner dance. (Photos by David Faytinger).
Seventy Five Club’s “May Bouquet” Dinner Dance took place at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.
Spring flowers decorated the party invitations and roses in crystal bowls were on the tables.
Members attending the party were Gennie and Bob Johnson, Ann and Bob Gilliland, Holly and Clay Healey, Barbara and Bud Beeler, Becky and Jim Buchanan, Susan and John Dobson, Bev and David Carter, Dede and Bob Benham, Ann and Tom Flesher, Jayne and Gerald Gamble, Anne and Barry Gray, Kathy and John Griffin, Elaine and Harrison Levy, Bette Jo and Frank Hill, Chris and Paul Houk, Jeary and Mike Seikel, Linda and Duke Ligon, Kay and Gates Oliver, Sandy Meyers and Susan and Mike McPherson.
The unique dinner was mushroom tart, seared scallop and spring garlic, asparagus flan, veal picatta, and blueberries and lemon meringue topped with blueberry compote.
Several wives of club members took to the stage with a public thank you for club president Steve Garrett and his wife Linda.
Roland Tague, Bob Benham, Steve Garrett, Harrison Levy greeted guests as they arrived.
