Simply Scrumptious Holiday Party Planning starts in July!

July is the perfect month to start your holiday party planning activities! Yes, July!

Traditionally, the change to cooler weather is a “signal” to start thinking holidays. As a result, many hosts and hostesses start their holiday party planning in the Fall, regardless of whether they are planning a corporate or a home catered event.

We offer the following three tips to get you started on this year’s holiday party planning.

Simply Scrumptious Catering Holiday Party Planning Tip 1: Start planning a memorable experience early.

We recommend getting holiday party planning activities started over the summer months.

In our experience, July becomes the perfect time to sit down with your team (or yourself) and get creative. After the Fourth of July weekend, turn your sights to the upcoming holidays through year-end and beyond.

By starting your holiday party planning early, you have the luxury of time to do your homework. Planning early affords you the opportunity to secure the venue of your choice, select a theme and identify vendors to assist you with décor, ambiance, and of course the food. Otherwise, you leave yourself a short window of planning time. Consequently, many hosts and hostesses often have to “settle” for the “same-old” holiday party menu and venue.

Simply Scrumptious Catering Executive Chef and Founder, Lori Shepard, recommends selecting your caterer in July. Together you can flex your creative muscles, identify new venues and research new recipes. Start thinking about your fresh themes instead of “same-old.” Visit new venues for your party.

Enjoy the planning process instead of dreading it. Make your next holiday party an unforgettable experience and celebration, instead of a social obligation.

Now is the right time to get started to create a memorable holiday party experience. Contact us today at 734.424.0500 or email lori@simplyscrumptiouscatering.com.

Simply Scrumptious Catering Holiday Party Planning Tip 2: Engage, entertain and experience. 

Why not explore options that showcase your personal creativity and demonstrate to guests how much you care about them?

What is the theme of your event? Yes, Theme! A memorable holiday party starts with a fresh theme, which engages and entertains guests. There is a lot of breadth and depth to the phrase “holiday party.”

Design alternative menus. Picture this: stuff roasted suckling pig Balentine with various accoutrements, sides and homemade rolls. Then add roast turkey and cedar-planked salmon. Now that is a memorable and distinctive carving station!

Break with the same-old. Why take guests to the traditional stuffy restaurant? Consider a fresh venue that engages your guests. Instead of eating while standing around (or sitting down), encourage movement throughout the party. Your holiday party theme becomes a complete experience, featuring a scavenger hunt or solving a mystery. One event we created with our host featured a Cirque du Soleil type of atmosphere, including a variety of interactive entertainers.

Do we have your creative juices flowing? Contact us today at 734.424.0500 or email lori@simplyscrumptiouscatering.com.

Simply Scrumptious Catering Holiday Party Planning Tip 3: Think January.

Is December really the best time for a holiday party?

The month of December can become one big social traffic jam. As a result, December becomes stressful and full of far too many commitments and obligations for guests. How often have guests stayed at your holiday party for less than 30 minutes and then left, because they had at least one more holiday party to attend the same day?

Think about it. January is an excellent month to plan a holiday party. Not only are you celebrating past year’s accomplishments, you and your guests also are looking forward to what the coming year holds in store for you.

You put a lot of time and effort into making your holiday party the type of memorable experience which becomes a destination on your guests’ calendars. Why not give your guests – and yourself – the best opportunity to enjoy the entire party?

January holiday parties are well-attended because no one is stressed once January 1 rolls around. In addition, your guests’ calendars are free and more – if not all – invitees can attend!

Let us create a memorable holiday party experience that showcases your creativity and engages your guests. Contact us today at 734.424.0500 or email lori@simplyscrumptiouscatering.com.