How to Throw The Perfect Holiday Soirée

There are three main components to any successful soirée: Cocktails, appetizers and, of course, the décor.

The first thing you’ll want to do when guests arrive is get a drink in their hands. It will be one of their first impressions of your holiday bash, so why not make it leave a lasting impression?

I’ve dug up a couple cocktails that look and taste delicious and are perfect for your holiday soirée. The first one is called the Sleigh Ride Cocktail, and it’s essentially a spiked, warm apple cider. Served in a glass like this and garnished with a cinnamon stick shows you’ve gone the extra mile to impress your guests. Follow the link below the photo for the super simple recipe.

http://spicedblog.com/3-festive-holiday-cocktail-recipes.html

Peppermint Patties are great all winter, but the very best time to drink them is while hosting a party. They’re delicious, they look good, and they are definitely conversation pieces, especially when poured in a fabulous flute like this one!

http://capitalcookingshow.blogspot.com/2008/12/holiday-flavors-peppermint-patty.html#more

Never let a guest go hungry! The second aspect of a great party is the hors d'oeuvres. I came across this appetizer on Pinterest (follow my pins here) and I think it would be absolutely perfect for a holiday soirée!  The colorful endives (which are in season during the holidays) add a nice, festive flair, and they are topped off with smoked trout. Sounds and looks delicious, right? Be sure to check out the recipe by clicking on the link below.

http://www.staceysnacksonline.com/2008/12/holiday-appetizer-smoked-trout-in.html

These Cranberry Kisses are puff pastries filled with goat cheese or Brie and topped with cranberry sauce. It doesn’t get much more festive than cranberries this time of year!

http://livlifetoo.blogspot.com/2011/11/goat-cheese-cranberry-kisses.html

And finally, the icing on the cake is of course the décor. Now have some fun with this, but don’t overdo it and make your guests feel claustrophobic!

Another great Pinterest find was this pot with birch logs, boxwood, pomegranates and lights. Imagine walking up to a party and being greeted by this clever and unique holiday piece … it would probably make you excited to get inside!

http://pinterest.com/pin/235524255484200520/

Keep your guests feeling calm and content by splattering your place with white. Look how great these neutrals all work together. Nothing is fighting for your attention; instead the reindeer, the Santa, the tree, the ornaments … they all create the perfect holiday scene. If all neutrals is too boring for you, don’t be afraid to spice it up with pops of red, purple or blue.

http://houseandhome.com/design/photo-gallery-christmas-decorating?page=26

Whatever route you take for your holiday soirée, just remember to pay careful attention to your cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and décor. Think simple, think modern and think classy, and you’ll be sure to throw a fantastic holiday bash.

And remember, design the life you love!