HOLIDAY HOSTING AT HOME
PROFESSIONALS ADVISE HOSTS ON HOW TO ENTERTAIN IN STYLE
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a lot from the world this year; it’s limited our movements, kept us away from loved ones and has prematurely ended lives. 2020 has been a difficult year and with the holidays peering around the corner, many will be celebrating their preferred holiday on a smaller scale than they normally would.
While the number of guests will be scaled back, it doesn’t mean hosts can’t still have a bright and joyous holiday event.
The Greenwich Historical Society will be hosting a virtual entertaining workshop on Dec. 2 with hosting professionals Susan Scully and Eddie Ross. Scully is the former president of Watson’s Catering & Events and Ross is the cofounder of Maximalist Studios. The duo certainly know a thing or two about hosting and will offer tips on how to host safely during the pandemic.
For the workshop itself, Ross will share his floral arranging and gift wrapping secrets. Scully said she will share her tips on how to “dazzle” guests. She will also talk about crafting holiday libations with mixologist Justin Pasha of The Cup Bearer. Scully also said she will be showing off personalized macarons from Greenwich bakery Cakisserie, that will be available for purchase in the historical society’s gift shop.
“I think especially this year with Covid anything that we can do to make it more special now that it’s on a much smaller scale is important,” Ross said about pandemic hosting. “It’s time that we have that we should really try to make these gray days as happy, cheerful and memorable for the people that you are able to be with at this time.”
When talking about hosting, Scully said the most important thing to keep in mind this year is safety.
“First and foremost, hosts have to adhere to their state guidelines. Have plenty of hand sanitizing stations. Consider personalized face masks for each guest,” she suggested. “For a dinner party a typical table of 10 will now only hold four to five. It is important to fill in the gaps in the table, making it more festive. Individual cheese and charcuterie boards next to each place setting will look inviting. Whimsical table presents and games will foster lively conversation at the table.”
Both Scully and Ross were quick to point out that hosting is hard work and emphasized the importance of taking the time to plan and prepare for hosting an event in advance.
“You don’t have to make everything yourself. You can buy things, buy some prepared things, make some things and even ask people to bring some things to your party. People love to be part of the party,” Ross said.
He also advised doing as much of the work ahead of time as possible so hosts can avoid trapping themselves in the kitchen and missing out on the fun.
“You want to be part of the party, you don’t always want to be stuck in the kitchen so you have to be prepared and enjoy yourself,” he said. Ross noted that cocktails can be premade and placed in a pitcher so guests can refill as needed and that a nice garnish enhances the experience.
Scully said the details make the event and that hosts should take care to consider the small details to cultivate a presentation with a “wow” effect.
“Details make a party more memorable. People do notice them. When wrapping any gift, tying something extra on the package makes it feel special,” she said.
For the table, Scully said the floral arrangement should tie the dishes and linens together, but Ross warned hosts that it’s better to keep to simple arrangements if flower arranging isn’t your strong suit.
At the end of the day, Ross and Scully advise hosts to enjoy their event and not to take on too much work themselves to the point that they feel overwhelmed.
“Try to bring everyone in on it and have it where it can alleviate some of the stress and the pressure of the one person who feels like they have to do it all,” Ross said. “It doesn’t have to be perfection, it just has to feel authentic,” Ross
For more information about the hosting workshop, visit greenwichhistory.org.