THE BIG BASH THEORY
Tips on decor, gifts and more
We’ve tapped Canada’s two favourite decor divas and lifestyle experts, Sarah Baeumler and Janette Ewen, to give us the lowdown on effortless, elegant entertaining. Baeumler is onehalf of the design duo on HGTV’s Bryan Inc. and Ewen, herself a regular on TV from coast to coast, is known for a more budgetfriendly approach to decorating.
Baeumler, who has teamed up with OxiClean just in time for those nasty holiday spills, says her style is simple, chic and “timeless.” Ewen swings the eclectic way. “I like to blend eras, including vintage and modern, said Ewen in an email to Postmedia. “I also like to collect design and art on my travels.”
So are you ready to throw a bash to remember this holiday season? Read on and learn from the pros:
PICK A GOOD DATE
SB: I think late November or early December are good options. JE: Pick a date where you have no major events or appointments the day before or after.
MAKE A GUEST LIST
SB: When planning your party, it’s important to think about guests first. How many people you plan on entertaining and if children are attending the party will affect things like food, drink and the amount of planning ahead required to make the night a success. Whether it is for family, friends or co-workers, you need to decide in advance so you can prepare accordingly. JE: Don’t try to have a party that includes everyone — especially people that might not get along. When you are seating guests, always have place cards so guests aren’t left trying to seat themselves and blend the conversationalists with the shy guests.
LET ’EM NIBBLE
SB: I love to do tasty dips, spreads and finger-food recipes for entertaining guests. This makes it easy for my guests to be social with one another and taste a variety of different options to go with their drinks. Always be sure to ask about dietary restrictions so you have something for everyone. JE: Always have plenty to eat on hand. I like to factor nine to 12 appetizer portions per guest. Also don’t stress about making anything too fancy. One of my fave appetizers — it’s a Tostitos scoop with brie and jam — is super-easy to make and a crowd favourite.
Our healthy appy suggestion? Try making trendy “pulse” sandwich bites, like the ones we tried from Country Harvest. Their bean bread has a lot of protein and is great toasted! SB: For holiday entertaining, I love my guests to try one of my signature cocktails. I think of a new drink each year, purchase all of the ingredients in advance and prepare the beverage before my guests arrive. JE: Always have a signature cocktail, but dress it up this year with fun retro inspired glasses, straws and toppers. Champagne is always a winner. I also like to have some element of fun when it comes to snacks and food and drink pairings. For example, try pairing wine or Champagne with cupcakes; it’s whimsical, looks impressive and always tastes great.
DO DECOR
SB: If you intend on having a sit-down dinner with a small number of people, I always try to create a beautifully set dining room table. I like to use white and silver tableware for a classic look while adding in some seasonal centrepieces such as magnolia or boxwood wreaths. The natural greenery transitions from holiday parties to New Year’s festivities, saving you the hassle of purchasing new decor for each occasion. JE: Keep decor simple. Burlap makes a great table-runner and elements from nature are perfect tabletop decor. This time of year is bright and beautiful outside, so if you’re looking to add some accents to your gathering, just look to your own backyard, literally!
KEEP THE CONVO FLOWING
SB: It’s important to keep one rule in mind: Avoid a potentially awkward conversation. If you are not 100 per cent sure of something, don’t say it! SB: I always like to have activities for my guests; this can help get the conversation going. For example, retro kids games for adults — like Pin the Tail On the Donkey — always get people chatting and laughing. I also like to incorporate fun topics over dinnertime; have some great, fun questions for your guests top of mind to help get the conversation going. Need more party planning inspiration? Here are a few our favourite seasonal finds.
Pick up the mood with sparkling lights: Indoor sparkling lights; $15; Available only at Indigo
Tuck away your plastic cups for a summer barbecue: HomeSense glasses, $4.99 each; available online at homesense.ca
Don’t send your guests home empty-handed: DavidsTea Skinny Tins, $9 each or 2 for $15; available in-stores or at davidstea.com; or NEST Birchwood Pine candle, $56 (230 g), in-store at Sephora until Nov. 22; online through December at sephora.ca