SANTA’S LITTLE HELPERS
A party planner gets personal when throwing the perfect soiree
Design experts and street shoppers offer expert advice in part two of our pro-insider series,
Name: Sarah Lewthwaite, 34
Shopper profile: The Consummate Entertainer
Spotted: At Nadège Patisserie, nadege-patisserie.com
Occupation: Vice-president of marketing for Cineplex Entertainment
Q: What’s your shopping motto?
A: Especially during the holidays, it’s all about planning ahead and organization. For gift giving, I try and pick up on little ideas throughout the year and keep an ongoing list in my Blackberry. And when hosting a party, I always write an intricate timeline of when tasks need to be completed so details aren’t overlooked and I can enjoy myself, too. It’s a lot of work in advance but always pays off.
Q: What’s your signature dish?
A: Serving trifle at Christmas has always been a family tradition. There was one year I didn’t make it and everyone was really upset, so while it’s nice to change things up some traditions must remain. Trifle is an ideal party dessert because it not only looks beautiful, with layers of raspberry, fruit and cream served in a glass bowl, but you can make it in advance.
Q: Do you have a go-to hostess gift?
A: I mix it up and make it personal, rather than the standard flowers and so on. I’m buying macaroons for someone who loves Paris and already has a huge wine cellar so doesn’t need another bottle. And it’s nice to give something like a book or CD that they can sit back, relax and enjoy the next day — after all that hosting.
Q: What’s your tree-trimming style?
A: Every place I travel I always bring back an ornament. This year I’m really excited to see how our tree looks with ones that I picked up from Ireland, Paris and London. I always buy the classic antique-looking blown-glass ornaments, nothing that blatantly says, “I went to Paris.” It is always fun putting them up and remembering where I got them from.
Q: Any Dos and Don’ts for guests?
A: Know when to make an exit — you don’t want to be the last to leave. And always call the next day and thank your host. Emails are so easy to send, but it’s extra courteous to pick up the phone and tell someone you had a great time and appreciated their efforts.