Sunday, March 1, 2015

Hosting a Party

Christmas Party in my Gardenhouse

I always enjoy hosting parties specifically during Christmas as it is the best season to gather families, relatives and friends.  Hosting a Christmas Party needs at least some preparation and a lot of thinking.  It puts a lot of pressure on how to make the guests feel the festive atmosphere, not to mention the choice of a delicious/bountiful food to serve.  I like keeping the party simple and less expensive yet providing a luxe feel which make it more fabulous.

I may not be an expert to give tips but it always surprises my guests (and me) that I could bring such a joyful feel—may it be the ambiance, the decorations and the camaraderie or plainly there is love in what I am doing.  Things always come out so great.  Here are some simple ideas to get you started:
  1. Put love in what you do.  (What you think, what you feel and what you do must move in harmony.)
  2. Think of a theme to start with (e.g. type of meal, food to serve, buffet or sit-down, the work space, occasion)
  3. Gather your tables, chairs, linens, table wares and accessories (it does not have to be the same.  Create mix and match pieces.)
  4. Create a focal point, a centerpiece (my favorites are things derived from nature coupled with collected items that look vintage and even rusty over time. I think it is the easiest and most inexpensive way to decorate but always gives an elegant look.  Include a lot of greens, reds, blues and glittering elements that could work perfectly for Christmas. Add some lights for a festive feel.)
  5. Do not over crowd.  (Keep the balance of decorating.)
  6. Lastly, do not expect anything from guest/s. (Expecting meet disappointments whereas in hoping, we invite surprises … and even miracles.)
Below are some pictures to show how fun it can be surrounded with your love ones and pictures that illustrate how amusing to decorate with love when you free yourself from the present time to another whimsical dimension.  Enjoy decorating or better yet enjoy hosting a party!  

So enjoy the Christmas Season.  Wrap the presents. Prepare your home in a festive way.  Make memories with your family & friends.  BUT DO NOT LET THIS CHRISTMAS PASS WITHOUT SPENDING SOME TIME WITH JESUS!




My elementary & highschool friends. I salute you  myfriends.







MY FAMILY -- the love of my life



Our dogs that keep us jolly ...














So happy to be with Roger and Tess Anderson

My college friends -

Hermie & Bernie below ...

Congratulations to Romy & Tita Maranan for having such a wonderful children.  Wendel, Marj & Em
Marj Maranan

3 pictures below were taken by Roger Anderson. Nice shots.