Hostess Secrets featuring Moe Made by Nature

Year after year, when the holidays roll around, we love the prospect of throwing a glittering New Years Eve bash. But while it’s fun construct the guest list, send out the invites and dream about extravagant decorations and custom drinks, it’s easy to overlook the most important details that truly make a party a success.

Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner party or a large gathering where the more, the merrier, to throw a sophisticated affair with French flair, the most important thing is to thoughtfully anticipate your guests needs beyond food and fun.

The Entry: Your guests should feel comfortable and at ease when they arrive and during the party. To accomplish this, first make sure that everyone has thorough directions to get to your home if they haven’t been there before. Let them know where to safely park, and any quirky details about getting to your doorstep. Your doorstep should be properly lit and perhaps decorated to make it clear to your guests that a party is just on the other side. Once they arrive, either take their coats or direct them to a place where they can hang them. For a smaller party, a coat rack or closet works, and for a larger party you can designate an empty bedroom as the coat room.

The Ambiance: Of course planning the food and drink menu is imperative, but just as crucial is the overall ambiance. What will the playlist be? Holiday tunes? Alternative? Jazz? Whichever category of music you choose, make sure there’s a nice, consistent flow of songs with nothing that breaks the theme and disrupts the mood. The second step to creating a lovely ambiance is lighting. At a French soiree, you’ll most likely find a combination of candles, dimmed overhead lights and maybe a lamp here and there. Pick what works for you depending on the size and structure of your party, but in general, soft, muted lighting is flattering, romantic and festive.

The Powder Room: One of the clearest marks of a well-prepared hostess is a nicely appointed powder room so your guests can freshen up. If room permits, make a small vanity station in the bathroom where essentials are easily accessible. Think extra bobby pins, hair powder, hand soap, lotion, floss and mints. The best powder rooms at parties are not only helpful, they’re beautiful too. That’s why we love Moe Made by Nature soaps for both ourselves and our guests. Moe Made by Nature soaps are offered in a variety of colors, scents and textures to fit your skin and decor. These handcrafted French soaps are developed with a keen sense of ethics and soap making expertise, and will clean, moisturize and nourish all skin types. Moe soaps use organic materials, avoids synthetic materials and never tests on animals. Just before guests arrive, add a small flower arrangement and maybe a candle to your powder room and voila – you’re party ready!

What are your party-planning techniques?

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