Page 41 - The Hunt - Winter 2024

LUCKYBUSINESS/STOCK.ADOBE.COM
A
O
N
Y
P
A
R
K
E
R
J
R
,
A
P
C
R
E
A
T
I
V
E
S
E
R
V
I
C
E
S
Co-Kema Parker
Looking for the perfect gift? Consider the recipient’s favorite color, animal, or hobby to add a personal touch.
Shelf. The knee-hugging elf was made in Japan in the 1950s and 1960s and rose to fame with the eponymous 2004 book. Texture is another way to add interest—and for winter, Giroso brings out plush pillows and fake furs. Even
her tabletop Santa Claus wears fuzzy, Ugg-like boots and a cable-knit sweater. Shader has seen an uptick in vintage- looking Santas with pops of blush, pink, and red, plus “anything gingerbread, including gingerbread houses and gingerbread men.”
Interior designer Samantha Kwiatkowski Stiglitz of SJS Designs uses wrapping paper to create a seasonal atmosphere. “I even wrap up empty boxes to put under the
tree until it’s time for the real gifts,” says Stiglitz, who repurposes Amazon packages. She also wraps hanging artwork and mirrors and finishes with a festive bow. Decorating with boughs and evergreens is a centuries-old way to warm a room. However, it doesn’t need to stay verdant. Giroso has painted branches in shades of gold or off-white and weaved in white fairy lights. While some branches stand in vases, others adorn the mantel. Feel free to incorporate realistic-looking artificial foliage or flowers. “There’s a lot of good products out there,” she says. Shader agrees that nature-inspired décor is popular, as are flocked trees and garlands. Remember your tablescape,
too: Photographer Ben Fournier
has incorporated pine cones, dried hydrangea, and berries for fall, along with evergreen sprigs and miniature red and clear crystal balls for Christmas.
Don’t be afraid to add sparkles, says Giroso, who’s sprinkled glitter on her DIY décor. Adds Shader: “Disco balls are still trending.”
N
T
H
PARTY
PLANNING 101
Start preplanning
regardless of the
date. Marissa
Guasperini from
Moments by Bella
Monroe recommends
keeping a file—or
Pinterest—with ideas. When the party approaches, use the file to create a mood board.
Co-Kema Parker of Concepts by CoKo notes that there are many types of parties— brunch, luncheon, dinner, and tea, which is her personal favorite. Guasperini says Friday and Saturday afternoon parties get more RSVPs. “They don’t interfere with family plans,” she says, adding that it’s important to send out your invitations early.
Pick a color scheme and a theme for stress-free decorating. The décor can be affordable. Parker has shopped for party accessories at Dollar Tree, Gabe’s, Family Dollar, and Big Lots. She hits At Home, HomeGoods, Macy’s, or Target for more upscale designs. A party planner often has a stash of décor, so you don’t need to buy and store it.
Guasperini asks clients for a head count and budget, something you
must consider even if you’re not using
a professional planner—especially if hiring a caterer. Always overestimate
the amount of food and beverages you’ll need, she says.
If the menu is a DIY project, “prep heavy and plan accordingly,” says chef Andrew Cini. “The more you can do ahead, the better—and always have a spread set out before guests arrive to keep them from getting grumpy.”
Similarly, if the event is a family affair, don’t forget to set up a station with coloring books and games. “Kids get bored quickly,” says Guasperini. HC December 2024 I todaymedia.com 7