houston's hosts and hostesses share their entertaining tips
by rebecca fontenot and rachel trube
photography by anthony rathbun
The holidays are right around the corner and the last thing you need is more stuff to do. But inviting friends to your house for a festive celebration doesn’t have to mean abandoning your guests while you slave away in the kitchen. These local party veterans reveal the secrets to hosting a merry gathering without even breaking a sweat.
PARTY LIKE A PRO
Steven Wagner, co-owner of a private party
planning service, makes a living by designing custom events that represent each client’s personality. His secret weapon is simply having a good time. “Guests always look to their host for direction,” says Wagner. “If you are nervous or worried, your guests will pick up on it.” You can trust that his tips guarantee you a fun affair — or your money back.
• Before you do anything else, establish a timeline. “Rushing inevitably will wind up costing you more and leaving you with less,” Wagner cautions. Instead of researching recipes, he recommends opting for take-out at fine food markets like Eatzi’s.
• Wagner has fun by treating his guest list like a science project: “See what kind of result comes from mixing up a diverse group of people.” To avoid inviting too many people, allot at least 10 minutes of face time with each guest. If you invite more than
a dozen friends to a two-hour event, consider recruiting a co-host so that everyone gets to enjoy your attention.
• After 9/11, there was a tendency toward intimate gatherings with patriotic color schemes. During the past few years, Wagner has noticed Moroccan, Chinese and Indian influences becoming popular party trends. Be fashionable without letting it limit your personal style. “Take visual cues from your home to design your event around,” says Wagner, “whether it be your Judith Leiber handbags or a collection of framed family photos.”
• Use Tuscany, Mexico or the tropics as adaptable dinner themes or challenge yourself with something unusual. “If you are into music, choose your favorite era and build your menu from there,” says Wagner. Customize a before-dinner cocktail or some after-dinner games to tie it all together. Your party is made memorable by your creativity and your company, Wagner reminds us, “The great food is just the icing on the cake.
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RESOURCES
AZTEC PARTY & TENT RENTALS
601 W. 6th st.
713.699.0088
www.aztecpartyandtents.com
BLISS ON 19TH
235 w. 19th st.
832.673.0099
THE CANDLE FACTORY OUTLET
8323 FAIRBANKS
713.856.5700
CENTRAL MARKET
Produce and prepared foods and dips
3815 Westheimer rd.
713.386.1700
EATZI'S MARKET AND BAKERY
Gourmet takeout, catering and imported foods
1702 post oak blvd.
713.629.7660
www.eatzis.com
EVENTS
Invitations
1966 w. gray
713.520.5700
MELI MELO
Fine European table linens, dinnerware, glassware
5617 morningside drive
713.526.9026
www.meli-melo-texas.com
NINO SHBEEB OF LEXIS FLORIST
5785 SAN FELIPE
713.774.8080
www.lexisflorist.com
SIENNA AT HOME
Distinctive decor
5152 buffalo speedway
713.665.5334
www.sienna-at-home.com
SPECS
Prepared foods, wines and liquors
Numerous locations
www.specsonline.com |
