Seasoned hosts and hostesses know that every soiree needs a certain je ne sais quoi to make it stand out from the crowd. Do it yourself projects, far from the macaroni noodle and Elmer’s glue crafts of yesteryear, have now become that special something to make an event memorable, unique and thoughtfully chic.
Kelly Brown (standing) and Ayesha Reynolds of Homespun.“People are leaning toward the handmade things this holiday season,” says Ayesha Reynolds, co-owner of Homespun Parties + Events. “They really want things that are personal and handmade.”
From DIY centerpieces to made-from-scratch individual-size pies, the holiday trend is to ditch the ordinary and go for the extraordinary by showcasing your creativity and giving your event a personalized feel. “[DIY] is a huge part of our party planning aesthetic,” says Reynolds, who runs Homespun with her best friend since grade school, Kelly Brown. “We make things from scratch because they are unique and no one has them.”
Ron Crawford, owner of Goetz Catering and 15-year catering veteran, says that the food trend this season is smaller portions with lots of variety-giving plenty of room for DIY touches among all of the plating. “That’s where you can really make the difference and you can really get creative,” says Crawford, explaining that hosts can use different heights, shapes and colors of jars and platters to showcase bite-sized treats.
Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are also on high-demand this season, he says. “There are more and more people requesting specialized food options, so you have to address that,” says Crawford, recommending hosts/hostesses label the plates and have options for everyone. “With smaller portions you can address everybody and still satisfy the gluten-free people and the vegetarians all at one time.”
Creating DIY cards or decorating mini-chalkboards for the food table is an opportunity to go the extra mile and make things simpler for your guests. Although DIY once had the reputation to be only for the host/hostess on a budget, Reynolds and Brown say that they don’t think of the projects as an alternative to buying something. Beyond being budget-friendly, adding these DIY elements to a party are a way of “making it you.”
“Anyone can go buy a paper lantern,” says Reynolds, “but we decorate it and add those personal touches that you can’t get from a store.”
Rosemary Napkin Rings, DIY courtesy Homespun Parties & EventsDIY Rosemary Napkin Rings
Courtesy of Homespun Parties + Events
What you will need: Scissors, twine, water, one rosemary sprig per napkin
- Collect fresh rosemary sprigs no more than 8-10 inches long.
- Soak the rosemary in water overnight to make it easier to bend into shape.
- Form the rosemary into a circle about two inches in diameter.
- Use the twine to tie the rosemary where the two ends cross and trim the excess twine.
- Slip each napkin through the rosemary ring.
- Voila! Now you have a chic and fabulous-smelling alternative to the traditional napkin ring.