An Affair to Remember
How to Compose an Unforgettable Evening
The countdown begins! The most wonderful time of year is here and we’re pulling out all the stops with a splash of decadence, a dose of sparkle, and a twist of irreverence to toast the season with our family, bon amis, and bon vivants. Cheers!
Bubbles & Bangles
The pop, the fizz, the clink...music to our ears! A celebration of all things sparkly sets an effervescent tone to kick off the evening, from champagne bubbles served in fabulous flutes to twinkling candlelight and statement jewelry pieces. We love adding metallic and gleaming elements wherever possible (think ice buckets, bar trays, coasters) to strike an irrepressibly glamourous and festive mood.
Cocktails and Canapés
Let the good times flow! It’s easy to set the bar high with just a few extra-special touches to cocktail hour. We have a penchant for creating bars in unexpected places, from quirky cabinets to piano tops! Make sure it’s properly stocked with a few key pieces of glassware: double-old-fashioneds, highballs, martini, wine, and champagne flutes. Don’t forget a beautiful shaker for bespoke libations or a pitcher for batch cocktails (or both)!
We like to sprinkle little personal things into our bar to give it character, from framed photos to matches from our favorite restaurant. And the pièce de résistance for any noteworthy soirée—a smashing playlist.
Legendary Toasts
No proper affair is complete without a toast from the host or hostess, so pour something special and raise a glass!
David’s Tips for the Toastmaster
Do: Serving your cocktails “up” in a great martini glass feels like a proper event with gravitas.
Don’t: Start your toast with “I,” “Me,” “My,” or “Eyemabitdwunk.”
Do: Recount a funny story about the toastee with liberal exaggeration of their quirky traits.
Don’t: Read from a nine-page, single-spaced script.
Do: Reference at least three other guests (extra 30 points for grannies, minus 80 points for exes).
Maybe: Most marriage proposals happen between Christmas and New Year’s. Think hard first.
Bravo! Bottom’s Up! Santé!
Shop Holiday
Find more holiday inspiration in our book, Together at the Table