Dust off the menorah and Christmas ornaments, and stock up on sparklers and New Year’s Eve party kits. It’s December 1, and the holiday season is officially here. For most of us, that means attending a month-long loop of parties and events, and for many of us, that also means organizing some sort of festive gathering. I’ll admit to feeling slightly panicky last night as I watched the Rockefeller Tree Lighting on TV and began addressing the invitations for our annual “Mischmas” holiday party. Fortunately for us amateurs, there are seasoned fête vets like Tara Guérard to guide us in our party-planning efforts. Guerard is no stranger to G&G readers. The lovely South Carolina native founded the colossally successful event management company, Soirée, in Charleston 13 years ago and has been creating spectacular celebrations ever since. What may come as a surprise, though, is learning that Guérard, who was just featured in the Wall Street Journal, opened a New York City branch of Soirée last year.

Photo by Liz Banfield

As a result of working and spending time in Manhattan, Guérard understands the particular challenges we Southern transplants face when trying to throw the kinds of to-do’s we might be used to within the constraints of big city life: undersized apartments, oversized guest lists, the difficulties of grocery shopping in bulk, etc. She graciously offered 10 tips for fool-proof entertaining in even the smallest of spaces, such as must-haves for the bar and playlist, and simple tricks to make guests feel special. Think of this as a blueprint for throwing the ideal Southern-flavored holiday brunch/formal dinner/cocktail fête/New Year’s Day football-viewing party, no matter where you live or how formal (or not) the occasion. 

1. If it’s a daytime affair, it’s always nice to serve Bloody Mary’s (see Guérard’s famous recipe below). Have them pre-made and poured into tall glasses as guests enter.

2. Great champagne is a must for any occasion—don’t skimp here! Always have a full bar—liquor, wine and beer—so that your guests have options.

3. To decorate, find a bowl full of pinecones or acorns (Jamali Garden in the floral district is a great resource). Or fill a big glass with eucalyptus, clementines, lemons, and oranges. 

4. Put a football game on the tube.

5. Have some upbeat tunes to keep things social. Here are some suggestions from my own iPod: Gypsy Kings, Cesaria, Miles Davis, and the Buena Vista Social Club.

6. Do something unexpected and somewhat luxurious like hire a bartender or somebody to handle a coat check (they can help with clean up as well), so you can actually be a host/hostess.

7. If it’s available, have a roaring fire and even consider toasting s’mores. It will make everyone feel like home!

8. Cluster votive candles on a sideboard or across window sills for soft light.

9. For the post-dinner lull after your appetite comes back, offer cheese plates paired with port wine.

10. Send guests home with a little Chinese take-out box of leftovers as a favor for guests. These are cheap and easy to get in New York (try Pearl River on Broadway for supplies).

What are your tips for throwing a party in the City?