CityView Magazine - Fayetteville, NC
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/48901
For more advice on party planning we caught up with Cynthia Ross of CP Ross Designs. "State the attire on the card and what type of party it is and notate times and RSVP information. This is your start and very important for the atmosphere of your event," Ross said. Then set the mood before guests get inside by adding candle luminaries to your walkway, either in glass jars or in a little bag. Make sure someone opens the door for the guests and that guests have a place to put coats and wraps and um- brellas, if it is raining. Inside, she said there's no beating Party Planner Cynthia Ross of CP Ross Designs has a mantra: Plan, plan, plan. Great events don't just happen, she said. To throw a successful cocktail party she says you should plan at least two months in advance and purchase invi- tations that echo the theme of the party. a fire for ambience, but if a fire is not possible, she said lit candles in your fireplace will suffice. Soſt jazz as back- ground music completes the mood. "Actually, it's great to tuck away speak- ers on your porch so that guests hear the music as they arrive," she said. Lighting is very important to the tone of a party and Ross believes that the more candles you use, the better. "But be sure to leave enough light for the guests to see the food," Ross cau- tioned. "LED lights or Christmas lights under the cloth can also add dimension and interest to your event." Likewise, she said scents can really add — or detract — from a party. She loves using holiday scents at this time of the year. Also, a few days before the party, look at your house and imagine how your guests may sit or stand. You may need to rearrange your furniture to cre- ate inviting conversation areas. Guests will naturally congregate around the food table and the bar, Ross said. She also recommends having can- dles on your porch or patio, and a roar- ing fire in a firepit or outdoor fireplace, or a heat lamp, to give guests an outdoor congregating option, as well. And if you, like C.J. Malson, plan to host a holiday party year aſter year, Ross suggests starting a scrap book for your guests to look through. "The first year take photos and have the guests sign the book with something they would like to write. When they come back the next year they can see photos and comments from the year before." CV Fayetteville Christmas Church Services 44 | Food & Wine • 2011