6 Nervous Nellie Ideas for Easy Holiday Celebrations

Holidays are particularly stressful between gift buying, party going and party hosting. This and next week I'll outline steps that may reduce stress at least around entertaining. Keep in mind that size matters and you'll want to scale these tips to match your vision for the party.
Some of the tips outlined may sound over the top snooty or expensive. Just pick a few of these ideas. I grew up with parents who loved to entertain.  There was always enough good food, refreshments and fun friends.  I learned a lot from them and over the past 45 years have picked up a few extra tips that I've written about in this email. I hope you find them useful.
  1. Planning. Start planning days or even weeks before an event depending on how many people will attend. For me half the fun is the creativity that goes into the menu, decoration, setting the table and anticipating the day of the party.
  2. Themes. A really nice touch and especially fun around holidays, birthdays and special events that can include decorations like flags on July 4 or a black and white color scheme for New Years Eve.
  3. Invitations.  Sending invites whether snail mail or email are appreciated by guests and add flair to your party. 
  4. Help! Depending on the size of the group and available budget you may consider hiring a helper for serving, keeping dishes and glasses picked up and food refreshed.
  5. Food. Use recipes that you have served before. This is not the time to try out a new recipe. Trust me, I've gone down in flames by serving something I haven't used in the past. Serving commercially prepared or packaged food is just fine. Costco, AJs, Sprouts, Trader Joes or any local food store.
  6. Let your guests bring something! I've learned that guests like to contribute.
  • Embarrassing Hostess Story: One Thanksgiving I decided to roast a goose. I prepped it according to a recipe the day before the dinner. The day of the dinner I slipped this plump bird in the oven.  When it was finished I removed it from the oven and placed it on a carving board on the table.  As I began to slide the knife into the goose the bird literally turned to dust and collapsed before me (and my 10 guests) very eyes. The bird had completely dried out.

I hope that you find these little tidbits helpful. If you enjoy the article, I’d love to hear what you liked best. Please feel free to pass these tips on to anyone you know who might enjoy them!.
When you're ready for your next executive headshot or personal branding photo session search out the photographer that will best meet your needs and personality.  If you're in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area I'd appreciate a message from you to talk about how you want your headshot to reflect who you are.
Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Portfolio

Yours truly, Linda
480-353-9415, Linda@LindaKazares.com

PS I travel often to the San Francisco Bay area.  Please let me know what would be convenient for you and I will schedule an appointment the next time I'm there.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Everyone Else Is Posting A New Headshot. Are You?

Image
  How did you feel that last time you posted a new professional headshot? I'm guessing pretty good. What I've noticed on social media is when a client posts a new headshot the comments like these start to explode.                                                        Love it Gorgeous Wow You're so pretty Very professional... You look younger than ever Fabulous as always only more so... Awesome So handsome. Keep up the good work. You're looking good... Who took that photo? I want to look like you. When I read the comments and see clients' social media likes it's an endorphin rush. There are so many reasons why you'll want to update your headshot.  It will attract new viewers. Have you ever bought a book twice because the cover was changed? You get the idea. An updated headshot will keep you in front of clients and prospects so you're top of mind when they need you, your services or products. A current headshot contributes to your authenticity. When I mee
Read more

3 Bright Ideas For Better Visual Branding During Virtual Meetings

Image
  In the past, I've written a lot about virtual meetings and the visual impact on your brand.  As a  virtual photographer , my eye starts to recognize opportunities for improving how you appear at a virtual meeting.  The tweaks are subtle.   Following are the three next level suggestions for improving your image during a virtual meeting.  💡Color of light. The most common color on an attendee's face on a virtual meeting is yellow, followed by orange. That often means the lights used are incandescent. Solution: Soft white lights are a good solution. A techie option is to go for a light rated close to 5500k (kelvins), a neutral. Many ring lights have options that include Warm White, Cool White, and Daylight. 2. 👀 Glasses. I wear them. Half of my clients do as well. They are a challenge. Solution:  Look straight at the screen. Do not have the screen positioned so that you have to look up. Have lights slightly above your screen and to either side if you have multiple light options
Read more

How Pre-Event Planning will Enhance the Results of Corporate Event Photography Part 2 of 2

Image
In Part 1 we covered Productive Ways to Use Corporate Event Photography with 14 tips to consider the next time you hire a photographer for an event. Pre-Event planning is an important step that will assure success. Without it it's like darts - hit or miss. The plan will be used to communicate with your team and photographer so everyone is on the same page when it comes to before, during and after the event. There are two key areas to define in the planning stage that should be provided by the organizer to the photographer: a check list of shots that will be needed depending on how the photos will be used and tactical instructions.   Suggested “shot list” many include: Pre-event setup. This can involve set-up, preparation and decoration throughout the construction phase before the attendees arrive A step and repeat at the 'Red carpet' location as the attendees arrive Posed and candid shots of VIPS such as speakers, awardees, key clients etc. Crowds m
Read more