Combining the Old with the New for the Holidays

The holidays have arrived. To make them extra special, why not host a holiday party that everyone will remember. Let’s face it, it’s been quite a year. Everyone says it flew by faster than they could imagine. When we live life at this velocity, we need a reason to take a break. Make this holiday season your excuse. By hosting a party you can celebrate the past, present, future and indulge in the holiday spirit, while enjoying the company of your family and friends.

For me, the holidays are most meaningful when they combine the old and the new. Think nostalgia with a touch of the unexpected. Whether it’s the food, the music or the decorations on the tree, when people visit our home during the holidays, I like to share the things I enjoyed as a child. And while I cherish the old, the new is also important in our tradition. So every year, I ask our guests to invite someone new to the gathering. Nuturing old friendships and creating new ones, together we savor the joy of the holidays.

Some people like to draw from other cultures for added richness, substance and fun. For example, an old friend of mine once hosted a dinner party in which her neighbor from Thailand had been invited to prepare the meal. The dinner was exquisite, so exquisite actually, that it remains a topic of conversation to this day.  Another friend of ours remembers Christmas Eve with her friends from Italy. They served a diverse seafood menu that she still enjoys recreating at her holiday celebrations. Whether a new culture or the one you grew up with, bringing in some tradition can add seasonal spice to everyone’s experience!

This year's party is already planned, and my family heritage is the special ingredient. As usual, I’ll do the house up in deep, dark, rich tones of red and green. Sparkling gold ribbon and white lights will set the tone, and in the background, a great mix of holiday music that I created. The cocktail list will have some nostalgic touches – aromatic bourbon old fashions with chunks of fresh orange, perfect dry manhattans with a twist of lemon and classic martinis. I’m pulling out my mother’s holiday menu and serving up hot crab, spinach and red pepper dips, along with shrimp cocktail fresh from the gulf. Up next are trays of rich turkey dressing (enough to feed an army), and green bean casserole topped with crispy onions. Then it's time for pecan pie, pumpkin pie and chocolate dipped cake balls (vanilla, chocolate and red velvet).

Don't forget to take some time to catch up with yourself, your friends and your family this season. By combining the old and the new into your holiday celebration, it’s easy to take comfort in tradition, while keeping things fresh, exciting and meaningful. Happy Holidays!