At-Home Entertaining Tips from Jeff Best and CÎROC Ultra Premium Vodka
An event-planning veteran in Los Angeles, Jeffrey Best of Best Events is a go-to
creative guru who has planned star-studded affairs for Madonna, Courteney Cox
Arquette & David Arquette, Sarah Michelle Gellar & Freddie Prinze, Jr., Mariah
Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Megan Mullally, Ben Stiller, Ashton Kutcher & Demi
Moore, Cameron Diaz, Tobey Maguire, Keanu Reeves, Matthew Perry, Guy Oseary and
Penelope Cruz.
With the Inauguration just behind us and red carpet season already here, renowned
celebrity event planner Jeffrey Best shares some top entertaining tips to help you
celebrate the season like a celebrity-all from the comfort of your own home.
1. Theme: Tie Your Party Together
When planning a party, it is important to consider every element of your party-from
décor to music to menu selection. Always create a theme for your party-it will help
tie all of your elements together.
2. Location: Be Fabulous at Home
An 'at-home' celebration is often more intimate and comfortable than a bar or
restaurant. The best part about hosting guests in your own home is that you can
tailor everything from the music to menu to your original style.
3. Budget: It's all about the Benjamins
Staying in and hosting a soiree at home can be a great way to host an intimate yet
fabulous cost-efficient event. First and foremost, create a budget to avoid any
last-minute, unplanned costs. Also, consider the areas you consider most
important-like your signature CÎROC cocktails---and spend accordingly.
4. Décor: Keep it Simple
Stunning décor doesn't have to be complicated and simple touches can go a long way.
Try candles to transform a room or choose a theme color and incorporate it
throughout you soiree.
5. Menu: Keep Out of the Kitchen
Always keep your menu simple so you can spend time enjoying the company of others,
not stuck in the kitchen.
6. Cocktails: It's All About You
Personalize your party with a signature cocktail that incorporates your theme. Use
a premium alcohol to maintain quality. I always recommend using CÎROC vodka, which
is made from fine French grapes, to give my events a sophisticated touch. Find your
signature cocktail at www.cirocvodka.com <
http://www.cirocvodka.com/> or
www.thebar.com <
http://www.thebar.com/> .
7. Music: Set the Mood
Music is critical to your celebration and will set the tone for the evening. In a
pinch, you can always leave the planning to iTunes or another online music source
and download a full playlist-and keep focused on the rest of your party.
8. Fashion: Put Your Best Foot Forward
Fashion counts, so always make sure you let your guests know what to wear well in
advance of your event. Guests can be uncomfortable if they arrive overdressed or
underdressed, so be sure to communicate with them in advance.
9. Guest list: Mix It Up
I love to mix up the guest list and invite different groups of friends-it's a great
way for your friends to meet new people. If planning for a seated affair, seat your
guests with people who they may not know well.
10. Safety: Responsibility Counts
If you're going to celebrate, please remember to do so responsibility. A
sophisticated celebration should always end with a safe ride home, so always plan
accordingly. Last year, Sean Combs provided Cadillac Escalades to many of his guests
to ensure that they had a safe ride to and from the event I produced to celebrate
his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Alternatively, it's always a good idea to
keep a local taxi or car service number on-hand, should any of your guests need it.