Post Holiday Party Tips

Posted by Trevy Thomas Jan 6, 2009

By now, we've all survived the holidays in its various forms. I talked to many people over the season who claim to despise holidays, but I remain childishly jubilant about them. Like many, I was tempted this year to get frustrated about the extra time demands and chores of the season, but because I still remember what I loved about it as a child, I wasn't about to let adulthood ruin it for me. So many things get lost on the road to maturity. I'm sure I don't even remember some of what I used to take great pleasure in. With holidays, however, it is obvious and understandable how the transition from joy to jaded occurs. I don't want to be robbed of this last shred of my girlish memories, so every year, I put up silly blinking white balls on my porch (that I refer to as the Chinese disco), wrap presents for the man I love, and make my poor dogs wear decorated antlers and jingly collars. How amusingly absurd it all is!

I also attended a few parties this year, and was grateful to be the guest of such thoughtful hostesses. I admit to being somewhat lame in the appetizer and cocktails department (wine with cheese and crackers being my staple), so I am impressed by the efforts I see others put into party fare. If you, like me, need a bit of help in this department, try Mr. Rathubun's new book, Party Snacks! and see if you can't show some enthusiasm, even if you have to wait until summer to stomach it.