How to Throw a Holiday Party

The holiday season is full of decking the halls, jingling bells, sleigh rides, and canoodling lovers under the mistletoe – for some. For others, the feasts, the drinks, and the treats are the highlights of the season. But the season wouldn't be a season at all if it wasn't for the gathering of people, loved ones and strangers alike. In that spirit, Cville Niche decided to ask a few prominent faces of Charlottesville what their idea of a great holiday party would entail.

For Chief of Police Tim Longo, it's all about the food. “If there is one quality I have inherited from my Mom, it's her flare for cooking,” Longo explains. And, like a fine wine, traditions get better with age.

“Although not a ritual in our home growing up, my bride and I have established a Christmas Eve tradition that dates back centuries – the Feast of the Seven Fishes,” adds Longo.

“If you like seafood, nothing beats the aroma of Clams Casino, Oysters Rockefeller, Lobster Bisque, Flounder stuff with Lump Crab, Shrimp Scampi, and Fried Calamari (with a good Marinara for dipping) collectively wafting through the house.” With an anticipatory rumbling in his tummy, Longo affirms that any Italian-breed foodie can combine the hearty, abundant, and boisterous Italian-style feast, as well as try a new culinary flare during the holidays.

“Cook well, eat well. That's my tip.”

Matt Joslyn, Executive Director of Live Arts, provided a witty “how to” account for party-goers of all kinds:

“It starts with the right guest list. It should be eclectic, diverse, surprising, and delightful. I like to mix it up with unlikely pairings – bringing different groups from my life together to see what happens. It's all about creating potential for something interesting to happen, isn't it? Of course you've got to have the right food and libations, but that goes without saying. Let it be rich and plentiful. Present it beautifully. Have a bartender on hand and be ready to serve up anything your guests desire. Offer one signature cocktail of the night – something with a fabulous color – maybe with pomegranate juice.

In the theater we celebrate the “ Eleven o'clock number” – that huge song that comes in the middle of the second act and wakes the audience up and gets us poised for a vociferous ovation. What's your eleven o'clock number? Do you bring out an accompanist, pass around sheet music, and lead your group in a rousing sing-a-long of long forgotten Scots-Irish yuletide tunes? Maybe you take your show on the road for some door to door caroling. Or, maybe the doorbell rings and in comes a cavalcade of costumed characters for a truly bizarre absurdist interpretation of a well-known holiday parable of your choosing.

Then, hand them their goody bags (filled with spicy nuts, hot cocoa mix, and a holiday scented candle) and usher them out the door… confused and sad that they must leave… and wanting more. Always leave them wanting more.

So, there it is, party-enthusiasts: leave them wanting more. Whether it's the food or the impromptu atmosphere of song and dance, create an intoxicating atmosphere, and a natural ebb and flow will follow. Be creative, and surely it will be a night to remember.