“Christmas is filled with traditions, from the food we eat and the treats we leave for Santa, to festooning the tree and hanging the stockings to be filled. Our event brings all these elements together with a philanthropic twist that spreads holiday cheer to those less fortunate. There are so many who are unable to put food on their tables, gifts under a tree, or even dress appropriately for the weather, let alone attend a party. This cocktail soiree is designed not only for celebrating the season, but for helping those in need. Attendees leave the party knowing they enjoyed a celebratory evening out and helped many of those less fortunate in the process.”—James Rota of Dazzle Creative Events
“The signature cocktail is the ‘Winter Warmth’—a blend of Belvedere vodka, sweet vermouth, milled cherry juice, and eggnog froth with a dusting of nutmeg and a star anise garnish.” Cocktail from Shiraz Events in Miami, New York, Los Angeles and London
Toronto firm L'Eat Catering serves a pomegranate cocktail during the holiday season. Called "Pom Strega Dolce," the drink melds muddled pomegranate with Mount Gay Eclipse rum, Strega (an Italian herbal liqueur), lemon juice, and fresh mint.
Huckleberry Hall, a soon-to-open bar and lounge in Aspen, Colorado, will serve a "Black Cherry Sling." The fruity cocktail will combine Breckenridge bourbon with black cherry soda and lime juice. The concept is from New York-based chef David Burke, and the cocktail program will feature house-made syrups and local ingredients.
Inspired by the fall holidays, a "Sage and Peppercorn Old Fashioned" from Chicago's Truffleberry Market combines sage-infused rye whiskey with barrel-aged bitters and peppercorn maple syrup.
Chicago event firm A Perfect Event serves bright red "Holly Jolly" cocktails at holiday gatherings. The fruity drink combines Real Russian vodka with ginger beer and strawberry jam; it's garnished with fresh rosemary and strawberry.
At Filini Bar & Restaurant at Chicago's Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, the "Cranberry Spice" cocktail is served during the holiday season. The cocktail blends Aperol and hard cider with house-made ginger simple syrup, Lillet Blanc, and house-made nutmeg syrup. The unexpected garnish contains sweet-and-sour beets and a lime.
Chicago catering firm Food for Thought offers a mulled spiced wine with cabernet sauvignon, apple cider, citrus, and spices. The drink is garnished with a cranberry skewer.
Planning an office holiday party? Get crafty with the 3-D snowflake kit, $13.95, from Paper Source to create a cubicle of flurries. The kit makes four garland strands.
Ornaments added glitz to the decor at a Hollywood Pop Gallery-produced event.
For an elegant, modern take on a traditional holiday theme, Galley suggests rustic table decor with earthy tones and nature-inspired accents, accented with a variety of red roses and greenery.
A cookie-decorating station turns adults into kids, says New York event designer David Stark. He recommends providing guests with blank ginger or sugar cookies in various shapes, along with a bar of edible decorating items.
