Well, we’ve reached the end of 2022! This year has been full of surprises, both personally and professionally. I’m so ready to embrace all that the new year has to offer in every way. If you’re gearing up to bring in the new year like most of the world, you’re probably going to celebrate with friends and family. New Year’s Eve parties are always a fun way to both reflect on all the great memories of the past year, as well as bring in all the newness that comes on January 1. But, entertaining during the holidays is no small feat. I’m your resident interior designer, here to help you stress-proof your parties and prepare your interior design for all the fun to come!
Take Advantage of Performance Fabrics
I don’t know about you, but when I think about hosting any type of event, one of the first things that comes to mind is the potential for spills and messes in the space. If you’re new here, you might not know that I love to entertain. We do a great deal of that in the Breegan Jane household. I’m lucky to have so many friends who all live in all four corners of the world. When they come to visit, I often throw small but festive soirees so that LA friends can gather with them, as well. I also have two young children who regularly host their friends in my home, so I know a thing or two about the common mishaps that can occur when many people are in one space. Hands down, one of the best things anyone can do when they’re preparing for a gathering is invest in performance fabrics.
You might be wondering what performance fabric is in the first place. These fabrics are designed to withstand all the realities of daily life. As an interior designer, my job is to ensure your space brings you joy each time you walk into the room. I want the look of the space to proverbially “knock your socks off.” That ‘wow’ factor means you love the work that was done. But that’s not the only job I have when you hire me. My goal is to provide you with functionality that makes your life easier, more productive, and more inspired than what you previously had. That means giving a great deal of attention to how the space will be used, and making that a priority. Incorporating performance fabrics in the furniture in a space is just one way of accomplishing this goal.
No Mess, No Stress – Furniture
Performance fabrics are designed to be cleaned over and over again without ruining the pattern, color or material. This is an advantage whether you are throwing a huge shindig or if you have active little ones running around each day. New Year’s Eve parties usually feature some sort of themed beverage. If red wine or any other dark-colored juice is present, stains might follow. When that happens, I easily wipe away the mess without a care in the world. That piece of mind is priceless.
Performance fabrics are also usually treated to avoid bleaching from UV rays. This is an added bonus if you live in a climate that makes entertaining outdoors possible during this time of year. Do yourself a favor and select furniture pieces with performance fabrics if you’re entertaining during the holidays. You’ll thank me when your space looks good as new January 1, and all the days after.
A Seat For Everyone
Being a gracious host when I’m entertaining during the holidays requires great thought regarding the details of how the night will go. Will there be a sit-down dinner or food stations? Can people expect to spend their time mostly seated, or will there be more dancing and mingling? These party elements are crucial in determining how your space will need to be arranged. Seating is an essential part of planning a social gathering. You’ll want every guest to feel comfortable and have a place to sit, should they so please. But let’s face it: most of our homes weren’t built with large celebrations in mind. If you’re worried about having enough chairs for everyone, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and get creative.
Maximizing the seating in your interior design is easier than you might think. Of course, you’ll have the use of your existing sofas and chairs. However, don’t negate the power of your kitchen island. Bar stools make this space a perfect gathering spot for parties, and they provide easy access to refreshments for your guests. Ottomans, oversized floor cushions and poufs are easy to incorporate in a space. Also, they lend the perfect, relaxed vibe for a fun New Year’s Eve party.
Think Outside the Box
I am all about using interior design to not only live the best lives we can, but also to live life honestly. If you’ve seen any of my reels on Instagram, you know exactly what I mean. When utility is the focus, never be afraid to “break the rules” of design. If you’re expecting a lot of people over for your gathering, consider bringing good-quality outdoor furniture inside.
While this might sound crazy to many of you, I’ve actually used a patio set as my family dining room table for several months now. With two wiggly bear boys, it made for easy clean-up after dinnertime nightly, and I haven’t regretted it since. You may not be expecting kids at your party, but using furniture you already own in a pinch is always a great idea. Entertaining during the holidays doesn’t always mean breaking the bank to buy new decor for the occasion. Take advantage of what is readily available and often right in front of your face. Besides, your friends and family are there to celebrate the New Year with you, not to critique your interior design choices, after all.
Keep It Simple
People think entertaining during the holidays has to be a lot of work. But there’s no rule that states the host can’t have as much fun as the guests! Take the stress away by tossing out your expectations of perfection. There’s no need to go buy themed plateware and cups; this is actually the perfect opportunity to break out that fancy china you never use, even if it doesn’t all match. When are you ever going to use it if not for an occasion like this, anyway?
Consider using your credenzas as stations for beverages, food or even craft stations for kids (if they’re invited). Most of us have credenzas that we use for storage or decoration. They are ideal for use at parties, as well. So by all means, do! When you’re running short on time for decorations, forget about a color palette and stick to the metallics. Silver and gold will always add all the sparkle you need and won’t clash with your design and decor.
It’s the most festive time of the year, and you deserve to enjoy it, even if you’re the party organizer. Don’t get bogged down with planning woes and difficulties. Use these tips to make your celebration a success—and your life a little easier, too! Happy New Year, everyone!
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