The holiday season is always such a frantic time of year, don’t you think? Every year I say to myself that I’m going to be more organized and get on top of everything I need to do, see the people I want to see, and not be lost in a sea of wrap and sticky tape on Dec 24th! Yet, somehow, the months of November and December run away from me and before I know it, it’s two days before Christmas and I’m still sending out cards, buying presents and preparing for the Big Day. Well, this year I’m not just vowing to be more organized, I’m actually going to do it. YEAH! I’m super excited to be throwing an intimate holiday party at the beach house in partnership with my friends from Moen. Moen is known for their smart innovations and beautiful style, which is great as these are all things I consider when planning a party: How to make the party run smoothly and how to make it stylish and memorable. Let’s get started!
So how am I going to stick to schedule? Well, I’m starting off today by sharing what’s inspiring me and the direction I’m thinking of going in for the holiday party look, feel and mood. Then over the next month I’m going to be sharing weekly updates of the holiday party planning process, from tablescape ideas and outfit selections through to curating a Spotify playlist (hopefully with your help!) and the design direction for the holiday decor. I hope that by signing up to share the process with you guys it will help me keep on track, and fingers crossed inspire you guys for any holiday party entertaining you have planned yourselves!
To kick off, I pulled together this mood board with the design direction for the holiday party. This year I’m feeling an organic mix of rich olive and eucalyptus tones paired with rustic wooden textures, tactile linens and ceramics. There will be some mercury glass, flickering candles and warm woods to give it that festive holiday feel, too. I’m thinking a signature holiday party cocktail (with bubbles, of course) is a must. Plus, I hope to find a recipe for a drink I can make ahead of time so that the glasses can easily be refilled and I can spend time mingling with guests. And, naturally, I plan on choosing an outfit that pairs perfectly with the decorative surroundings – you guys know how much I love a color match moment. So there’s lots of planning to be done and decisions to be made… exciting! More to come soon. In the meantime, please do let me know what you are thinking of this design direction for the holiday party!
Sources: fig.1 | fig.2 | fig.3 | fig.4 | fig.5 | fig.6 | fig.7 | fig.8 | fig.9 | fig.10 | fig.11 | fig.12 | fig.13 | fig.14 | fig.15 | fig.16 | fig.17 | fig.18 | fig.19 | Top photograph of the Willem Brass Bell Garland from Rowen & Wren.
// Original mood board designed for and posted in partnership with Moen.
18 Comments
Ohhhhhh this is going to be beautiful 😍
@Susan – I hope so! Super excited about it!
How do you make these layouts? You are really good at them. Love the dining chair xo
@Kaz – Oh, thank you! I make these layouts in Photoshop. 🙂
I recall loving the holiday table you did last year…the red one?! Can’t wait to see what you do this year!!
@Ben – Yes, that one was really popular! I can’t wait to design something a little different this year (but equally as festive!).
Eucalyptus is the best, glad to see you are going to use it in your party. Looking forward to more updates. Victoria.
@Victoria – I love it too. Can’t wait to share more!
I’m a new follower of Bright Bazaar, but from the pics I’ve seen of your beach house, the olive and eucalyptus theme will work really well. I love, love, love wishbone chairs (been coveting them for years)! As the host to your party, make sure your outfit doesn’t clash with your surroundings but still makes you stand out. That can be a bit tricky, but so worth the effort. I wish I could come to your party. I have a feeling it’s going to be a good one!
@Nat – Welcome along! Delighted to have you reading! 🙂 I agree, the outfit is so important. Fingers crossed I can get it right…! Thanks for the lovely comment. Do you have a blog, too? If so, I’d love to check it out.
I love this idea! I’m hosting a friendsgiving and also thinking of hosting a more Christmasy type get together! Your post just put me over the edge! I’ll have to keep up with your updates for more inspiration! Can you give us your Spotify name so we can follow for the playlist?
@Charles – I love that this has inspired you to host a festive gathering of your own! How fun! Of course, I’m actually going to be sharing my Spotify info and playlist etc. in a blog post very soon. Either next week or the following week. Can’t wait to share more info!
Did you really mean Moen? Shower heads, faucets and bathroom accessories don’t usually go hand in hand with Christmas party and planning. Or accessorizing for a Christmas party. Sorry I had to ask. They do have beautiful style and smart innovations but any of that can be used in an intimate holiday party? Being a sponsor is another thing and it’s all perfect but it’s the way it was said 😊
@Louise – Yes, I meant Moen! The brand asked me to write this series about hosting a holiday party and the process of planning it because they wanted to show a human side of life in the home around the holidays. Sure, you can have a beautiful faucet in your kitchen but as well as that they wanted to be a part of the story and conversation about the special memories and moments that happen around their products as well. Thanks for reading and taking the time to leave a note. Happy friday!
I know, intimate or grand, it will be a spectacular event. Can’t wait to see how you put it all together over the next few weeks. No better way to christen your new home than a beautiful gathering with all those you love! ❤
@Harry – So encouraging of you to say, thank you! Can’t wait to share the planning progress with you!
Love! Love! Love! Love! Love! That’s all I can say!
@Sophie – Yaaaaay!