With minimal effort
Although the holidays are in full swing, 2017 is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about where you’ll be come New Year’s Eve. But between searching for the perfect not-too-ugly holiday sweater and shopping for last-minute gifts, there’s still plenty to do before 2016 comes to a close. Planning another fête is probably the last thing on your list, so it’s understandable if you literally can’t even. With that in mind, we tapped Laura and Danielle Kosann, who have perfected their entertaining chops after years of planning dinner events, for their professional expertise on how to throw a celebration for the ages.
The talented duo, who regularly pick the brains of lifestyle gurus like Martha Stewart and Jessica Alba for their blog The New Potato, threw together a delicious family-style feast and even dolled out some premium party advice. “It’s more fun to be at a small party with people you like than a big, crazy one with only a few people you know,” Danielle tells InStyle. As for the dress code, comfort is key. “This year we’ll both probably wear a loose-fitting slip dress or a jumpsuit so that we can move around easily,” Laura adds.
1. Send a snazzy invite
A card with metallic accents, like this geometric marvel pressed with rose gold foil ($46/15; minted.com), feels festive and chic.
2. Serve a crowd-pleasing classic
“A vodka martini is classic and easy to customize for your guests,” says Danielle. “You can offer it dry with a twist, slightly dry with olives, or on the rocks.”
Vodka Martini
Serves 1
Ingredients
2 oz vodka
.5 oz dry vermouth
1 dash orange bitters
Lemon twist
Directions: Combine vodka, vermouth, and bitters in a cocktail mixing glass. Fill with ice and stir until well chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
3. Make Spirits Bright
To maintain a light mood, Laura says, “we get a lot of fun, silly things, like crowns that say ‘2017,’ oversize glasses, and push-pop confetti.”
$10 each; thimblepress.com
4. Come equipped with a make-ahead dish
This crispy garlic and lemon roasted new potato dish is surprisingly light and can be whipped up in under an hour. “Prep these ahead of time so all you have to do is put them in the oven during cocktail hour,” says Danielle. Get the recipe here.
Read the rest of the tips on InStyle.com
This article originally appeared on InStyle.com