Valerie Ong, Soo Shea Pin and Michele Kwok share their tips and tricks on how to create the most unforgettable festive experience without breaking a sweat
Whether you’re a seasoned party veteran or a first-time host, organising that once-a-year party is always an exciting adventure of last-minute shopping and getting everything just right, from setting the mood to whipping up delicious meals and canapés in just the right quantities for large groups! When it starts to feel a tad overwhelming—especially as the day of the party looms closer—we always fall back on advice from the pros of party hosting. Enlisting the help from the most seasoned of Tatler friends who love to make merry, we’ve gathered expert advice for a worry-free party planning experience.
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Valerie Ong
What’s one festive party or dinner must-have that has been a lifesaver for you as a host?
Valerie Ong: My friends and I will always focus on the theme of our wines first before anything else. After that, we start building the rest of our food menu based on the wine we picked, and choosing decorations and song choices for the night! We usually bring a bottle or two each and organise a blind tasting, so that the party would be engaging, fun and a learning experience too that involves all our interests. So if there’s one thing we can’t go without for a festive party, it’s the wine!
What's a festive tradition that you find works for an intimate yet engaging gathering?
Champagne and wine are the perfect conversation starters! We do Secret Santa too, so everyone is assigned to a guest’s name, with a specific budget and theme so that we will always end up having a good laugh at the end of the night.
