Published: December 01. 2009 2:00AM

By Kondria Woods
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

This is your year.

Everyone decided that your house would be the family gathering spot for that big holiday dinner.

You just moved, and you’re finally going to make good on having that intimate get-together at your place.

You drew the shortest straw, and now you and your home will have the honor of hosting the event.

No matter what the event or its size, don’t panic! Entertaining at your house, during the holiday season or any time of the year, is easy when you’ve got a plan in mind. While “how did I get into this?” might be the inspiration for your planning process, Talk Greenville narrowed down the top four questions about entertaining under your own roof, and received responses from some of the Upstate’s busiest event planning professionals.

What key elements should I include on my to-do list?

Krystal Donald, wedding and event producer, All Occasions Celebrations: “Whether it’s seasonal, a special celebration or a simple color scheme, the items on your to-do list should reflect the theme chosen. Include plans for cleaning and sprucing up certain areas of your home and pick up new hand and kitchen towels. This will make the kitchen and powder room look polished.

Christine Faust, owner, Christine Faust Events: “Don’t overlook the importance of spending time on the guest list. A party at home is a great opportunity to introduce people from different circles. The conversation will be much more interesting if you throw some new blood into the mix.”

O’Zandra L. Floyd, president, On the Go Concierge: “I will advise anyone preparing to host an event to make a list and stick to it. Plan for the ‘before’ and the ‘after,’ and be prepared for spills, breakage and the unexpected! Also, stick to a three-quote minimum for caterers, cleaners and entertainers.”

How should I arrange my home to set the tone for entertaining?

Shay Brown, wedding & event designer, Shay Brown Events: “Accent the home with live plants that add a structural element and create a living oasis inside your home, essentially bringing the outdoors inside. This will allow the flow of the event to be as comfortable inside as it is relaxing outside. Lighting is a key element in any event, and I recommend layering candles in designated areas, such as the entrance vanity, living room mantle and bathrooms. Take the florescent lighting out and replace with warm amber or red bulbs in living room lamps to create a soft, warm glow.”

Krystal Donald: “Turn your home into simple vignettes, where groups of individuals can gather, enjoy great food and delightful conversation. Don’t be afraid to rearrange the furniture to create clusters and groupings so that your guests can mingle throughout the evening. Go to your favorite rental house and secure additional tables and chairs, if needed.”

What trends should I be aware of as I prepare?

Shay Brown: “2009 and 2010 are the years for color. When entertaining in your home, you want to make sure that you start with warm and cool gray undertones that are inviting to your guests. Accent with bold pieces in colors such as bright blues and yellows and mix it up with some spice colors such as cilantro greens, bisque and persimmon.”

Krystal Donald: “The trend that I’ve found that has most influenced entertaining at home comes directly from the Internet. The options that are available are limitless! If you can dream it, you can find it online. I am able to find the most unique items that otherwise wouldn’t be available in our local market. One of my favorite web sites is www.CB2.com. The style is modern-chic and I’m able to find things like really cool barware, funky serving pieces and fun coasters at very affordable prices.”

Christine Faust: “There is a huge trend towards being more eco-friendly, which has made people much more drawn to natural and simple decor. The opulent era of gilded and sparkly has been replaced by a love of wood grain, organic shapes and nature-inspired color palettes. I say be resourceful with what you have. You have a cabinet full of dishes and glasses that are dishwasher safe. Why would you go out and buy paper for your guests? It’s more eco-chic, and Martha Stewart already made it OK that everything doesn’t match. Definitely pull out all of that beautiful stuff you received as wedding presents. What else are you saving it for?”

O’Zandra Floyd: “Bargain shopping for event items, recycling previously used items and/or handmaking items is so in! It is amazing how a simple vase can be used repeatedly and it can have a different look each time. A clear pedestal vase stuffed with a thin green ribbon with a pink tulip added would look totally different from the same vase filled with black and gold marbles and a red ribbon tied low along the base. I’m also seeing a featured drink at events. Offering one specialty drink, a regular and a light beer, and a white and a red wine cuts the beverage bill and the need for a bartender. There are also parties that only offer soft drinks, an assortment of herbal and sweet teas and aromatic coffees, but ask guests to bring their own alcoholic beverages.”

What details are worth splurging on to really make things memorable?

Shay Brown: “Food, food, food! Make sure it is amazing — go all out. Staff — have at least two people cleaning up and replenishing items throughout the event. Wine and beer — serve the good stuff. Music — a special touch is to have someone playing live.”

Krystal Donald: “When entertaining at home, the one thing you can splurge on to ensure your personal enjoyment, as well as your guests, is a catering assistant. These individuals are trained to do a variety of things that can help you on the night of your big event. They can tend the bar, pass appetizers and keep kitchen clutter to a minimum. This way, you can enjoy the perfect party that you’ve worked so hard to plan!”

Christine Faust: “A paper invitation is such a treat when you unearth it under the bills in the mailbox. It is so easy to print them off on your home computer or put those scrapbooking skills to work. Invest in wine glasses for a dollar apiece at the hobby store. Even the best wine tastes terrible out of a plastic cup.”