Helena Talbot's blog - How To Turn Your Home Into The Perfect Place For A Social Extravaganza

There is no better way to bond with friends and family than to have a party or a social gathering.  But sometimes just the very thought of planning such an event can be exhausting.  So let's talk about some ways that you can turn your home into a place for a social extravaganza without all of the stress.

Here are a few ways to plan and carry out your event without a hitch.

• The first thing you want to do is to pick a theme, a color scheme, the food and the drinks you will be serving

• Remember to include things that will stimulate all of the senses.   So start with the entry hall and then go room to room and make sure that each is clean and inviting

• Lighting is very important to the ambiance.  Add dimmer switches to every switch, install tinted light bulbs and candles to create warmth

• Scent is also very important.  Use candles in every room to create an intimate setting and to set the mood

• Sound is another important factor.  Music will be one of the most important factors in having a successful event.  Music will also help set the mood and should be played from the time right before the event begins until every last guest has left

• Taste is almost as important as everything else put together.  If the food is good, everyone will be talking about your event for a very long time and if it's not, then they will probably not want to return for your next event.  So it is a good idea to start the event with cocktails or a nice appetizer.  Drinks will help break the ice and help everyone transition from their hectic day

• Color is important.  Use color where ever possible.  In fabrics, food, napkins, candles, dinnerware and decor

• Set the mood.  You can do this with the table.  Use your best china or crystal and silver set.  Use fun and flirty glassware.  Make an impressive centerpiece with candles.  Or if it is a holiday you can use ornaments or pumpkins etc.   Use customized napkin rings, place cards and menus

• Entertainment is key.  Plan various mixers at periodic intervals to keep everyone involved and to make sure that no one is left out

There are so many great things you can do to have the event of the season that everyone will be talking about for years to come.  The best thing to do to keep from getting stressed or over whelmed is to make a plan well ahead of time.  Then piece together your plan a little at a time, far enough in advance that on event day all you have to do is to set up and wait for your guests to arrive.

If you love to entertain but find that you just don't have the space you would like, call your realtor today and ask for a list of available homes in your desired neighborhood.  Let them know exactly what you are looking for in your new home and they will hand pick suitable homes for you to view.  Then your next event can be a house warming party in your new home.

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia. 

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods include Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.