Diane Corieri, party planning guru, will make any party one to remember.
From the catering to the décor she knows how to put her touch to make it a magical evening

In a recent interview with Diane, here are the questions we posed and the fantastic tips she shared:

Where is the best place to start in planning a holiday party?

Find a date that works best for you and your guests. Check to see if there are any big conflicts such as national sports events, weddings etc.

Developing a theme is next and then sending out invitations.

Think through the evening from start to finish and write your thoughts down. This is the foundation for your planning.

 

On avoiding social incorrectness: What if you prefer a Christmas theme but not all guests celebrate the holiday in this manner?

I like to refer to Christmas parties as holiday parties. That way you’re sure not to offend anyone; otherwise make sure your guests know ahead of time what your party is about. Many times it’s not offensive and it is nice to see how others celebrate and enjoy the season together and to be included in others’ traditions.

 

In your professional opinion, what makes or breaks a holiday party?

Makers: Décor, food, drinks and entertainment.

Breakers: Vague or unclear time or directions; not being organized; planning a party on the night of someone else’s party or event; and, late notice to guests.

 

What makes guests comfortable or uncomfortable at a holiday party?

Your guests will be comfortable if they are greeted by a big smile at the front door when they come in. Have a place to put their coats and be sure to introduce them to someone so they aren’t left standing by themselves. Keep the music or entertainment to a level that allows guests to converse.

Have a table or stations with refreshments available for your guests so they can gather and mingle more easily.

When the host or hostess is comfortable and not stressed out, the guests will feel the same. Planning is key for this.

Out-of-line guests can make other guests uncomfortable. If someone gets out-of-line, pull them aside to caution them and be prepared to ask them to leave if necessary.

 

Any comments on keeping within a budget?

The best way to keep within your budget is to figure out ahead of time what you want to spend. That will help you determine the number of guests, the time you want to have your party, (for dinner or after the dinner hour) and the length of time for your party.

Don’t feel bad if you want to have an open house for a couple of hours where your guests drop in, have an appetizer and a glass of wine. Have it at a restaurant for Happy Hour. The holidays are busy and stressful. Just planning a small get together among friends is greatly appreciated.

Different themes can keep you on-budget, like cookie exchanges in the mornings with coffee or tea. If you have a hamburger budget, have hamburgers!

 

Can you give us 10 quick tips for holiday success?

1. Plan your whole event before it happens, beginning to end.
2. If you don’t have the time to plan down to the every last detail and don’t want the hassle of the clean up, consider having your party at a bar or restaurant. Most are decorated and have food and drinks and special menus for you to choose from. All you need to do is invite your friends and leave the planning to them.
3. Serve items that you can cater, pick up or prepare ahead of time. The less time you spend in the kitchen is more time you can enjoy your party and your guests.
4. Call your favorite restaurant or bar and they can probably help you find one or two “bussers” who can keep the plates and glassware picked up and food buffets or stations replenished. Each server/bartender will run about $20-25 per hour. Specify what you want them to be doing upfront so you won’t have to deal with it during your party. (pick up glassware, put dishes in dishwasher, take garbage outside in the garage, etc.) Tip them if they’ve done a great job for you.
5. Keep the bar to a minimum: have one or two themed drinks along with soft drinks, beer and or wine.
6. Specify an ending time to your party so the guests know how long to expect to stay. Nobody likes to be kicked out.
7. Fresh flowers and candles are always a hit for atmosphere. Scents are important, too.
8. Thank everyone for joining you in your holiday celebration and make sure that everyone has a safe and sober ride home. Have coffee and taxis available if necessary.

9      Hire a party planner to handle all your details.

And finally….

10    Be a guest at your own party!

 

To say that the nightclub industry is tough would be a vast understatement. Opening and operating a successful establishment is a valid testimony of perseverance and business savvy. To maintain multiple locations within the industry is an enormous feat requiring a level of skill and confidence that is almost unheard of. Les and Diane Corieri have earned their status as hospitality gurus by surviving for over 20 years in an industry that is as competitive as it is fast-paced.  The husband and wife duo possess characteristics that complement one another to form a single entity that is ideally suited to rule the landscape of Valley nightlife. Les has been involved in the hospitality industry for most of his adult life. Through his extraordinary business sense and confidence, Les is naturally suited for navigating an industry that demands the utmost self-assurance. Diane graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design and Commercial Arts and a minor in Business. Her outgoing, personable nature is the natural complement to Les, and the second half of EEG’s leadership tandem.  Together, Les and Diane Corieri are well known to be the reigning royal couple of Valley nightlife. They have been the feature of nearly every outlet across the spectrum of media as the model for successful ownership in a thriving hospitality industry.  The Corieris are the masterminds behind Evening Entertainment Group, a conglomerate of the Valley’s most elite nightspots. EEG encompasses Axis-Radius, Myst, Suede, Sandbar, and Sports City Grille/ Sky Lounge. These locations have long rested at the top of the list for the valley’s most desirable destinations.