Glam Up Halloween: Top 20 Halloween Costume Ideas for 2023

Glam Up Halloween: Top 20 Halloween Costume Ideas for 2023

by | Aug 28, 2023 | Event Catering, Events, Halloween, Holiday

20 Ideas for Halloween Costumes

If you’re planning a Halloween event, a stellar costume is part of the key to an amazing party. Here are twenty ideas for Halloween costumes in 2023:

1. Dreamhouse Barbie

With its dreamy outfits and bright pink styles, the Barbie movie is sure to inspire a ton of amazing looks for Halloween events this year! Join the craze by dressing up as Dreamhouse Barbie. Pair a pink gingham dress with cute pumps and a blonde wig and you’ll be ready!

2. Mario and Luigi

This costume is a great one to do with a friend! Harness all the popularity of the Mario movie by dressing up as Mario and Luigi with a buddy of yours. You’ll need blue overalls, green and red shirts and hats, and mustaches.

3. Geralt of Rivia

For another look straight from the world of video games and fantasy, try dressing up as Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher. You’ll need a black shirt and trousers, leather gloves, and a long silver wig. For bonus points, add a replica of Geralt’s sword.

4. Toad

Don’t want to dress as Mario or Luigi but still love Nintendo? Be everyone’s favorite little mushroom kingdom friend, Toad. You’ll need a blue vest, white trousers, and a mushroom cap hat.

5. Princess Peach

If you’re someone who loves the fact that Halloween gives you a reason to dress up fancy, why not be Princess Peach? Her iconic look features a fluffy pink dress and long wavy locks of blonde hair, plus a tiara and white gloves. You’ll also need some pink shoes and blue earrings.

6. Ken

Ken is another great Halloween costume option that is sure to be popular this year. Capture Ryan Gosling’s look from the Barbie movie with:

  • Black vintage cowboy shirt
  • White cowboy hat
  • A pink bandana

7. 80s Barbie

For a special twist on Barbie’s look, try dressing up for Halloween as an 80s Barbie! For this look, wear a pink leotard, leg warmers, and chunky vintage jewelry.

8. Weird Barbie

Another fun twist on a Barbie costume is going as Weird Barbie! Popularized by Kate McKinnon’s character in the Barbie movie, this costume is a twisted, but loving homage to the Barbies we spent customizing as kids.

To create this especially unique look, wear an oversized pink dress and a short blonde wig. You should also draw some squiggles or designs on your face with makeup.

9. Cowgirl Barbie

Cowgirl Barbie is another one of Barbie’s amazing looks from the film that people just can’t seem to get enough of! For this look you’ll need:

  • Pink bell bottoms
  • A pink vest or crop top
  • A white cowgirl hat

10. Bowser

Bowser is another iconic Nintendo look that makes a super fun Halloween costume! You’ll just need a Bowser mask, a yellow bodysuit, and a turtle shell backpack.

11. Ariel

Wishing you could be under the sea? Wish no more this Halloween by dressing up as Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Her look is especially fun to recreate, due to its whimsical nature!

To get started with this look, you’ll need to get a long, bright red wig with curls in it. You’ll also need a seashell top and a long, shimmery skirt that is blue or blue-green. Don’t forget a purple sea star pin for your hair and a seashell purse to complete your outfit.

12. Wednesday Addams

Wednesday Addams is sure to be another popular Halloween costume in 2023. All you will need is a knee-length black dress with a white collar and some black tights! Finish up with some black loafers and plain Mary-janes and be sure to braid your hair into her iconic pigtails too.

13. Deadpool

Deadpool is a bit more complicated of a costume, but it’s sure to be a hit You’ll need a red jumpsuit and of course, Deadpool’s mask for a base layer. Finish up with a set of his weapons, but be sure to opt for plastic!

14. Shazam

If you love superhero movies, Shazam can be another great choice for a Halloween costume this year. Shazam’s outfit consists of a red bodysuit and white cape with gold trim, accessorized with gold boots and gloves. Don’t forget Shazam’s gold belt too.

15. Eddie Munson

For the supernatural and sci-fi lovers in the house, Eddie Munson from Stranger Things is an obvious choice. This beloved character has only been in one season so far but is already a fan favorite. To complete Eddie’s grungy metalhead look, you will need:

  • Denim vest with patches
  • Long brown wig
  • Ripped jeans

16. Ted Lasso

Ted Lasso finished up this year, but that doesn’t mean you have to be done with it. Dress up as everyone’s favorite football coach by layering a blue sports jacket with navy pants. Complete your look with aviator sunglasses, white sneakers, a whistle, and a white visor. Last, not certainly not least, you’ll need Ted’s signature mustache.

17. Spider-man

Spider-Man is a classic superhero costume choice for Halloween. It’s also a pretty easy costume! All you will need is a Spider-man mask and a red and blue jumpsuit and you’ll be ready for a Halloween party.

18. Black Adam

Black Adam can be another fun superhero costume! To capture The Rock’s look, you’ll need a black bodysuit with a lightning bolt. You’ll also need a gold belt and boots. To finish off your look, wear a black cloak with matching gold trim.

19. Keeley Jones

For a glamorous Halloween costume that is sure to get you lots of compliments, try dressing as Ted Lasso’s resident fashionista, Keeley Jones!

To channel your inner Keeley, style your hair into a high ponytail or buy a blond wig to style if you prefer. Wear a cute pink minidress with a furry coat or opt for some AFC Richmond gear for a more casual look.

20. Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong is another popular and beloved Nintendo character that makes for a wonderful costume at parties! For Donkey Kong’s look, you’ll need a brown jumpsuit or monkey costume, a Donkey Kong mask, and a bright red tie.

All your Holiday Party catering needs

Whether you’re planning one of your big family celebrations or a more intimate gathering, we’ve got all of the incredible food you need to ensure your party is a success! Don’t spend a second longer trying to figure out which restaurants are right for your holiday parties. At KPacho we offer premier catering services for your event. Contact us today for more information.

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The 10 Absolute Best Cocktails For Summer

The 10 Absolute Best Cocktails For Summer

by | Jun 20, 2023 | Event Catering, Events

Summer cocktails aren’t only fun for you–they’re perfect for any parties or events you’re looking forward to this summer. However, with the seemingly endless amount of delicious cocktail recipes out there, many people find themselves stuck on which drinks are the best for their fun summertime celebrations.

If you find yourself in this tricky spot, worry no more. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of the ten best cocktails to enjoy this summer and how to make them for you and your guests. Let’s dive in!

1. Moscow Mule

If you’re planning a summer full of family celebrations, this easy-to-make but tasty drink should be at the top of your menu. All it takes is three simple ingredients: vodka, ginger beer, and lime.

Collect two ounces of vodka, ½ ounces of fresh lime juice, and three ounces of cold ginger beer to make this classic drink. Combine the vodka and the lime juice in a traditional cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake for about 15 seconds. Strain the drink and pour it into a copper mug filled with ice, topping it with ginger beer and a lime garnish. Delicious!

2. Mai Tai

While some Mai Tai recipes differ, this is all the more reason to experiment this summer and find the best recipe for your tastes! There’s nothing quite like a fresh Mai Tai to make you feel like you’re vacationing on a beautiful island.

To make one of our favorite Mai Tai recipes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Ice
  • 3 fluid ounces of pineapple juice
  • 2 fluid ounces of orange juice
  • 1.5 fluid ounce of jigger spiced rum
  • 1.5 fluid ounce of jigger coconut-flavored rum
  • 1 teaspoon of grenadine syrup

Craft the drink by filling your cocktail shaker with ice and adding all ingredients to the shaker. Next, you can shake vigorously for about 15 seconds and strain the drink into a glass of ice–it’s that easy!

3. Red Sangria

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a sweet cocktail jam-packed with delicious fruit. This recipe uses several ingredients, but once you’ve mastered the sangria, you’ll be happy you went through the effort. To make our favorite red sangria for your summertime holiday parties, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Two bottles of red Spanish table wine
  • 1 cup of brandy
  • ½ cup triple sec
  • 1 cup of orange juice
  • 1 cup of pomegranate juice
  • ½ cup of simple syrup (more to taste)
  • Orange slices
  • Apple slices
  • Blackberries
  • Pomegranate seeds

Mix all these ingredients together and place in a tightly-sealed pitcher for 24 hours before serving.

4. Coconut Margarita

Beyond the classic Pina Colada (which we’ll get to shortly), why not mix things up this summer with a unique, flavorful coconut margarita?

While it’s more complex than traditional summer drinks, a coconut margarita will surely please guests at a holiday party or family celebration. To make this drink, collect the following:

  • 3 ounces of cream of coconut
  • 2 ounces of tequila
  • 1 ounce of orange liqueur
  • 1 ounce of fresh lime juice
  • Ice
  • Optional garnishes: honey, toasted coconut, and an additional lime slice

Pour the cream of coconut, tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice into a shaker with ice and mix for 15-30 seconds. Strain the margarita into a glass, garnished with a honey and coconut rim if desired.

5. Paloma

Making a Paloma is relatively easy, meaning you’ll have this recipe down quickly. To make our favorite Paloma recipe, you’ll need 2 ounces of tequila blanco, ½ ounces of fresh lime juice, 2 ounces of grapefruit juice, ½ ounce of simple syrup, and 1 ounce of water.

Add the ingredients to a partially ice-filled glass to make a Paloma. Mix everything until combined. To garnish, consider running a slice of grapefruit around the rim of your glass and dipping the rim into sea salt before you make the drink.

6. Strawberry Daiquiri

Strawberry daiquiris are universally loved for their sweet, delicious, refreshing taste, and there’s no doubt that these drinks are best enjoyed in the summer when you’re looking for a drink to rest from the sun. You’ll need the following:

  • 4 ounces of strawberries, frozen
  • ½ cup of white sugar
  • ½ cup of lemon juice
  • ⅛ cup of lime juice
  • ¾ cup of rum
  • ¼ cup of a lemon-lime flavored carbonated drink
  • 6 cups of ice, more as needed

Blend the frozen strawberries. Add the sugar, lemon, and lime juice. Next, pour in the rum and carbonated drink. Add ice and blend until smooth.

7. Tequila Sunrise

A tequila sunrise is perfect for sipping on as you relax surrounded by the people you love. Our favorite tequila sunrise recipe requires the following ingredients:

  • 1 ½ ounces of tequila
  • ¾ cup of orange juice
  • ¾ ounce of grenadine syrup
  • Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish

Pour the tequila and juice into a glass filled with ice. Mix together, then carefully pour in the grenadine and allow it to settle. Garnish your drink if desired.

8. Pina Colada

If you’re all about coconut-flavored drinks, then a pina colada should be at the top of your list this summer. To make our favorite simple pina colada, gather the following ingredients:

  • 6 ounces of white rum
  • 6 ounces of cream of coconut
  • 6 ounces of pineapple juice
  • ½ cup of frozen pineapple chunks
  • 4 cups of ice
  • Optional: 4 ounces of golden or añejo rum and pineapple leaves or wedges to garnish

Place the ice, white rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice and chunks in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the drink into glasses and top with the additional garnishes if desired.

9. Long Island Iced Tea

Long Island iced teas are perfect for all your parties and fun celebrations. Making a Long Island iced tea requires ¾ ounces of the following liqueurs: vodka, white rum, silver tequila, gin, and triple sec. You will also need ¾ ounces of lemon juice and simple syrup, with cola to top it off.

Add all the ingredients besides the cola to a glass filled with ice to make this drink. Top the drink with cola and stir it together briefly. If desired, you can garnish your tea with a slice of lemon.

10. Frozen Watermelon Margarita

Watermelon is one of the most popular summer fruits, meaning tasty drinks abound. Making a mouth-watering frozen watermelon margarita is the perfect way to say hello to summer. To master this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups of seedless watermelon, cubed
  • 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
  • 6 ounces of tequila
  • 2 ounces of Cointreau liqueur or triple sec
  • 1 ½ cups of ice

Place the cubed watermelon on a cookie sheet in the freezer to make this drink. When frozen, place the watermelon and other ingredients into a blender or food processor, pureeing until smooth.

Fill Your Catering Needs With Kpacho

Catering for your summer events with Kpacho is the best way to keep your party lively and guests happy. Whether you’re looking to stop by our restaurants for a delicious meal, ordering takeout, or looking for quality catering, Kpacho has you covered. 

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How To Plan The Perfect Backyard Party This Summer

How To Plan The Perfect Backyard Party This Summer

by | May 23, 2023 | Event Catering, Events

Summer is upon us, and sunny days and warm weather beckon. For many of us, this is the perfect time of year to throw get-togethers, enjoy one another’s company, and create wonderful summer memories to last a lifetime.

If you’ve been thinking about throwing the perfect backyard party this summer, you probably have a ton to look forward to: making those special memories, enjoying your backyard space with your loved ones, and enjoying some amazing food. But–you probably have a lot of things to think about: how you can make this the perfect party, what you’ll need to do to prepare, and what you might plan for.

If you’re wondering how to plan the perfect backyard party this summer, read on! We’ve got you covered.

Think About What Kind of Party You Want

Before getting started, it can be helpful to think about some of your goals. But, wait a second—it’s just a party. It’s not that serious, right? Maybe not, but, think about it this way: what do you want to get out of your party?  Whether it’s a holiday party or a spur-of-the-moment get-together, chances are there’s a reason you want to have a party.

Are you hoping to get some amazing quality time with your loved ones? Maybe you really want everyone to let loose and enjoy themselves and dance. Or–maybe you just want a nice quiet get-together, where you and some close friends enjoy one another’s company and eat some amazing food as the sun starts to set.

That’s why it’s important to envision your party before you start planning. The mood you want to achieve can help you inform the preparation choices you make. For example, if your goal is a high-energy party where your loved ones let loose, you’ll probably want to think about music. If you’re going for that calm evening sunset dinner, maybe you’re more focused on nice place settings.

Consider Your Guests

Importantly, you’ll want to spend some time thinking about your guests. Yes, you’ll want to think about who you want to invite, but you’ll also want to consider if those guests have any specific needs or preferences. You may consider things such as what type of food they like, what type of music they enjoy, or even whether or not they like to dance.

You’ll also want to consider how many guests you might invite, and whether that might affect your planning. For example, do you have enough chairs for everyone? As who you invite may inform what your party looks like, this may be one of the first things you consider.

Here are some of the questions you might ask yourself:

  • How many guests are you going to invite?
  • Who will you be inviting?
  • Do they have any needs or preferences you’ll need to consider?
  • What do they like to do?
  • What do they like to drink?
  • What do they like to eat?

Food and Drink

Once you’ve figured out what kind of party you’re planning to throw, as well as who you will be inviting and what their preferences might be, it’s time to consider one of the most important parts of most parties: the food and drink. Parties are a time of celebration, and one of the best parts of these events is often the food and drink present. Whether you’re going for a wild summer party with dancing and music, regular family celebrations, or a calm summer evening in your backyard with close friends, people tend to love refreshing drinks and delicious food.

When choosing drinks, consider who you’re inviting and whether this might influence your choice of drinks. If a friend is avoiding alcohol, for instance, you may consider making mocktails or soft drinks available in addition to water.

When choosing a menu, consider who will be attending, how many guests you plan to have, when you plan to eat, and what types of dishes you might like to offer. For some parties, the focus may be all on appetizers and finger food, while for others, you might want to offer your guests the experience of a fulfilling meal. Whatever the case, think about how much you’ll need to prepare or order, as well as when you might like to serve food.

In many cases, for gatherings large and small, restaurants and catering may be the way to go. With as much work as party planning can be, catering can make it easy to take care of food without all the hassle. And, if you happen to be looking for amazing Mexican food that will delight guests and make the food planning part of party planning a breeze? KPacho catering can help.

Send out Invitations

Once you’ve figured out what your party will look like, who you will be inviting, what you’ll be serving as far as food and drinks go, and anything else relevant to your party planning, it’s time to start sending out invitations! As you do, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Make sure your guests get the invitations. It can be helpful to follow up and check that they’ve been received.
  • Send out invitations far enough ahead of time that you leave your guests time to plan.
  • If you’d like guests to RSVP, try to make it easy for them to do so.

Make Necessary Preparations

Once you’ve established who you will be inviting, what type of party you want to have, and other important considerations based on who you’re inviting, and you’ve invited your guests, it’s time to make preparations for your party. This may involve several of the following tasks:

Have Fun

Importantly, no matter what kind of party you’re planning, one of the most important preparation steps? Preparing to have fun! Remember that this is an opportunity to create memories that can last a lifetime, as well as to spend quality time with the people you care about. So, don’t forget to have fun.And, if you need help with the food, no problem! KPacho catering is available for gatherings of all kinds, large and small. With delicious Mexican food that will sure to be a hit, we can make it easy to take care of your catering needs.

20 Best Combined Baby Shower and Bridal Shower Ideas

20 Best Combined Baby Shower and Bridal Shower Ideas

by | Jan 3, 2023 | Event Catering, Events

Combining a baby shower and a bridal shower is becoming increasingly popular as couples simultaneously celebrate the upcoming arrival of a new baby and their upcoming marriage. Finding caterers for your special event is vital, whether you are a family, a couple, or a planner organizing a baby or bridal shower.

However, there are many additional ideas for making your combined baby and bridal shower a fun and exciting occasion. If you want to plan your shower, consider our 20 best combinations of baby and bridal shower ideas to make your celebration special.

1. A Holiday Party

A great way to combine a baby and bridal shower is by throwing a holiday-themed party. This can be done for any holiday party, whether Christmas, Easter, or Halloween! Decorate the venue with festive decorations, play holiday-themed games and music, and cater the event with your favorite treats for holiday parties.

2. Family Celebrations

Another great idea is to combine family celebrations with the baby and bridal shower. Invite all family members to come together and celebrate the upcoming arrival of the new baby and the upcoming marriage. Have a special dinner and entertainment, and cater the event with family favorites.

3. Backyard Party

What better way to celebrate the upcoming baby and marriage than a backyard party? Set up a tent, string some lights, and have the caterer serve some tasty treats. Get creative with the decorations, and have some fun outdoor games to keep everyone entertained.

4. Play Fun Games

Have fun shower games prepared for your special event relevant to games you would play at showers for one or the other. For instance, some fun games to play at your baby/bridal shower are below.

  • Baby Bingo – Create bingo cards with images of baby items in place of numbers.
  • Baby Word Scramble – Create a list of baby-related words or phrases and have guests unscramble them.
  • Name That Tune – Put together a playlist of songs with either baby or wedding themes. Guests try to guess the tune.
  • Baby/Wedding Trivia – Come up with trivia questions related to either baby or wedding topics.

5. Beach Party

If you have access to a beach, why not host a beach party? Have a beach-themed celebration with beach chairs, umbrellas, and beach balls. The caterer can serve up beach snacks and treats while you enjoy a few beach-themed games to keep everyone entertained.

6. Barbecue Party

A barbecue party is a fantastic way to combine a baby shower and a bridal shower. Your caterer can help serve delicious barbecue favorites while your guests participate in fun outdoor games and activities.

7. Spa Day

A spa day is perfect for a more relaxed baby and bridal shower. With a spa day shower, caterers can offer delicious spa treats, such as cucumber sandwiches and fruit platters. Additionally, you can plan spa-based activities and services to enjoy throughout your day. You can even have the caterer provide massages for the bridal and baby shower guests.

 

8. Tea Party

A tea party is a classic way to combine a baby and a bridal shower. Enjoy delicious finger sandwiches, tea cakes, and fun party games for everyone to enjoy. You can dress up with your guests and dine on a delicious, elegant cake that honors the expecting parents and the upcoming marriage.

 

9. Movie Night

A movie night is a fun, excellent way to combine a baby and a bridal shower. Have the caterer serve up movie-themed snacks, such as popcorn and movie-sized candy bars, and have a few fun activities that are movie-themed. You can tie in your favorite movies into the design of your baby/bridal cake and make it a night to remember.

 

10. Coffeehouse Party

If you’re a coffeehouse lover, why not combine a baby and bridal shower with a coffeehouse party? Serve coffeehouse treats, such as pastries and coffee-flavored desserts, along with your favorite coffee blends.

11. Wine and Cheese Party

A wine and cheese party is an excellent way to combine a baby and bridal shower. Have the caterer serve delicious wines and cheeses, and have some fun wine- and cheese-themed activities. Because the mother cannot drink, consider providing miniature wine bottles for guests to take home as a shower favor.

 

12. Ice Cream Social

An ice cream social is a fun way to celebrate a combined baby and bridal shower. Have the caterer provide delicious ice cream treats with numerous toppings and flavors to ensure every guest has a good time. You can even have an ice cream cake to celebrate the occasion instead of a traditional shower cake.

 

13. Donut Party

A donut party is a fun way to celebrate a baby and wedding shower simultaneously. Have tasty, delicious donut options for your guests, or consider a donut-themed cake made entirely from this delicious treat.

 

14. Candy Bar

A candy bar is a fun way to combine a baby and a bridal shower. Have the caterer serve delicious candy treats and have some fun candy-themed activities. You can even have a special cake that honors the expecting parents and the upcoming marriage.

 

15. Brunch

Brunch is a fantastic and fun way to combine a baby and a bridal shower. Offer guests delicious brunch favorites and have some fun activities perfect for the time of day. You can provide guests with tasty mimosas and every brunch classic imaginable to make this a brunch they won’t forget.

16. Get Unique With Decorations

A combination baby/bridal shower is the perfect time to have fun decorating your event. Get unique with decorations suitable for both occasions. For instance, have a blue and pink wedding-style cake or decorate with streamers that incorporate both colors.

Additionally, you can go all out with a large banner with the phrase “A Baby and a Bride to be” written in pink, blue, and white. You can place a large bouquet of pink and blue flowers near the banner.

 

17. Dessert Party

A dessert party is a delicious, indulgent occasion that you’re sure to love. With a dessert-themed baby and bridal shower, you can offer guests your favorite tasty sweets from caterers you trust.

 

18. Pool Party

A pool party is an exciting idea for throwing a fun and unique shower. Serve delicious poolside snacks and treats while a caterer offers guests poolside drinks. These showers are perfect for summertime and can make for a fun and magical experience.

 

19. Picnic

A picnic is a fun, light-hearted celebration to combine your baby and bridal showers. Have guests bring picnic baskets and lay out some big blankets in your favorite outdoor area. Caterers can offer delicious, classic picnic foods and treats to make the celebration extra special.

20. Have Fun With the Invitations

Your shower invitations should leave a positive impression on your guests and get them excited about the dual celebration. Additionally, invites should make it clear that this is a combination shower. Consider the following additions to make your baby/bridal shower invitations unique.

  • Use a dual-sided invitation for the baby/bridal shower with the bride on one side and the baby on the other.
  • Use a poem or saying to draw attention to the dual purpose of the shower.
  • Add a couple of baby-themed stickers to the invitation for a fun touch.
  • Use a dual-colored envelope to represent the bride and the baby.
  • Feature a whimsical illustration or design that captures the joy and anticipation of the baby and the bride.

Get High-Quality Event Catering With KPacho

These are just a few great ideas for combining a baby and bridal shower. Whether you are looking for a unique and creative way to celebrate the upcoming baby and marriage, or you are looking for a more traditional way to honor the expecting parents, KPacho Catering can help make your events a success.

With experienced and knowledgeable staff, top-quality ingredients, and excellent customer service, Kpacho can provide all your catering needs for any event. Contact KPacho Catering today to make your next baby or bridal shower a success!

15 Tips for Throwing an Unforgettable New Year’s Eve Party

15 Tips for Throwing an Unforgettable New Year’s Eve Party

by | Dec 5, 2022 | Christmas, Event Catering, Events, Holiday

The glitz, the glam, the sparkles, the food, the memories — Holiday Parties are the most fun on New Year’s Eve!

 

Keep reading for 15 of our top tips for throwing an unforgettable New Year’s Eve Party, whether you’re hosting a family celebration or a full-on catered soiree.

15 Tips for Throwing an Unforgettable New Year’s Eve Party

1. Keep Your Party-Goers in Mind

When it comes to party planning, it’s important to know who you are planning for.

 

Narrowing in on who — and how many people — you need to provide food, drinks, and entertainment for is the first step. Then, focus on where the party will take place.

2. Capture the Memories

As you’re planning out the evening, don’t forget to build in ways to capture all of the fun memories you’ll be making! Set up a photo booth, put disposable cameras on each table, or hire a photographer so that you can look back at the evening for years to come.

3. Pick the Perfect Theme

No New Year’s Eve party is complete without the perfect theme.

 

Here are some of our favorites you can choose from:

 

  • Masquerade
  • Roaring Twenties
  • Champagne Party
  • Wine Night
  • Movie Marathon
  • Cocktail-Making Party
  • Backyard Bonfire
  • Decades Party
  • Casino Night

 

While you can certainly come up with your own theme, these can get your creative juices flowing, and your guests will be excited to participate in an evening with added thematic touches.

4. Make the Drinks Memorable

No matter what kind of party you’re planning to throw, memorable drinks are a must!

 

Whether you have your caterer provide the drinks or you have your guests learn new cocktail-making skills alongside you, New Year’s Eve events are the perfect time to snazz up your drink menu experience.

5. Get Your Guests Involved

People wait for New Year’s Eve parties all year long, so it’s no surprise that they want to be involved.

 

Host an event that provides plenty of opportunities to interact and have yummy foods and drinks.

 

For example, if you’re hosting a family celebration, why not make it a backyard bonfire night complete with s’mores, hotdogs, mac and cheese, and hot cider? No matter who is on the guest list, this idea is a major crowd-pleaser.

 

Pro Tip: If it’s cold where you live, have plenty of outdoor heaters and cozy blankets to keep everyone comfortable.

6. Hire a Caterer

We hinted at this above, but hire a caterer! This takes the stress of planning a menu off your plate and allows you to just enjoy the time with your guests.

7. Have a Way to Watch the Ball Drop

Not everyone wants to watch all of the televised celebrations in New York City or the ball drop at midnight. But a lot of people do!

 

If you have a split crowd where some people want to chat and mingle while others want to watch TV, try to provide a separate place for those TV watchers to sit down and enjoy themselves. This will ensure everyone is happy and prevent any fights.

8. Provide Props

Dressing up for New Year’s Eve is half the fun. Provide “2023” hats, glasses, and the like so your guests can ring in the new year in style.

9. String Lights and Light Candles

Setting the right vibe can make your party truly unforgettable. Consider hanging twinkle lights around your event space and finding ways to safely light candles with delicious scents around the room.

 

Smell is a powerful memory trigger, and this could be the thing that makes your guests remember that they loved your event so much.

10. Make the Perfect Playlist

Speaking of good vibes, don’t forget to curate the perfect playlist for your group! Whether you choose to include jazz, classic tunes like Auld Lang Syne, or the top hits from the past year (Taylor Swift, anyone?), the music you select can keep the party-goers’ spirits up as the evening gets later.

11. Plan Games or Share Memories

Depending on who attends your gathering, playing games can be a great way to break the ice or make sure everyone feels included. Plus, games can often lead to laughter and hysterics that will keep the party going well past midnight.

 

If your group isn’t the game-playing type, grab a drink and share your favorite memories of past New Year’s Eve parties or from the past year. These games and conversations are truly customizable — just pick what makes sense for your group!

12. Hire Designated Drivers

Because the new year begins at midnight, guests will be up late and likely enjoying ample amounts of cocktails.

 

To make sure the night ends well and everyone ends up at home safe and sound, hire or appoint designated drivers. This alleviates a lot of stress at the end of the night, and telling your guests that you have transportation covered allows them to simply enjoy the party.

13. Be a Good Neighbor

You don’t have to invite all of your neighbors to your party, but it’s a good idea to let them know you’ll be hosting an event if there’s limited parking in your area or thin walls. A courteous note on their door or a quick phone call can make all the difference.

14. Provide Morning-After Favors

Not everyone is used to staying up late! And even for late-night veterans, eating copious amounts of sugar and drinking lots of cocktails can mean a headache or tummy ache the next day.

 

Send home small favors with your guests, such as aspirin, mini water bottles, and a small snack.

15. Hire a Cleaner

Most of the tips on this list have centered around making sure your guests have a good time. This tip is for you: hire a cleaner! You want to enjoy your time with family and friends without worrying about washing all the dishes or throwing the trash out.

 

This will save your sanity and allow you to start the new year with as little stress as possible. That’s a win in our book!

Throw Your Holiday Party with Style

Want to host an unforgettable evening? Kpacho can fulfill all your catering needs and provide the perfect place for your New Year’s Eve event!

 

From small groups to large gatherings, our catering, menu selections, and cocktail curations are perfect for your holiday parties this year! Give us a call to learn more about how we can make the new year special.

Top 20 Tips for Preparing for the 2022 Holiday Season

Top 20 Tips for Preparing for the 2022 Holiday Season

by | Nov 17, 2022 | Christmas, Event Catering, Holiday

The holiday season can be fun, but because it’s jam-packed with events, it can also be nerve-racking! No worries – we’ve got you covered this year with everything from budgets to holiday event catering. In no particular order, here are our top 20 tips for preparing for the 2022 holiday season!

1. Come Up With a Holiday Budget

During the holidays, people overspend as they travel to events. Plan how much money you want to spend this year. You won’t overspend and everyone will know what to expect.

 

Talk with family and friends about gifts. Come up with a maximum amount to spend on each person, do a Secret Santa exchange, or find other clever ways to keep costs low!

2. Prioritize the Most Important Events and Activities

The holiday season is busy – full of holiday parties and traditions. Ahead of time, sit down to discuss everyone’s favorite festivities, and prioritize those ones.

 

If you’ve got time for secondary activities, great! If not, you won’t feel like you’re missing out.

3. Mark Your Calendar: Time to Relax

This time of year is hectic, between all the family celebrations and parties you rush off to. Do yourself a favor and block out time to relax.

This way, you’ll unwind and stay healthier/less likely to catch a cold over the holidays. This is especially important for event planners, hosts, and business owners!

4. Shop Early and Stay On Budget

Getting the shopping done early is far less stressful than waiting until the last minute: there’s plenty of time to wrap each gift!

 

Stay on budget, too, or you may find yourself too concerned about finances to enjoy the holiday party.

5. Declutter to Make Room for New Things

Few things are less stressful than bringing new things into a cluttered house. What was a blessing two seconds ago feels like a curse: “Where will we put this?”

Do yourself a favor and get the decluttering done early (in both your home and your fridge) so you can enjoy everything you get.

6. Get Creative About Food Prep

Holiday sweets are on everyone’s list – but you don’t have to wait to make them! Make the dough now and freeze it, or bake and freeze goodies in advance.

Same for main dishes: do the prep work in advance by chopping veggies and freezing them. (If that sounds like too much work, you could always book a caterer!)

7. Help Someone Else Enjoy the Season

The winter season is a great time to give back to those less fortunate. Donate a toy to a drive or volunteer at a soup kitchen. Get the whole family involved and make it a part of your annual family celebrations!

 

If you’re a business owner, consider sponsoring an event. You’ll give back to your local community and gain visibility as a caring company.

8. Break the Mold by Doing Something New

Tradition is great – but sometimes we miss out on other amazing activities by overprioritizing them. Find something new to do with your family and friends this year and break the mold a bit!

 

After all, who says you have to have ham over the holidays? Why not Mexican food?

9. Be Patient With Your Family (and Yourself)

This season can be stressful. It can be also lonely or a time for grieving loved ones. Be patient if people aren’t as excited as you are. If you’re also going through this, be patient with yourself.

Still, do your best to enjoy this time. You can’t control everyone – all you can control is your response.

10. Practice Safety and Be Mindful of Hazards

The holiday season is infamous for safety hazards: car accidents, slips and falls from decorating, break-ins, and identity theft. Be extra careful, keep gifts out of sight, and check credit card statements to stay safe this year!

 

(Business owners  and event planners – the holidays are when more cybersecurity attacks happen, so stay vigilant.)

11. Save Money on Travel By Being Smart

Holiday travel can get pricey, between booking flights and hotels. Why not put some of your credit card points toward your travel plans to offset the cost? Another idea is to book your stay using a discount booking site like Expedia or Priceline. Happy traveling!

12. Shop at Secondhand Stores on Discount Days

Oh no – a holiday party to attend, but you have nothing to wear! Save by shopping at secondhand stores this year. Save even more on discount days. No one will know the difference!

 

It’s a great way to find gifts, too!

13. Make Holiday Crafts Using Found Items

Decorating for the holidays doesn’t have to be expensive. Make glitter-pine cones with your kids using pine cones from your yard, or repurpose old Christmas supplies to make something new. BOOM! Family activity AND decorating, done!

14. Foster Gratitude By Spending Quality Time

Whether with your team or your family, foster gratitude by reviewing the year and what you’re most thankful for. What did you do with family and friends? What critical events did your team help with?

 

Recount the year’s memories with the people you care about.

15. Sending Cards? Update Your Address Book

For many people, the tradition of sending Christmas cards is still very much alive. But going to the trouble to send a card, only to have it sent back, is a terrible feeling. Event planners, families, and business owners can minimize this by updating their address books now!

16. …Oh, and Take Family Photos Now

The holidays are stressful – so they’re not the best time to snap a photo of baby James in his holiday outfit. Take photos earlier and you’ll have an easier time.

If you take Christmas photos for your business, you could also do that early. (Unless you snap it at the annual holiday party.)

17. Decide What You’re Doing on Christmas

…So, what are your plans? Are you staying in and letting family come to you, or are you traveling over the holidays? It’s best to get this nailed down as soon as possible.

18. Get Your Christmas Lists in Order

Make sure you know what everyone wants – and that you have a quick list to give to people should they ask what you want.

19. Check the Guest Room and Schedule Maintenance

If you’re hosting holiday parties this year, you don’t want to run into issues. Restock the guest room and schedule home maintenance to make sure nothing is overlooked.

20. Think Ahead: Book Your Caterer Now!

To truly be kind to yourself, you should look into catering options this year. You know how busy the holidays are, and the worst thing you could do is put it off only to learn you’ve got major catering needs later on, but the caterers are all busy.

 

By budgeting for catering and booking it early, you’ll be freed up to spend quality time with people, instead of worrying about burning the pie. At K. Pacho, we have an extensive catering menu full of delicious eats. Book us now to cater your holiday party!