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In Los Cabos, the holiday atmosphere is quite different than what you've come to expect. Summer weather, water sports and ATV tours through the desert are not your traditional Christmas activities. However, when it comes to Christmas parties in Los Cabos, the process involves most of the steps you'd follow organizing an event anywhere on the planet. Just remember that the only way to ensure success is careful planning.
The Plan
"For Christmas we recommend to start planning months ahead, as most venues, car rental companies and restaurants start booking early," advises Alejandro Ordonez, owner of Lifestyle Management Services. Although details such as the menu, invitations and entertainment are very important, it's a good idea to take care of all the big things, such as date and location, first.
Location
Luckily, venue choices are endless here. You can entertain in your private villa, or rent a location that will best accommodate your guests. For small gatherings, villas, yachts or restaurants are good options, but if you're planning a huge company event, consider a resort ballroom or even the beach. Keep in mind that no matter what venue you choose, early reservations are a must.
The plentiful luxury villas available around Los Cabos can make the decision difficult, but you're not on your own when searching for the perfect location. Earth Sea & Sky Vacations and Lifestyle Management Services are experts in villa rentals and will add any extra service you may require.
Invitations
The invitation list is next. Once you've settled on who you're going to invite, it's time to invite them. The holiday season is packed with parties, so it's a good idea to invite your guests at least a month in advance. Be sure to take into account that unless you're willing to wait for your guests until Easter, never send your invitations by mail.
The best way to spread the word about your event is by calling everybody on your list. Then, send an e-mail invitation that should include the starting and ending time of your party and should mention the food you will be serving, whether it is light holiday fare or a traditional sit-down dinner. A note about dress code is usually helpful. And don't forget to include directions!
Food, Beverage and Entertainment
You can always make it a potluck party, however private chef and catering services are widely available in Los Cabos. These services can provide everything from tempting tapas to an elegant sit-down dinner, either aboard a yacht, or high above the Pacific in the comfort of your private villa, complete with chef, bartender, waiter, butler and entertainment. There are several catering companies such as Lazy Gourmet and Denni's Catering, in addition to the abundant number of restaurants that can accommodate your party plans.
If you decide to prepare the food yourself, choose a menu for which many of the items can be made ahead of time. Some appetizers and desserts can be made and frozen several weeks in advance. Other recipes can be mixed together a few days before and stored in the refrigerator. Simply bake and finish the day of the party. Remember that parties aren't the time to try a new recipe. Either test a new menu item before the party, or stick with tried-and-true recipes. A great way to add a Mexican touch to your soiree is to complement the good old eggnog with a traditional Mexican punch and serve crystallized candy, which can be bought in any major supermarket.
In case you're holding your event outside, make sure you've considered all the details. According to Tracy Dunlop, founder of Lazy Gourmet Catering, some of the most important elements of an alfresco party are "lighting to show food, space heaters for guests' comfort, as well as ensuring that the food is kept warm and that there is staff to help with replenishing."
Entertainment is a vital element of any fiesta. Although, this is the part that might be difficult to put together without help. Some hosts entertain with flamenco dancers, others with a Mexican trio or even salsa lessons. Often the show becomes the focal point of the event and is what makes it memorable. You can ask around for a recommendation, but the most reliable way to arrange a spectacle is through a destination management company.
Party Time!
The date has finally arrived. Guests will be arriving on your doorstep in minutes! You've prepared as much as possible ahead of time to ensure your plans run smoothly. A few finishing details should be all you need to make the event memorable.
Anticipate the comfort of your guests. Set appetizers in the living room and in other places that make it easy to nibble. Play music and light candles for ambience. Finally, mingle with your guests, relax and enjoy. Your holiday party should be for you as much as it is for your guests.
Event Planners
It may be that you decide to leave your special event entirely in the hands of the professionals. Companies such as IVI Los Cabos, Contact Incentives or Tropical Incentives specialize in event planning and provide an all-round service from transportation to venue rentals and from catering to decorating. All of them use experienced and responsible service providers to ensure the success of your gathering.
Every year Alejandro Ordonez and Lifestyle Management Services make Christmas unforgettable for a family from Connecticut, who has made it their tradition to come to Cabo. "For their Christmas dinner, we have a chef prepare their sumptuous fare served by the most attentive wait staff. We have a mixture of live entertainment starting off with a nine-piece Mariachi, relaxing harp during dinner, and a lively trio for dancing afterwards. At the high point of the evening we have three minutes of fireworks!" describes Ordonez. "For this family, Christmas in Cabo is their most memorable experience of the year," he adds.
With these tried-and-true expert tips for entertaining, you will be sure that your party is one to remember as well.
Article by Anna Urbanik
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