A seamstress created an entire holiday wardrobe using clothes she bought from the thrift store

Kristin Cavallari shared her go-to holiday outfits if you're looking for festive wardrobe inspiration

How Scout the City blogger Sai De Silva and her 2 kids are dressing for the holidays, from chic neutrals to a 'Nutcracker'-inspired look

<p><a href="https://www.insider.com/category/es-capone-holiday"></a></p><div type="image" title="A person wraps a present on a table full of gift wrapping supplies." height="1333" width="1778" msid="88212142" hostid="261"></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>Angel K. Lee, the owner of It's A Wrap NYC, told Insider how to wrap <keyword id="12711644" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="presents" source="Orion">presents</keyword> like an expert.</li><li>Quality materials, bold colors, and adding extra elements can make your <keyword id="11993164" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="gifts" source="Orion">gifts</keyword> stand out.</li></ul><p>The holiday season means many things: time with family, twinkly lights, delicious food.</p><p>For many, it's also the season of gift-giving. As fun as it is to receive presents, you also typically have to spend hours wrapping gifts for your loved ones.</p><p>It can be tempting to just throw your presents in a bag, but having a beautiful presentation for your gifts makes the whole experience better for your loved ones, as Angel K. Lee, the owner and creative director of <a href="https://itsawrapnyc.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">It's A Wrap NYC</a>, told Insider.</p><p>Lee shared her gift-wrapping advice with Insider ahead of the 2021 holiday season.</p><p>First, she said that you want to set yourself up for success by making sure you have good materials to wrap with.</p><div type="image" title="man wrapping gifts" height="1413" width="1884" msid="88212143" hostid="261"></div><p>"One thing that I've learned throughout the years is to start off with quality paper," Lee said, as it will give you cleaner seams and better edges, and it's easier to cut.</p><p>"That's really important because no matter how bad the package may look, you can work with good paper and have nice creases in a nice balance and work from there," she added.</p><p>Sharp scissors are important, and Lee also recommends using double-sided tape to wrap gifts because you won't be able to see the tape when you fold the paper. </p><p>"That makes it look nice and professional and clean," Lee said.</p><p>When it comes to picking a color of paper, Lee said it's best to go with bright, solid colors made of eco-friendly materials, especially if you're hoping your presents will look good in pictures.</p><p>"On film, certain colors pop," she said. "You might look at a color, and it's a really weird teal or something, but it's going to come across much differently on film." </p><div type="image" title="Christmas presents near a decorated tree" height="3456" width="4608" msid="88212145" hostid="261"></div><p>"That's not where you want to worry about a lot of embellishments," she added of wrapping paper, emphasizing that solid colors or stripes with good contrast are the best choices.</p><p>When it comes to bows, Lee is a firm believer in using real ribbons instead of stick-on options, both because stick-on bows aren't reusable and because they don't have as nice of a look.</p><p>"We like to use a nice, quality ribbon," she said, often choosing ribbons made of satin. "That way it can be reused, and it comes across as a more luxe presentation."</p><p>If you want to take your gifts to the next level, Lee recommends adding little pieces of decor to the outside of a present, like a sprig of holly or a jingle bell.</p><div type="image" title="Wrapping gifts presents" height="667" width="889" msid="88212146" hostid="261"></div><p>Lee recommends using affordable options like cinnamon sticks or greenery on your gifts, as they will get you the most bang for your buck.</p><p>For children's gifts, Lee often attaches cookie cutters to her packages, as it gives the receiver an additional present and adds to the overall aesthetic.</p><p>Lee also says to never use a gift bag if you can help it, as they don't have the same luxury look as a wrapped package.</p><p>"What I prefer to do is to actually make a nice big bow," she said. You can leave the gift itself unwrapped, but put a bow and other embellishments on it to make it look festive.</p><p>You might think of wrapping presents as a chore, but Lee encourages people to think of it as a gesture of love.</p><p>"I think that it shows that you've taken the time and the effort. It's a way to show that you care," she said.</p>

A professional gift wrapper shares 6 ways to make your holiday presents stand out

<p><a href="https://www.insider.com/category/es-capone-holiday"></a></p><div type="image" title="A table top created by party planner Ellie Nottoli." height="1049" width="1398" msid="88018446" hostid="261"></div><ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="12470903" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="party" source="Orion">Party</keyword> planners <a href="https://www.elliestyled.com/#elliestyledhome">Ellie Nottoli</a> and <a href="https://blacksouthernbelle.com/">Michiel Perry</a> have shared tips for hosting a successful <keyword id="11906222" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="holiday" source="Orion">holiday</keyword> gathering.</li><li>They suggested decor that lasts all season and home-cooked food with premade options.</li></ul><p>The holiday season is here, which means revelers are bringing their holiday decor down from the attic, tweaking their recipes, and sending out their holiday invites.</p><p>For many, this will be the first holiday party they've planned in years.</p><p>To help hosts ease back into the season, here are 15 tips from professional party planners for creating a welcoming, successful holiday party. </p><h2><strong>1. A successful party ultimately comes down to the basics: good food and drink</strong></h2><p>Ellie Nottoli, the owner of <a href="https://www.elliestyled.com/#elliestyledhome">elliestyled</a>, a <keyword id="12426844" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="party-planning" source="Orion">party planning</keyword> and <keyword id="11893304" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="lifestyle" source="Orion">lifestyle</keyword> business, told Insider that the key to your guests' hearts is through their stomachs. When you're party planning, pay extra attention to the food and drinks you'll be serving. </p><p>"I think being a good host goes down to the basics: food and drink," she said. "I always teach my children that when someone feeds you or when someone makes something for you or cooks for you, it's the ultimate form of 'I love you.'"</p><p>Focus on those two elements, and your party is bound to be successful, she said. </p><h2><strong>2. Start ordering everything now</strong></h2><p>The country is currently experiencing a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/supply-chain-crisis-worries-majority-americans-shipipng-delays-2021-9">supply-chain crisis</a>, Insider previously reported. For party hosts, that means some of your items might not be available or could take longer to ship.</p><p>Michiel Perry, the founder of <a href="https://blacksouthernbelle.com/">Black Southern Belle</a>, a lifestyle brand, urges hosts to start ordering everything they need for their <keyword id="12644029" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="event" source="Orion">event</keyword> now. </p><p>"You really can't assume anything is available or will reach you in time, so it's best to start shopping now," she told Insider. </p><p>If something isn't available, be flexible. Your guests won't know you had to swap turkey for chicken or change your color scheme, so be adaptable, and don't stress if everything isn't available, she said.  </p><h2><strong>3. Repurpose items you already have</strong></h2><p>A vase can turn into a champagne bucket and old curtains can be makeshift table linens. </p><p>By repurposing the items you already have, you're going to save money, Perry said. Plus, you won't have to worry about items being out of stock.</p><p>Perry suggested starting the planning process by going through your home and seeing what could already work for the party you're hosting.</p><p>If there's anything you need, you can source it from friends and stores. </p><h2><strong>4. Add personalized touches</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="A table top created by party planner Ellie Nottoli." height="1124" width="1500" msid="88018447" hostid="261"></div><p>No matter the theme of your event, adding personalized touches to your party will make it unforgettable, Nottoli said. </p><p>It could be something simple like handmade children's ornaments on a <keyword id="12030580" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="christmas" source="Orion">Christmas</keyword> tree or dusting off antique dishware in your China cabinet. </p><p>"We often have stacks of plates that we've inherited from our grandma, or maybe we found at a thrift store, and I encourage people to pull out their pretty plates or their pretty glassware and use them," she said</p><p>"It just offers that really beautiful level of sentimentality to a holiday table," she said.</p><h2><strong>5. Don't feel pressured to cook everything</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="A table top created by party planner Ellie Nottoli." height="1000" width="1333" msid="88018448" hostid="261"></div><p>It can feel overwhelming to cook every single dish that you're planning for your holiday party, so don't do it, Perry said.</p><p>Instead, brainstorm a few ways you can create individualized additions to a premade entree. For example, you could buy a rotisserie chicken and add your own homemade glaze.</p><p>"Cooking everything is very stressful," she said. "I like to suggest going half homemade, half premade to take some stress off of the event, but it will still feel like you made something."</p><h2><strong>6. If your event is catered, check with your go-to caterers </strong></h2><p>Menus may have changed, costs could be higher, and a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/labor-shortage-millions-retired-early-pandemic-not-going-back-2021-11">labor shortage</a> could mean that your favorite caterer doesn't operate the same way they did pre-pandemic. </p><p>Perry said to connect with your caterer as early as possible to make sure they offer everything you need for your event. </p><h2><strong>7. Gauge your guests' comfort levels</strong></h2><p>Nottoli said she's seen her clients lean toward smaller, more intimate events this holiday season since many people are still concerned about the ongoing pandemic. </p><p>From COVID comfort levels to dietary restrictions, Perry said it's important to communicate expectations and "create a space that allows your guests to share their party preferences."</p><p>Depending on everyone's comfort levels, you can adjust elements of your event, Nottoli said. Consider having a plated dinner instead of a buffet or single-serving appetizers. </p><h2><strong>8. Tailor the event to your guest list</strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="Christmas decor created by Ellie Nottoli." height="1124" width="1498" msid="88018450" hostid="261"></div><p>Nottoli said it's crucial to consider your guest list when planning a party. </p><p>"To understand the audience, that's everything," Nottoli said. "Is it a cocktail party? Is it adults only? Is it black tie or family-oriented and kid-friendly?"</p><p>For example, at one family holiday party Nottoli is planning this year, she said she's skipping the signature cocktail and opting for a gingerbread-house station instead. The children at the party will have something to do and adults can relive their childhood a bit. </p><h2><strong>9. Purchase decor that will last all season long</strong></h2><p>When Nottoli plans events inside people's homes, she brainstorms ways that the decor can seamlessly transition from a <keyword id="11909499" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="thanksgiving" source="Orion">Thanksgiving</keyword> dinner to a Christmas party and into the New Year. </p><p>One of her favorite decor tips is using greenery and evergreen branches.</p><p>"I think evergreen is a brilliant way to save a coupe buck and have your space come alive," she said. "You can use it on your mantle, cut sprigs and place it in bud vases, or use a sprig and twine to tie a napkin. There are just so many uses for it."</p><h2><strong>10. If you're looking to save money but want extravagant decor, consider renting big pieces</strong></h2><p>Nottoli and her team at <a href="https://www.elliestyled.com/">elliestyled</a> offer decor like tabletops and pre-lit Christmas trees for clients to rent.</p><p>Nottoli's team isn't the only decor rental service. Many event and party planners offer a similar service, Nottoli said.</p><p>Renting a few oversized items creates an extravagant event without an over-the-top cost, Nottoli said. </p><h2><strong>11. Start cleaning weeks in advance</strong></h2><p>Hosting a party at your home is the ideal excuse to do some deep cleaning, Perry said. </p><p>A few weeks before the date of the party, start drafting a list of everything you need to clean, Perry said.</p><p>It might be dusting — something Perry always forgets to do — or cleaning your baseboards. </p><p>By making a to-do list in advance, you can slowly check off an item every few days leading up to the event. </p><h2><strong>12. Do everything you can the night before the party</strong></h2><p>A productive prep day is a critical component of a successful holiday event, Perry said. </p><p>When Perry hosts a party, she says she does as much as she possibly can the day before. She makes sure her home is clean, the food is ready, and her decor is in its perfect spot. Perry will even do small tasks like setting the table or putting out trash cans the night before. </p><p>"The more you can do the night before, the better," she said. </p><div type="image" title="Friends roast marshmallows at a holiday party." height="1000" width="1333" msid="88018451" hostid="261"></div><h2>13. Don't be afraid to call on friends and family for <strong>help</strong></h2><p>"You don't have to party plan alone," Perry said.</p><p>Perry said that learning to accept help from others was a challenge for her, but it's worth it in the end. </p><p>Plus, if you're hosting a party for friends and family, chances are, they're happy to help, Perry said. </p><div type="image" title="An outdoor holiday party." height="999" width="1332" msid="88018453" hostid="261"></div><h2><strong>14. Get creative with how you use your space</strong></h2><p>COVID is still a concern for many people, so consider moving your party outdoors, Nottoli and Perry suggested.</p><p>Perry lives in the South, so it's typically warm enough to host her 100-person holiday party outside. But Nottoli, who plans events in the Midwest, has also hosted plenty of outdoor events in the thick of winter, she said.</p><p>For example, last year she helped a grandmother coordinate a family get-together with outdoor igloos, heaters, and bonfires. </p><p>"We created this winter wonderland," she said. "People are really looking outside of their dining rooms to create spaces and opportunities to gather where it feels a little bit more comfortable and safe." </p><h2><strong>15. If you can, splurge on a post-party cleaning service</strong></h2><p>Perry said it's always a huge weight off her shoulders when she knows she's budgeted for a cleaning service the next morning.</p><p>If it's not in the budget, try to clean a little before and during the party and, again, don't be afraid to accept help, Perry said.</p><p>"Oftentimes, people really do want to help with the cleanup. So just accept the help," she said. </p>

You Searched For "es capone holiday" and got 5 results

A seamstress created an entire holiday wardrobe using clothes she bought from the thrift store

Celia Fernandez

Kristin Cavallari shared her go-to holiday outfits if you're looking for festive wardrobe inspiration

Celia Fernandez

How Scout the City blogger Sai De Silva and her 2 kids are dressing for the holidays, from chic neutrals to a 'Nutcracker'-inspired look

Celia Fernandez

A professional gift wrapper shares 6 ways to make your holiday presents stand out

Samantha Grindell

15 things party planners do to make their holiday event a no-brainer success

Monica Humphries