With glimmers of hope peeking over the fiscal horizon, it might be the perfect time to throw a big restorative bash.
But if your budget’s too battered to bear the expense, just one extravagant touch might be all you need.
We’ve tapped three mondo-event planners for their thoughts on when to splurge (and where to save).
Kim Merlin
Freelance event planner based in Lake Forest and Los Angeles; produces events worldwide in addition to her second career decorating fi lm sets.
Splurge
Nature’s bounty: Spend the extra bucks for earth-friendly local, organic produce and pricey grass-fed organic beef, such as Tallgrass.
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Unstuffy stems: “There is nothing more charming than mason jars filled with farmers market flowers, or simple herbs in mini terra-cotta pots.”
Frugal finale: Crawl back to your childhood dessert memories. One of Merlin’s favorites: “A fancy winter dinner party where we roasted homemade marshmallows in a glorious fireplace and made s’mores with Vosges chocolates.”
Debi Lilly
Founder and “chief eventeur” at A Perfect Event in Chicago; best known for her work for Oprah Winfrey, but she also does more than 100 events a year for other high-profile clients.
Splurge
Light fantastic: “I buy lots of soft-scented White Jasmine candles from Zodax. Then I place them in groups of threes surrounded by masses of tea lights in fantastic containers like vintage Moroccan teacups; it’s magical, like Versailles.”
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Chic sounds: “Choose fresh, new music to inspire your guests. I love the Costes collections from their Paris hotels and clubs, available everywhere. Their music is really lounge-y; people say, ‘Wow!'”
David Stark
New York event planner famous for orchestrating creative, sustainable party decor.
Splurge
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Backup: “Hire help, even if it’s just a bartender to mix drinks or a waiter to make sure appetizers aren’t running out. Being a good host means being at ease — you are the captain of the ship keeping your passengers happy and calm.”
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A bold fold: “The lost art of napkin folding can inject some free fun to your table. It doesn’t cost anything to fold a napkin.” Find ideas in his book “Napkins With A Twist.”