Candice Joseph, owner and founder of Candice Grace Events, shares her secrets for planning the perfect Holiday party.
STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER
Southern Vermont is a place of celebration, where connections thrive and people come together to enjoy unforgettable experiences. Known for its historic charm and natural beauty, the region serves as a marvelous location for hosting spectacular events, both in cozy homes and breathtaking private venues. Candice Joseph, the owner and founder of Candice Grace Events, is the creative force behind many of these incredible Southern Vermont celebrations. With a wealth of experience in event planning, Joseph has partnered with Stratton Magazine to share her expertise in hosting flawless and festive Holiday gatherings.
For both home and rented venue events, Joseph goes above and beyond, elevating spaces to transform them into warm, inviting, and celebratory havens. “’Winter Wonderland’ is one of my favorite themes for Holiday parties,” says Joseph. “It’s a non-denominational and inclusive way to celebrate the season.” This decorative theme leans into cozy, candlelit settings with crystal accents and touches of nature. “It avoids the typical red and green Christmas color palette and instead focuses on elements that are both modern and timeless.”
Joseph emphasizes the importance of sensory details in creating the perfect atmosphere. “It’s all about touch, feel, and smell when planning an event,” she notes. She suggests using soft lighting, including pillar candles, floating candles, and chandeliers draped with greenery and florals to set the scene. “The smell of herbs, pine, cranberries, and citrus, like orange slices, can add another layer of sensory engagement,” notes Joseph.
For those planning a party at home, Joseph advises focusing on tablescapes. “We like to elevate tables with rich linens that have texture and patterns.” She recommends layering with napkin details, dinner charger plates, and simple (yet elegant) herbal touches, like sprigs of rosemary. “Adding fresh elements not only looks beautiful – it brings a fragrant, natural aroma to the room.” Joseph loves to incorporate both traditional and modern elements to elevate any holiday celebration. “I focus on creating a cohesive sensory experience, using cozy, lounge-style areas, a lot of candlelight, and natural scents.” She also highlights the use of chandeliers and lighting fixtures adorned with greenery and pinecones. “Lighting is so important—it sets the mood and adds warmth to the event.” For smaller accents, she recommends using dried fruit, like cranberries and orange slices, woven into tablescapes for visual and aromatic impact.
When it comes to Holiday party dining options, Joseph praises interactive food stations and passed hors d’oeuvres that encourage guests to mingle. “For holiday parties, I love the idea of small bites and interactive food stations instead of a formal, plated dinner. It creates a casual, engaging atmosphere where guests can move around, chat, and enjoy different flavors.” Some of her favorite options include truffle or sweet potato fries served in aesthetic corrugated cups, lamb chops, mini sliders, and charcuterie stations. “They’re delicious, and they’re also easy for guests to enjoy while they mingle.” For a sweet touch, Joseph suggests setting up dessert stations with holiday-themed treats like gingerbread cookies, mini cupcakes with festive frosting, and even something as ambitious as a “build-your-own” hot chocolate bar.
For families hosting holiday parties, keeping children entertained is crucial. “Kids need their own space,” says Joseph. She suggests creating dedicated children’s lounges with cozy seating. “Give them their own small table with kid-friendly food options like chicken tenders, mini pizzas, and sliders.” Joseph also highlights the importance of interactive activities. “Setting up stations where kids can decorate cookies, make holiday crafts, or watch a holiday movie helps keep them entertained while parents can enjoy the festivities.” She adds that incorporating simple games like board games or puzzles can also make the space more engaging for children.
One of the essential elements that Joseph emphasizes is the importance of early planning. “Don’t wait until November when holidays are right around the corner.” She adds that planning should ideally begin in the summer, particularly for larger parties. For events of up to 100 guests, September is a great time to start the process. “You want enough lead time to gather all the details, select a venue, and prepare catering,” she notes. If this is a corporate event, Joseph advises that clients should think carefully about the timing of their holiday events. “The first or second week of December is ideal for gatherings,” she says. “If you plan it too close to Christmas or New Year’s, you risk low attendance because of people’s personal commitments.” She suggests that midweek events, like on a Wednesday or Thursday evening, are often more successful in ensuring high attendance while giving guests the flexibility to enjoy weekend family time.
While hosting holiday parties at home can be lovely and intimate, Joseph points out that renting a venue has its advantages, especially for larger gatherings. “When you rent out a space, you’re getting exclusivity and the benefit of an all-inclusive experience,” she explains. She works frequently with prime Manchester venues, including Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, Kimpton Taconic Hotel, and Equinox Golf Resort & Spa, offering guests the chance to enjoy the night without worrying about cleanup or logistics. “You walk into a perfectly set space where everything, from catering to tablescapes, is taken care of.” She adds that exclusive rentals at hotel venues can also elevate the experience for visiting guests traveling long distances. “Having overnight accommodations available and making it a full night out adds a sense of luxury and convenience that you simply can’t achieve at home.”
Regardless of the venue or scale of the party, budgeting remains a critical component in planning a successful event. “Budget is the first thing we discuss with our clients,” says Joseph. She explains that understanding the financial commitment upfront helps set realistic expectations. “We break down budgets into categories—food, entertainment, and decor—so clients can see where their money is going and adjust their expectations accordingly.” Joseph notes that while certain decorative elements, like lighting fixtures or floral installations, may seem simple, they often come with significant costs. “We aim to be transparent about these costs from the start so that clients aren’t surprised later on. A lot of people don’t realize what goes into creating the kind of event they see on Pinterest or Instagram.”
If you’re just now starting to think about your holiday party, Joseph suggests focusing on a few key areas that can be pulled together quickly. “A cozy, warm atmosphere can be achieved with just a few touches,” she says. “Use candles and twinkle lights, bring in natural elements like pine branches, and set up a hot cocoa or cider bar.” Joseph also encourages last-minute planners to reach out to local vendors for smaller-scale services. “Even if you can’t book a venue, you can still hire a caterer for an in-home event or bring in a florist for some stunning arrangements.” For those who may be hosting at home but want to plan ahead for next year, Joseph suggests it’s never too early to start thinking about next year’s festivities. With her expertise and access to some of Manchester’s best venues and vendors, Candice Grace Events is poised to create unforgettable celebrations. “Planning early takes the stress out of the holidays,” says Joseph. “If you want to make your Holiday gathering, wedding, or corporate event truly special, my team and I are here to help.”