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4 tips on hosting a memorable holiday party

Local expert Andrew Roby talks about everything from picking a theme to 'surprise moments' and trendy decorations.

WASHINGTON — It's the most wonderful time of year to bring family and friends together, and what better way to do so than to host a holiday party? A local expert is sharing tips on how to keep the stress down and make the experience memorable. 

When clients lock-in Andrew Roby, an event planner and owner of his own event planning company, he's already thinking about ways to bring their vision to life. 

When he stopped by WUSA9 to talk about tips for hosting holiday parties and trends for decorating a Christmas tree, he said the first thing people should do is create a story line. 

"I think it's really important, whenever you're creating any type of event, to at least take people on a journey," Roby said. 

Here are a few ways to make sure that happens.

1. Create a story line

Parties are meant to take guests on a journey no matter how big or small the party is, he said. Pick a theme and be intentional about your guests' experience from beginning to end. Set up water cooler opportunities to get everyone acquainted with each other. 

Example: Create a cool looking dessert display. Lay out a gingerbread house and ask guests to help build it together. Don't just have a bar. Allow guests to experience a cool specialty drink that requires their input. 

2. Create a surprise moment

Who doesn't love surprises? Roby suggests asking guests to bring a gift. As they enter the party, they can write their name down and throw it into a hat. At some point during the party, you can bring out a cake with a candle and have someone pull a name out of the hat. That person can blow out the candle and take all the gifts. 

3. Have a great playlist 

Create a playlist with variety. Give guests a blend that has it all. You want to appease the entire crowd.

4. Décor

The staple thing to have is a Christmas tree. A trend that has been rising is the black Christmas tree. 

"I purchased a black tree three years ago and people were like, 'You're crazy. Black? Why?'" Roby said. "Now every time Christmas comes, people send me messages about them buying a black tree and everyone is loving it." 

And a bonus tip? Use gloves to set up your Christmas tree to protect your hands.

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