Punch up your party!

(NC)—Party planner Julie Karn has created spectacular events for clients across the country, but when it comes to her own special occasions she keeps things warm, cozy and close to home.

“I go out for a living, I'm always trying to give people a sense of awe and excitement,” she says. “For my own parties with friends and family, I entertain only at home, and I really want to create a sense of connection and warmth, not quite the extravagant glamour I'd create for a major corporation.”

But glamorous still, of course. For holiday parties, Karn's secret weapon is a signature cocktail and the return of the punch bowl.

“I like to create a special drink for my parties, something delicious and memorable and all my own,” she says. Like the best mixologists in the world she looks to chefs for inspiration and uses seasonal ingredients. For holiday she's considering cocktails using homemade cranberry essence, mandarin orange, plus ginger and cinnamon that seem so appropriate for the season.

But her best tip for a great party is a punch.

“The punch bowl becomes something like the water cooler at work – a place to gather, mix, a place where the party sort of ignites.”

She creates a warm punch similar to mulled wine, which includes red wine, vanilla, orange juice, the shock of raspberry balsamic vinegar and Grey Goose L'Orange Vodka, all heated to a satisfying warmth and ladled into cups.

“You won't regret creating a punch during the holidays,” says Karn. “It has a traditional feel which seems just right, plus it's kind of retro-fun.”

Julie's Party Punch

Event and party planner Julie Karn recommends a flavourful punch as a means to get a party started. This recipe was taken from the holiday suggestions created by Grey Goose Global Brand Ambassador Dimitri Lezinska:

PUNCH DAVID

Pour all ingredients into a large bowl and gently warm

30 cloves

15 vanilla beans

20 parts Grey Goose L'Orange Vodka

10 parts Noilly Prat Dry

5 parts fresh orange juice

1 part raspberry balsamic vinegar

5 parts French bitter aperitif

20 parts fresh pomegranate juice

2 1/2 parts full bodied red wine

5 parts maple syrup

Stir for ten minutes

Reheat as desired

Serve in a punch bowl and garnish with pineapple and orange slices.

“It was very common centuries ago to name punch after people, tavern owners,

bartenders or even stage performers. As punch originated in India, I thought of an Indian

friend of mine and this is a tribute to him,” says Lezinska. “A punch is a great way to entertain and indulge in the warm, rich spices of the winter season.”

Julie's top five party tips:

Julie Karn is a professional events planner. These are her sure-fire ways to get the party started.

1. Remove the chairs – parties work best when people have to stand and move around.

2. Greet your guests with wonderful fragrance -- light candles, included beautifully scented ones, half an hour before guests arrive.

3. Have lots of food stations and a punch bowl in addition to a bar – this helps guests mingle and reduces the “kitchen party” feel.

4. Flowers! Flowers always make a space feel special. During the holiday season, use pine boughs and put cranberries, kumquats or oranges in the water in glass vases for a simple yet dramatic look.

5. Plan something to surprise and delight – invite a special guest, or have Santa drop in at your cocktail party.

- News Canada