It started as a way to break the ice, 3+ years ago, when Paula Barton moved to her new suburban, Minnesota neighborhood. Now, it's a much-anticipated holiday tradition for Ladies of Woodhill. The event? Her stylish cookie exchange party. She invites the Ladies of Woodhill over to exchange cookes, sip a little wine + to catch up on some much-needed conversation.

Sunday will be Paula's 4th year in the making {+ her 4th invite designed with us :)}. We caught up with her recently to ask her about how she prepares for such an anticipated event + what's inspiring this year.

First, a little advice. What's your fool-proof tip to a flawless party?

"Keep it warm + inviting and don't worry about everything being perfect!" She likes to keep a nice variety of goodies, but doesn't think it all needs to be from scratch. "Some homemade things are nice, but so are some treats I've discovered other places throughout the year. The most important thing is to enjoy each other's company -- the food is secondary."

What's your key to flawless decor?

"I keep it classic. A lot of my decorations have sentimental meaning -- things I've collected over the years. I mix it in with new things and it balances, keeping the mood warm and inviting."

What's inspiring you this year?

"I steal shamelessly. I gather recipes from other get-togethers throughout the year. I am a sucker for any Cookie Cookbooks, I love Real Simple and other old stand-by Better Homes and Gardens magazines."

What's your favorite part of hosting? {Besides the YUMMY cookies..}

Our lead trendsetter, Kara Kurth, is also quite the hostess. She's getting ready to throw her 5th Annual Holiday Party + we wanted to know how she keeps them coming back for more, year after year. Learn more.

The drink that can't go wrong

 This year she's going festive with her drinks, with a little help from Oprah. Inspired by this recipe, Kara's guests' spirits will warm with Moscow Mule Cocktails. Her twist? Add a little rosemary to garnish, instead of mint -- makes a bit more festive.

Decorations that pop.

Her ensemble, you ask?

Nothing less than polished. This hostess with the mostess, certainly looks the part.  From head to toe Kara will rock a flowing, fire-engine-red frock -- the best vest for moving quickly. Both for hosting + rocking the dance floor. 

So what keeps them coming back?

 Her parties are spontaneous + free-flowing. Her guests love the mysterious allure of what's going to happen each year. Will it be new refreshments? New games? New decor? The opportunities are endless + this trendsetter delivers {year after year}.

Some of the sweetest things in life should not be planned. Spontaneity can brighten the season.

For a jolly holiday season :: keep it simple + elevate the basics.

A Lil Spirit Goes a Long Way
If you have yummy drinks - everything else will fall into place, easily. {Check out these yummy drinks from epicurious.} As for treats, think vegetarian-friendly, salty + sweet. {And remember, no one needs to know you didn't slave in the kitchen all day.} Keep it simple - so you can do what matters most, mingle with your party people.

Mix + Match
Add a little variety + spice up your place by mixing color, patterns + textures. Start with your glassware. Serve drinks in funky martini glasses, short mason jars for deep red wine + little tumblers for the icy cocktails. Let your guests pick their fancy. This is a great way to keep track of whose is whose without the addition of charms.

Another great way to add a little texture is through an array of colorful napkins with interesting patterns. Stop by your local grocery or party story + buy tiny packages of bold colors + patterns. {Don't worry about extras -- you can never have too much color!}

Lights to Invite

Turn down the bright, overhead lights + bring out soft light with candles. Unique shaped jelly jars make great holders for votives + they'll project beautiful flickering patterns as the candles smolder the night away.