1. Pick a Great Location
Large gathering or small, a unique property rental can inject the perfect vibe to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
ACME House Company has a portfolio of properties throughout historic Palm Springs neighborhoods, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Desert. The optional concierge service offers Christmas decorations for your rental, as well as a Santa appearance on Christmas Eve. www.acmehouseco.com
Green PS Rentals promotes green living through its collection of eco-vacation homes. Trademarks include energy-efficient appliances, saltwater pools and spas featuring LED lighting, drought-tolerant native landscaping, and green cleaning solutions. www.greenpalmspringsrentals.com
Oranj Palm Vacation Homes offers a range of accommodations — from midcentury modern gems to Spanish villas — stretching from Palm Springs to La Quinta. When you book with them, you can download the Oranj Palm app that provides directions to your rental, as well as instructions on how to operate everything in the house, including security codes and concierge suggestions on nearby restaurants, events, and activities. www.palmspringsrentals.com
Vacation Palm Springs features luxury vacation rentals as well as more budget-oriented properties in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and La Quinta. Several feature two refrigerators, two dishwashers, and even multiple kitchens — lifesavers when you’re hosting a big party or holiday dinner. www.vacationpalmsprings.com
photo courtesy of Clementine’s Gourmet Marketplace & Cafe
Little melamine bowls at Clementine’s Gourmet Marketplace & Cafe in Palm Desert.
2. Cater Exotic Food
Impress your guests with creative world cuisine from these caterers.
Balisage Bistro prepares Mediterranean dishes sure to please palates whether you’re planning an intimate soirée or a feast for 100. Tempt partygoers with Seafood Paella, Sole Flatbread Wraps, or a delectable selection of gourmet sandwiches. Open throughout the holidays except Christmas Day. www.balisagebistro.com
Clementine’s Gourmet Marketplace & Cafe pays homage to colorful Italian, French, and Moroccan cuisines with scrumptious party platters. Try the Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables Platter with hummus, baba ghanoush, and crispy seasoned pita chips. Design a custom platter of assorted petite sandwiches, including French Madrange Ham and Brie, Grilled Vegetable and Goat Cheese, and San Daniele Prosciutto and Butter. Order the holiday bûche de Noël dessert to top off the dinner party with something decadent. Don’t forget to browse the market section, stocked with imported wines and goods. Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. www.clementineshop.com
Fusion Flair combines Eastern and Western flavors to create a distinctive cuisine. Delectable selections include Organic Red Beets with chèvre, roasted pecans, and truffle oil; Grand Marnier Jumbo Shrimp with a citrus tartar sauce; and Peking Duck Pot Stickers with a fragrant plum sauce. Chef Heng can customize the menu and cook a four-course dinner in your kitchen, if desired. Open throughout the holidays. www.fusionflair.com
photo courtesy of Q Trading company
Christopher Radko's vintage-inspired Christmas ornaments found at Q Trading Company in Palm Springs.
3. Deck the Halls
Dress up your table and tree with modern or elegant décor from days gone by.
Antiques & Fine Consignments is a treasure trove of vintage décor with selections sure to make your party sparkle. Accent your table with retro and elegant dishes, silverware, glassware, and candlestick holders. Fill cut-glass crystal bowls with colorful holiday candies or place poinsettias in Murano glass orchid bowls to create festive centerpieces. 760-323-4443
Destination PSP carries the quintessential dinnerware for a midcentury-themed table. Find plates, trays, bowls, and glasses in vibrant geometric designs, as well as coasters and placemats imprinted with black-and-white modern architecture images by photographer Jim Riche. www.destinationpsp.com
Party Lab has a knack for creating balloon arrangements that incorporate LED lights and make eye-catching centerpieces especially for New Year’s Eve. www.shoppartylab.com
Q Trading Company is the perfect spot to get Christopher Radko’s vintage-inspired or Old World Christmas tree ornaments. You can even pick up December Diamonds’ mermen and other gay-friendly decorations to add more glitter to your tree. 760-416-7150
photo courtesy of destination psp
Destination PSP partnered with Nike to create sports-inspired items such as these golf balls with midcentury-style logos of Coachella Valley cities.
4. Share the Holiday Cheer
Give your guests a little something to remember. Find countless party favors to stuff stockings at these stores.
The Body Deli specializes in fresh, raw, organic skin and hair care products. Friends on the go will love the mini spray pump bottles of Liquid Vitamin Hydra Mist or the Deluxe Mini Masque Kit featuring six varieties of spa-quality facial treatments. www.thebodydeli.com
Destination PSP partnered with Nike to spawn a line of sports products including golf balls that feature stylized midcentury logos representing Coachella Valley cities. Sold individually or in packages of six. www.destinationpsp.com
Greetings carries humorous items — pick out a pair of crazy patterned socks or choose bacon-flavored jellybeans and French fry lip balm to prompt laughter. www.sohopalmsprings.com
h2o Closet is a modern apothecary whose pocket-size containers of premium Daneson toothpicks will win favor due to flavor. They’re northern white birch bathed in ingredients like Islay Single Malt Scotch or Kentucky Bourbon. www.h2ocloset.com
Trestle’s Message in a Bottle will delight. It’s a 3-inch version of the real thing but its cork top is actually a USB flash drive that can be loaded with special music, videos, and photographs intended for the recipient. www.trestlehome.com