The countdown to the new year is on and the stakes to throw an extraordinary party is high. Start 2023 off right by setting the stage for all celebrations to come, by hiring an event planner for your next event.

Enter The Curated Concierge. Founded in 2020 by Amanda Corley, The Curated Concierge is a full-service event planning agency, servicing clients throughout the United States, specifically the Chicago suburbs, specializing in Hinsdale, Naperville, and St. Charles. With more than 15 years of experience, Corley has planned everything from private dinner parties to corporate conferences. “Socially, I plan all types of events from two-person date nights to large gatherings and everything in between,” Corley says. “For businesses, I plan a wide range of events including executive board meetings, ribboncutting ceremonies, product launches, client-employee appreciation events, sales meetings, and educational conferences.” Corley offers day-of coordination for weddings, too, but not full-service wedding planning.

“I absolutely love planning social events because of the sentiment and emotion involved,” Corley says. “When hiring me, my clients are inviting me into their most personal space and I essentially become family throughout the process,” As for planning business events, it’s rewarding for Corley in that she takes the client’s goal and helps them achieve it through intentional and tactical planning, and many times in the form of something they had never imagined. “They welcome me in as part of their team through the process and rely on my expertise to navigate them through to the end,” Corley says. “Again, the trust involved is not lost on me and is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my business.”

With New Year’s Eve soirees upon us, Corley forecasts social celebrations rather than a private night in. If hosts are staying in instead of going out, the trend is to still keep it more social by hosting a small get-together with close family and friends. “For food and beverage, I expect butter boards will still be having a moment along with Insta-worthy signature drinks,” Corley says. “It’s always more fun to celebrate with a pretty drink in your hand, edible glitter, and sexy garnishes are always a win on New Year’s Eve.” Aesthetically, she also says you’ll continue to see the use of varying textures with lots of sparkles. “I couldn’t be happier about any of this,” she says. “I absolutely love that these trends are following us into the new year.”

As for last-minute advice, Corley says to start by making a list and then prioritizing each item by importance. “The aspects that are most important to you as the host deserve the most time, budget, and attention.” This approach applies whether hosts just need some last-minute cleaning before guests arrive or whether they decide to host at the eleventh hour and have an entire party to plan. “And while it is a very busy time of year for all event professionals, it never hurts to check last-minute availability.”

If you’re considering throwing a party, Corley advises to never pass up an opportunity to celebrate. “It doesn’t always have to be big, grand, themed, or over-the-top, but life is short, so throw the party,” she says. Enjoy being the guest to your own party by hiring an event planner. “We are here to advise from concept to design through the sourcing, hiring and management of vendors, and finally to execution,” she says. “Hiring a planner alleviates so much stress and allows the host to actually enjoy themselves.”

The Curated Concierge, thecuratedconcierge.co.