This Oughtta Get You Through the Holidays

It’s party season, people.  We know how crazy-making that can be.  Here are a few ideas that might help you plan your holiday soirees.

Canary Hotel (31 West Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara) has a Flock Together Package that can be used in one of their event rooms or on the rooftop pool area.  It includes two glasses of beer or wine per guest plus five appetizers like mini cheeseburgers, grilled chicken skewers, and pita crisps with grilled shrimp for $40 per person.  Call the catering office to book it at 805-879-9144.

The swanky upstairs room of The Sunset Restaurant (6800 Westward Beach Road, Malibu, 310-589-1007) with its ocean views is available for parties now.  Three-course meals paired with wine are available for as low as $35 per person.  Chef Jake Rojas will not disappoint.

Bella Vista in the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore (1260 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara, 805-565-8237) also has smashing ocean views and can be booked for luncheon parties of 6-20 people. Guests get their choice of three appetizers, entrees and desserts.  The host pays $35 per person.  This deal is available Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa (2727 Shell Beach Road, Shell Beach, 800-516-0112) has overnight villas designed for entertaining with full kitchens, dining areas, and patios.  Villas come stocked with dinnerware and have all the appliances you need for whipping up an amazing meal yourself.  They’ll even stock the fridge with groceries for you for a small fee.  If you’re not the hands-on type, you can book a private chef to do the cooking.  For $500 your chef will create the menu, do all the shopping and cooking, and show you and your guests some kitchen tricks. Meals are an additional $65 per guest.  Ask about room specials through December 31st.