Tips For Planning a Holiday Party
Everyone knows that hosting a holiday party can take your stress levels to an all-time high. Worry not! With our helpful tips and careful planning, you can enjoy the party as much as your guests and create an event that will have people talking well into the New Year!
1. Decide on a Theme
First, determine what kind of party you are looking to host. Do you want a sit-down dinner, a cocktail party, or something more casual or intimate? Once you decide how big or small you’d like your party to be, decide on a theme. You can get super specific like “Ugly Sweater Christmas Party” or keep it simple with a “Holiday Party.” The party-type possibilities are endless and the rest of your planning will revolve around this theme, so choose wisely!
2. Make a List
If you’re anything like we are, the best way to keep your planning stress-free is to live by your lists! Plan ahead, keep multiple lists if necessary, and don’t be afraid to delegate. Often times, asking guests to help with a specific party-related task makes them feel more involved and they are more than happy to help.
3. Decide on Decorations
Once you have decided on a theme, it’s time to plan your decorations. When it comes to the holidays, small, simple decorations can make a big impact. Browse on Pinterest to get some decorating inspiration and create a list of what you will need to make it all come together with your theme. Remember that your food will take up space as well, so don’t overdo it with table decorations.
4. Prep Ahead
If you decided to forego having your event catered, then you will have a lot of work ahead of you with food. Try to make as much of the food and drinks ahead of time as you can. While some things cannot be done beforehand, try to get as much of your prep work done as early as possible. If you’re organized and have everything ready when the party starts, you’ll be better able to attend to your guests.
5. Self-Serve Cocktails
It’s always a good idea to set up an easy-to-make cocktail bar where guests can help themselves. Stock up on things you know your guests like, like red or white wine or create specialty drinks in line with your theme. (Peppermint Martini, anyone?!) Keep plenty of non-alcoholic beverages on hand, and make sure that you have various mixers and garnishes available. You may even want to consider serving coffee, tea, cocoa, or cider for an added treat. Whatever you decide on, be sure to give your guests a choice of beverage without overwhelming them.
6. Use All Senses
Sight – This is a given, but remember that it’s all in the details. Try to pull all of your decorations together while tying into your theme without going overboard.
Smell – Make some fresh mulled apple cider or place candles with holiday scents around your home.
Sound – Create a playlist in tune with your theme. Whether it’s traditional holiday music or modern Christmas songs, your playlist will help set the mood for the entire party.
Taste – Choose to serve traditional holiday flavors, non-holiday favorites, or a combination of both. It’s okay to diverge from your theme a bit when it comes to great tasting food!
Touch – If your party is casual, don’t feel compelled to seat guests around a dinner table. Create an atmosphere that is warm and cozy, and allow guests to get comfortable where they like. If in line with your theme, consider lighting a fire or putting out plush pillows and soft throws for added comfort.
7. Your Holiday, Your Way
We all know the value of family traditions and the sense of comfort they impart. However, sometimes breaking from old traditions can save your sanity and help with the holiday stress. Every holiday season offers a new chance to start your own traditions, so don’t be hard on yourself if your fruit cake isn’t exactly like Grandma’s recipe. Don’t be afraid to break a bit from tradition and try something new.
8. Enjoy!
Last but not least, be sure that you enjoy yourself! If you are having a good time, your guests will be having a good time as well. You’ve put in a lot of work for this party and it’s important to take time to really experience it and enjoy the moment.
While following these tips will certainly help create a less stressful holiday party, the thought of all that planning may still seem a little daunting to some. That’s okay too! If there is one tip we can offer that will outdo all of the others, it’s ‘Let us do the hard work for you!’ Hiring a party planner to take care of all of the details (and keep all the lists) will ensure that you can truly kick your feet up and relax and know that every detail will be covered.