The holiday season can make you feel like a child again. There are tons of wonderful things happening this time of year that like cookie exchanges, sit-down meals, office parties and everything in between. As if that's not enough, I always enjoy having a few people over for a shindig of my own. When's the last time you hosted a holiday soiree on your own? Though they require their own planning they are too much fun, something to look forward to before everyone heads off for holiday vacation. If you are dancing around the idea of gathering up a few peeps to commemorate the season, here are some tips on hosting a holiday party. After all tis' the season right?
How to host a holiday party
- Confirm a guest list. This is really a mandatory action we all need to take. Most of us don't like having random people just pop up at their homes. Check out online resources like Paperless Post and Postmark for offer electronic invitations you can send out to potential party guests. Not only are they an pretty nifty way of managing who plans to come but also show off some of your holiday style.
- Decide on a theme. Totally optional though I happen to think that themed parties make the world go round. For the holidays you can throw a cookie exchange, secret Santa get together or whatever else you can think of. Themes are often a good template when it comes to the type of items (think food and decorations) that should be available at your party.
- Plan ahead. I myself am a super planner which means I try to leave nothing to chance or last minute. Though that might not be the case for everyone else, do consider thinking a little ahead with any potential supplies or cooking needs that may arise. Trust me when I say you'll be more happy to think ahead than scurry around last minute! Examples of questions to ask yourself include: do you want a potluck (money saver), self-serve buffet or party with light bites? Will it be BYOB or do you plan on having enough alcohol for everyone?
- Keep the menu simple. Thanksgiving was a small fortune enough so you might not want blow your load on a holiday party - hello, you have gifts to purchase! I say keep the menu simple with small appetizer bites that won't break the bank. These are something your guests can grab when they feel and takes away the need for flat out feeding someone an entire meal. One of my favorite things to make that happens to be affordable is a bruschetta. Who knew that a loaf of French bread, some olive oil, tomatoes and a little basil could feed the masses? Want another tip? Check Groupon and Living Social. They tend to offer deals on take home foods like cupcakes you can use at your party.
- Have fun with decor. If you plan to have a Christmas tree up by your holiday party then you,my friend, have taken care of half of your decoration needs. Rather than go out and purchase decorations you don't really need, use what you have around your home and make it fabulous. Fill vases with ornaments or wrap old boxes in with gift wrap and bows for festive centerpieces.
- Think about favors. Should you be a generous host you might just want to give away a little something something at your party. Is this mandatory? Most definitely not but there's nothing wrong with sending people home with a small favor.
What are your favorite holiday planning tips?
The post Tis’ The Season: Holiday Party Tips appeared first on MommyNoire.