’Tis the season for holiday parties! Hosting can be tons of fun, but we get that there can be a lot of planning that goes into it. We’re here to ensure you’ll be the “host(ess) with the most(est)” with these holiday party hosting tips.
Get Those Invites Out
It’s the holiday season, which means social calendars are filling up fast! So whether you’re mailing your invites or creating an Evite, make sure you do so promptly, so your guests have time to plan. Keep in mind that sending mailed invitations takes significantly longer than creating Evites, emailed invitations, or events on social media.
Make a List, Check It Twice
Whether you’re a list-maker or not, it doesn’t hurt to create one for your event to keep you organized. The goal here is delegation: Take on what you know you can accomplish, then pass on things to friends and family to help. Never be afraid to ask guests to pitch in with simple things, like bringing drinks or desserts. This gets everyone involved and takes some of the burden off your shoulders.
Pick a Theme
Your theme doesn’t have to be over-the-top; it can be as simple as a color scheme like “White Christmas.” Just make sure you stick with the theme as you choose the decor and menu. Not everything has to match, but sticking to a theme shows you put thought into your party.
Plan Your Menu
Are you having a potluck and asking everyone to bring their favorite dish? Maybe it’s more of a finger food party, where you ask a couple of friends who enjoy baking to bring dessert. Again, this is the time to plan and delegate. Winter dishes such as soups and casseroles are known for feeding (and filling up!) crowds.
Take a Party Inventory
Before you head to the store to stock up on supplies, survey your kitchen and see what you already have. There’s a possibility you already have some things that you can check off your shopping list.
Keep Beverages Stocked
Make sure you have plenty of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, as well as hot drinks such as coffee or hot cocoa (just don’t forget the sugar, creamer, milk, and toppings).
Party Placement Matters
If you know you’ll be in the kitchen for most of the party, consider setting up a drink station elsewhere for guests. You can also count on everyone congregating around the food, so make sure your spread is out where groups have room to mingle but can also reach everything easily.
Embrace the Buffet
If your gathering is going to be casual, consider serving food buffet-style. Unless you’ve planned a formal dinner party, a buffet is an efficient way to serve a large group of people.
Don’t Forget the Tunes…
Check out Spotify or Pandora for some holiday playlists that will be sure to fit the vibe of your party. Having music sets the tone for the night and fills any potentially awkward breaks in conversations.
…or Trash Cans
Make cleanup a breeze by placing small trash bins by the buffet, bar area, and wherever else you feel guests will congregate. This way, you don’t have to mess with overflowing trash bags, and at the end of the party, everything can be gathered and disposed of.
Do you have any helpful holiday party hosting tips? Share them with us in the comments below!