Simplify Your Life: 5 tips for organizing and planning the best holiday party
The holidays are about spending time with family and friends. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect. Focus on what’s important and let the other stuff go.
Here are five tips to get you started with planning a fun and festive holiday party.
1. Invite your guests sooner than later
December is a busy month for many people, so make sure to extend the invitation early. Weekend evenings are typical times for parties during the holiday season. Try a Sunday brunch to avoid scheduling conflicts.
2. To cook or not to cook?
There are so many options — cooking a meal, having the meal catered or doing a potluck supper. Whatever you choose is ok. Being the host doesn’t mean you have to do it all. Guests are always happy to lend a hand or bring a dish. The meal is not as important as the time you’ll be spending connecting with loved ones. Keep it festive, but simple.
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3. Set up in advance so you can enjoy the party too
Decorate a table where the food will be served if you decide on a buffet or set the table beforehand if the meal will be a sit-down dinner. Set up a drink bar with beverages, glasses, an ice bucket and anything else needed for guests to help themselves. Holiday scented candles and music can really add to the festivities, so plan ahead if you choose to make them a part of your event. The goal is for guests to enjoy themselves and for you to do the same.
4. Plan something fun
Trim a tree, decorate holiday cookies or plan a sing-a-long. Having an easy and fun event during your party will be sure to create memories that will be hard to forget. An Ugly Christmas Sweater Party is also a fun idea. Purchase or create holiday-themed photo props for festive selfies too.
5. 'Tis the season for giving
Prepare a small token gift like a special ornament or homemade candy to give each of your guests as they leave the party. Another option would be a Secret Santa. Set a dollar amount for the gifts in advance and let guests know. Consider adopting a family and have each guest bring something for members of the adopted family.
With a little planning, a successful holiday party is in your future. Start the planning today. Happy Holidays!
Look for more tips from Deb in the Observer-Dispatch every Sunday and on her websites decluttercoachdeb.com and dceffconsult.com. You can follow her on social media and watch her TV show Organization Motivation! organizationmotivation.com.