How to Host the Perfect Christmas Party

With the upcoming weekend being the coveted Christmas holiday that everyone has been looking forward to all year, what better way to celebrate than by hosting your own holiday party! 

PLANNING AHEAD

Write out all the tasks that need to be completed for this party to ensure everything goes smoothly and it is as stress-free for you as possible! Create a checklist full of items such as: setting a date, creating a guest list, creating and sending out invites, planning a menu, figuring out entertainment, and setting up holiday favors. Of course, this is a tentative checklist, so adjust as necessary. Explore different party themes and consider which one you prefer for your holiday party. Themes range from a traditional black tie holiday party to a fun, relaxed, ugly sweater themed party. Be sure to emphasize a dress code on any invites! 

SEND OUT INVITES AND RSVPS

If you want to do it the old school way, send out invitations through the actual mail. Invest in good quality envelopes and Christmas-themed stamps. Then comes the fun part, designing your invitations! You can purchase your own cards from any store and write out invitations that way. If you want to be more personal and also more frugal, consider signing up for a website like Canva, which will allow you to design your own cards with different types of fonts, images, and designs! Be sure to stay on top of the invitations and get everyone to RSVP well in advance to accurately plan!

PLAN A MENU

Once all of the RSVPs are in, consider all of the guests who are arriving, and their dietary preferences. Do they all eat meat? Are any of them vegan or gluten free? Once deciding who can eat what, plan an inclusive menu for all guests to accommodate all sorts of dietary preferences. Set up a multiple course menu. Start off by thinking of signature drinks or mocktails that are Christmas themed to serve, and then add on some delicious appetizers, as well. Think of a filling and hearty main course dish to serve, and also a creative Christmas dessert.

PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT

A party is not a party with just good food and company; entertainment is just as important! Set an ambience with good lighting and Christmas themed lights, while also playing music and sounds like Christmas carols in the background. Set up other entertainment ideas, as well, like Holiday themed games, or even set up a secret santa for every guest to participate in when they come! If it’s a big party, consider even hiring entertainment like a live band or DJ to enhance the festivities. Create Christmas-themed photo props so guests can take memorable photos, as well.