Everybody loves a party, but most especially Christmas parties. It's an event that brings together people to celebrate the holidays and the blessings of the year. When planning your holiday party, be sure to send out your invitations with plenty of notice, especially if you're planning your event for Christmas Eve or any weekend in December.
The Party Organizer's To-Do List
Pre-planning: Two months to a month before the party
Plan early because the holidays are a busy time for most people.
1. Make the date. It's important to choose the right date for your party. You don't want it to clash with anyone's holiday plans.
2. Make a guest list. Make a list of the people you would like to invite. Depending on the mood, you might want to invite close friends and family, perhaps co-workers, and if you want more of a mixer, ask your invitees to bring a guest. Make sure that your budget and venue can handle the number of people you decide to have. You don't want to go bankrupt or spoil the party by having your guests feel uncomfortable.
3. Find a venue. If your party takes place at home, then you're all set, but if you want to host your event at a restaurant or other place, be sure to reserve the space with plenty of time to avoid losing out due to procrastination.
4. Send your invitations. Since the holidays are a busy time for most people, you'll want to send out your Christmas party invitations as soon as you plan a date and venue. The earlier you send your invites, the better.
5. Plan your menu and set a budget. If you're on a tight budget, you can make it a potluck party, but if you want control of everything, then go ahead and plan your menu. Of course, all according to your budget. Hor d' oeuvres are always a popular choice and are perfect for mingling.
Planning the Details: 2 weeks before the party
As the time of your party draws near, it's time to take care of the important details of your party. This is where you decide on a theme for the party, how to decorate the venue, and have some form of entertainment or games.
▪ Food- Finalize your menu and perhaps consider shopping for any essentials now. Your menu should have some of the traditional food served during Christmas, including eggnog, cider, and Christmas cookies, to get into the spirit. However, you can add your own for variety, such as doing a twist on tea sandwiches by making them into a festive wreath. You also have the option to have it catered to and save yourself some stress. Whatever you decide, make your meal as pleasing to the eyes and stomach as the rest of your party!
▪ Decorations - traditional Christmas decorations include a Christmas tree, candles, lights, and other holiday decorations. Make it festive by hanging lots of sparkly decorations. Set the table with traditional colors like red and green. If it's a themed party, decorate accordingly. This is the right time to pick out and buy your decor.
▪ Entertainment and games - make the party lively by having games and entertainment. You can ask your talented friends or family members to perform at the party. Some popular games you can incorporate into the party are Bring Me, Charades, and Pictionary. You can also sing Christmas carols. Be sure to ask your guests to dress up according to the theme. You could have a Christmas sweater party or ask your guests to only wear red and/ or green.
▪ Favors - nothing says thank you more than a parting gift. Some great Christmas party favors include personalized stockings or Christmas ornaments. You could also hand out some edible treats such as holiday cookies or personalized hot cocoa, all packaged within some pretty favorite bags.
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