It may seem like its too early to start planning your holiday parties but the key to a great party is the planning and the sooner you start the less stress you’ll have closer to the party date. Here are a few easy tips to make all your parties fabulous. These simple steps can be used for anything from a small dinner party to a large formal office gathering.
- Decide on the type of party you wish to have. Will it be casual or formal, a sit down dinner or passed hors d’oevres, will kids be included or is it adults only, and finally is there a theme to your party.
- Set your budget based on the type of party you wish to throw and be realistic. Look into how much things may cost before you set your budget so you’re not surprised when you start purchasing or booking things.
- Plan your menu and try any new food beforehand. Don’t try a nw recipe on the day of the party. You’ll be stressed that it won’t turn out right, so stick with tried and true recipes that people love.
- Make a list. Although this is step four it is probably the most important step in the process. Your list should include everything that needs to be done or purchased for the party. If you are having help write the name of the person helping you beside each task that they are working on. This will keep you and your helpers on track.
- Send out the invitations. This doesn’t mean that you have to send formal paper invitations for every party. It could be as simple as a phone call or an email. Make sure that the invitations go out in plenty of time for your guests to make arrangements. Also ask for RSVPs so you know how many people are attending or if they have any dietary restrictions or allergies.
- Pick your entertainment. Even if you’re not hiring a DJ but just playing CDs, plan ahead so everything is ready for when your guests arrive. There should never be a dull moment.
- If children are invited have specific entertainment for them as well. It may just be some games or activities set up in advance. This is important so the parents can relax and enjoy the party without worry about what their kids are doing.
- A week before you should start getting the supplies you’ll need. Check your list before you head out but starting early on the shopping will give you enough time to pick up stuff you forgot or that the store didn’t have.
- The day before, check your list again and set up what you can. Ask some friends to come around and help if you need it. Do as much as you can the day before so you’re not stressed the day of the party.
- On the day of your party check your list and relax. Everything should be under control by now. It’s important to remember that you should enjoy your party as much as your guests do. Don’t try and do everything yourself. If a guest offers to help or bring something let them.
These steps are great for throwing successful parties all year long but even more so around the holidays because you’ll have a lot of other things on your mind as well. Plan ahead and avoid stress.
