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Hosting a Christmas Party

Hosting a party doesn't have to be difficult. With a few easy shortcuts and a little planning, you'll be hosting soirees like the divine Ms. Martha in no time. Nonetheless, even an informal party might take a few days of planning, and more elaborate events may take a few weeks to get everything set up. Set a schedule for yourself and don't try to do everything at the last minutebought goods here and there. Have fun!

Themes and Decor

The first thing to decide when hosting a holiday party is whether it will be a generic holiday party or a Christmas party. * If you are throwing a get-together in an office or school environment, you should strive to include everyone in your celebration. ** This means that you shouldn't just serve ham and you'll want to put up some decorations for other holidays. It's also safe to stick with a basic winter theme. * If your party is in your home, however, you have the freedom to incorporate whatever elements you like. ** Choose between an icy winter setting which utilizes white, silver, and blue, or go for a jewel tone theme with gold, maroon, and green decor.  Once you have decided on a theme, find some fun decorations to match it!  You can incorporate this into everything from invitations to table runners.

Send the Invitations

It won't be much of a party if no one shows up. It is best to send out invitations at least three weeks ahead of time. Consider hosting a weeknight shindig, since people's weekends tend to be very full around the holidays. * Though it should go without saying, many people ''do'' forget the important things. Be sure to include '''all''' of the necessary details: where, when, how to get there, attire, and how to reply. ** If you are planning to have a gift exchange or play Secret Santa, make sure to mention the details, including a price limit and whether presents should be marked for men, women, or both * For a larger party, a more old-fashioned crowd, or a formal event, stick with print invitations. ** If you are going formal, you might want to include a stamped, addressed envelope and RSVP card. ** Print invitations are also nice because your guests can hang them on the fridge as a reminder, or take them in the car if they need directions.  Besides, who doesn't like getting an invitation by mail? It makes your party seem more special. * Keep an RSVP list easily accessible so that all of your replies are organized in one place. A good idea is to hang up a notepad near where you talk on the phone or read the mail most frequently.

Plan the Menu

After you send the invitations, you should decide on the menu. Is it a cocktail party, a sit-down dinner, or a buffet brunch? Whichever you choose, have your menu planned out at least two weeks in advance.

Party Activities

Before you throw the most memorable party of the year, decide if you want your guests to partake in some holiday cheer or if you'd rather keep it to just chatting and eating. If you opt for the former, here are a few ideas. Keep in my mind you can always choose classic party games too, such as charades (holiday edition!) or Pictionary.  

Review Your Time Table

Whichever kind of party you decide to throw, the most important thing to do is to have a game plan a few weeks in advance. '''Four weeks before the party:''' * Choose invitations. Assemble a guest list and send the invitations. * If you are having the party catered, discuss the menu and arrange a tasting with the caterers. * Write a list of what the store hours will be for your local grocery, butcher, baker, florist, etc. around the holidays. Keep in mind that some privately owned small businesses may have limited hours during this time of year, so it is best to plan in advance for an emergency. '''Three weeks before the party:''' * Decorate your houseit will also help you get in the holiday spirit. * If you are preparing the food for your party yourself, start putting together your menu. * Have another tasting with the caterer and make any adjustments to the menu that you feel are appropriate. * Order flowers if you want to have a special custom-made arrangement. '''Two weeks before the party:''' * Purchase anything that you can keep frozen, like appetizers or desserts. * Go over your response list, figure out just how many people will attend, and communicate this to your caterer! Plan out your menu, and assume you will have a few extras at the last minute. '''Week of party:''' * Buy any poinsettias and other potted plants a week in advance, but try to get cut flowers as close to the party as possible. * Make your shopping list. Divide it into two sections: things you can buy a few days in advance (like pasta and other dry goods), and things that you must buy the day before (or day of) the party, like fresh produce and bread. * Clean your house thoroughly. Don't leave it for the night before or the day of the party. Your house will stay pretty clean for a few days, although you might have to do a little bit of touching up before your guests arrive. ** Don't worry too much about bedrooms or other rooms that guests won't see. ** '''Do worry''' about the bathroom, because that's where your guests will have time to look around without distraction. * Polish your silver knickknacks and serving pieces. * Prepare parts of dishes that can be made ahead of time. '''Night before:''' * Take care of any last minute prep work. * Get a good night's sleep! How can you be a sparkling host or hostess if you are exhausted? * Prepare your game plan. Make sure every family member has an assigned task or twodelegating is important.

Related Guides

Use some of our other buying guides as inspiration!  We will give you some more great ideas to liven that holiday spirit.