Holidays and Holiday Parties

The holidays are getting near which means holiday parties are right around the corner!

Are you thinking about having a holiday party this year or a New Year’s Eve celebration?  What part of planning and hosting intimidates you the most?  Will you host it at your home?  Over the years I have met people who would love to host a holiday party but aren’t really sure how to plan one or they are not sure they are the “right” type of host(ess).  If you love being with friends and family and opening up your home – YOU are the right type!

Let’s break down planning your party into several simple steps.

1. Pick a date and time. Most corporate holiday parties are on Friday or Saturday evenings beginning with the first weekend in December.  So if you choose a Friday night or Saturday night, just be aware that some of your guests may have conflicts with another party.  Take a look at the calendar for all holidays in December including Christmas Eve, Christmas, and Hanukkah. The sooner you pick your date and time the more likely that your guests will put your party on their calendar and work all other parties around yours!  So consider having your party on a Thursday evening or a Sunday afternoon or evening.
2. Style and atmosphere – an “open house” provides a more casual atmosphere and guests can drop by anytime during the hours you put on the invitation. Usually a note on the invitation says something to the effect of “Come by any time after 5pm” or you state on the invitation that you are hosting an “open house”.  A holiday party that is from 7pm – 11pm usually indicates that it starts at 7 and has a “hard” ending or the host expects guests to leave by 11.
3. Attire – your choice. If you want to have a more formal event – say it, so your guests know what to expect.  Everyone (or almost everyone) loves to dress up for the holidays.  If you want guest to come casual – again let them know!
4. Budget – one of the most important pieces of the planning puzzle. How much do you want to spend? Are you planning on a $300 budget or a $2,000 budget?  Sounds a crazy – but how much you have to spend dictates the choices that you will make.

As an example – on a smaller budget you will end up doing more things yourself, or you will keep your guest list smaller, or make it a pot luck (food and drinks).  A larger budget (and no it doesn’t have to be $2K) you can use a caterer, get paid help, invite more people, more options for entertainment, etc.  But set your budget FIRST!  Track your costs as you decide on the pieces of your party.

5. Food – sit down, buffet, dessert only, hors d’oeuvres, or a combination. Decisions to make once you know your budget and party style.  Obviously a sit down dinner does not work with an open house.
6. Drinks – will you serve alcohol? If so, will it be beer, wine, champagne, mixed drinks, specialty drinks (sangria, margaritas etc), or a combo. Soft drinks, punch, coffee, tea?  If you are serving alcohol, make sure you have nonalcoholic drinks available too.  And don’t forget WATER! However you want to provide it – make sure you provide plenty of water.
7. Entertainment – can be a simple as a play list on your phone or as elaborate as a band/DJ/special guest. Budget and style dictate.
8. Decorations – if your home is decorated for the holidays – not much more is needed. If you don’t decorate – you will find great ideas on Pinterest for the DIYers out there – or pick up some fun holiday décor or pretty flowers.

There you have it! These are the main areas that you will need to decide on as you design your holiday party.  Plan it, get it ready – then ENJOY yourself and your guests and don’t sweat the small stuff!  Tis the season!