The holidays are coming and that means it’s holiday party season. If you’re the one in your group of friends or family that’s responsible for throwing the annual shindig, we understand that this time of year can be more stressful than festive. Considering the hundreds of details that need to be planned and accounted for, planning a holiday party is hard work.
Luckily, this year, we’re on your side. From food, to entertainment, to decorations, here’s a comprehensive how-to on how to throw the best holiday party ever, without a hitch.
The Invites
This can be one of the busiest times of year for people, so make sure you plan your dates strategically and get your invitations ready as soon as possible; up to four months in advance if you can. Your guest list should be reasonable for the amount of space you have and the amount of money you plan to spend on food.
The Budget
Holiday parties can get expensive, quickly. To prevent costs from skyrocketing, suggest a potluck of sorts, encouraging guests to bring a dish or dessert of their choice.
The Food
For holiday parties, the food should be fun and familiar. Stick to cheese plates, delicious dips such as kale-spinach artichoke dip, and finger foods for hors d’oeuvres. For dinner, make one large protein such as a turkey and focus on easy, delicious side dishes that can be made in the days before, such as roasted veggies, sweet potatoes, and antipasto platters. Bear in mind that alcohol may be an expense — for every guest, you should plan on providing two to three cocktails.
The Decorations
Skip the mess in your home and have a backyard party — ditch the shivers by opting for party tent rentals and investing in a few heat lamps. A backyard party is a fun and unconventional place to celebrate the holidays. In addition to a tent, save the earth and rent linens. When you decorate, use elements of nature to keep your party elegant and fun. Pick a cohesive color scheme that incorporates three main colors that match the accessories throughout your design scheme.