Perfect Holiday Party Checklist
The secret to pulling off a great holiday party is to find the balance between form and function. Decorations should look nice without being over-the-top, food and drink should be plentiful without being overwhelming, and entertainment options should be available, but not mandatory. The goal of the holiday party is to bring people together not only to celebrate the holiday, but to celebrate the people in our lives. With these tips, you can make your first holiday party the beginning of a tradition looked forward to by all.
Decorations - You don’t need to transform your home into a winter wonder land but decorating for your party can really set the tone for the evening and make people feel welcomed. Something like a homemade festive centerpiece on the table goes a long way, but having snowman-shaped plates, napkins, ice cubes, and vegetable trays can be a little too intense for some partygoers. When it comes to decorations, quality is preferred over quantity!
Food - When it comes to the dishes that you prepare for your guests it is important to know your audience. If you are not an amazing chef, perhaps you have a friend or family member that loves cooking that would be happy to help you put together some tasty options. If not, you could always go the potluck route to simultaneously save money and include your guests in the process.
Dietary restrictions and preferences are an important thing to consider in order for everyone to feel welcome at your party. If you are unsure of what foods certain people can have or enjoy, simply ask. Usually people are happy that they have been considered and will gladly give you some ideas.
Drinks - A good selection of delicious refreshments is a staple of any party and during the holidays this is no exception. Variety is ideal, but you don’t need to have a fully stocked bar to have a great party. A fun and festive cocktail made ahead of time in a large batch like spiked eggnog or punch is a great way to let people serve themselves, so you don’t have to be the bartender all night long.
Many people enjoy wine, but with so many to choose from, where to start? Generally, people prefer white or red, so a selection of each is ideal. According to studies, the most popular red wine is cabernet sauvignon and the most popular white wine is chardonnay. A bottle of each of these should be enough to please most. Serving that wine in an unbreakable stemless glass is a fantastic way to keep spills and breakage to a minimum!
Entertainment - After you have figured out the décor, food, and beverages, the next thing to consider is what are people going to do during the party? Giving people the option to entertain themselves is usually the best route. Playing fun party games is a great way to break the ice at a party, but nobody wants to be forced to participate. Having a space set up as a game area lets those who want to play congregate in one place while other guests are free to mingle and enjoy the wonderful food and drinks you prepared!