Tips for hosting the perfect holiday party – Growing Family

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The holiday season is a great time to get together with friends and family, so it’s no wonder that holiday parties are the norm at this time of year. A holiday party gives you a chance to have fun with your loved ones, but planning one can be quite exhausting!

If you’d like to take the strain out of hosting a holiday party, here are some tips to make sure it’s a big success without the stress. 

1. Have a theme

Themes are a fun way to define your party, and having one helps you to stay focused on the party’s purpose. From choosing decorations to food and drinks, themes set the mood and tone of your party.

If you are having a holiday party like a Christmas dinner or Easter brunch, your theme may be inflexible. However, that shouldn’t stop you from being creative and making your party one to remember.

2. Plan the menu 

Planning is everything, and impacts even the smallest details. It also guides you in your research so you make the right purchases.

For instance, drawing up a menu will help you identify the ingredients you’d like to use, such as the best salted and unsalted butter. It also helps you work out when to buy groceries so you can cook before your guests arrive.

You can also use your theme as a base for your menu. For example, an Easter Sunday dinner party could have roast lamb on the menu, or a Christmas drinks party could serve bite-size nibbles.

3. Ask for help

Don’t be shy to ask family or friends for help. Throwing a party involves a lot of effort, so try not to be a one-person show.

Delegating things like decorations, music, or party games means you won’t miss the little details because you’re trying to do too many things yourself. You could also hire outside help if everyone else is busy.

4. Set the mood

The mood for the perfect holiday party will be influenced by important things like the decorations, lighting, and music. How you welcome your guests is also crucial. If you greet them at the entrance and usher them in with a warm smile, you’re off to a good start.

It’s also worth thinking about lighting. Ensure your lighting is not too bright or too dim, and your music is not too loud, as this could dampen the festive mood. 

5. Give gifts

It is courteous to bring gifts to the host, but if the host also gives gifts it’s a lovely way to show guests you’ve thought about them. Nothing will make a guest happier than a memorable gift reminding them of their wonderful time at your party.

You can keep the gifting simple and wrap up some food for them, or go for scented candles, chocolates, or a bottle of wine if you feel generous.

Follow these tips, and hosting the perfect holiday party will be less stressful and more fun. Have you got any hosting tips to add to this list?