These Tips Will Make Your Holiday Party Memorable
Every holiday season, there seems to be even more stress added to those who plan to host their family and friends. However, this doesn’t mean you need to be stressed out by your party. We’ve all attended different holiday parties where some were great and some were not. So what separates the good from the bad? To find out, we’ve listed a few tips that will have your guests remembering your party for years to come.
Have Your Cooking Done
If you want to be able to fully socialize with all of the guests, then you’ll need to have all of your cooking finished before they all start to arrive. First, cook everything that will take the most time a few days in advance, such as the sauces and desserts. Then, before the day of the party, you can prepare any side dishes that are able to be reheated. Make sure that you have just the ham or turkey to cook for the day of the gathering. This will be the easiest piece of meat that you could cook because of the fact that you just have to sit and wait for it.
Have the Holiday Drinks and Snacks Ready
Having plenty of festive snacks and drinks ready prior to the big meal will be a nice touch to a memorable holiday. You can easily set up a designated table located where everyone can reach. Along with your sweet and salty snacks, you can have several festive cranberry meatballs as well as flavored coffee recipes available, including a delicious gingerbread latte carafe that will surely bring back some childhood memories in your guests.
Decorate Accordingly
No matter which holiday it is, you need to always decorate for the occasion and decorate accordingly. This includes maintaining a theme that is consistent for the duration of the party. While decorating, envision your guests and if they might feel comfortable. Be honest and think if you are feeling comfortable at the moment. If you don’t feel comfortable, then chances are that your guests won’t feel comfortable either. You may want to forego the many balloons or streamers that you had in mind.
Have Your Menu Written Out
Having your menu written out is mainly for yourself and not for guests. As long as you have an idea of what is going to be cooked, then you’ll be able to make easier plans. Think of different ideas for your beverages, desserts, side dishes, the entrée, and your appetizers a week in advance. Once you figure out the menu, make sure that you have all of the ingredients and instructions that your dishes will need.
Maintain a Comfortable Atmosphere
To achieve the best holiday party experience for all of your guests, it is best to ensure total comfort. This doesn’t mean you have to make everything fancy. If many guests are expected to arrive, then you may want to reconsider their comfort by not having them all sitting at the dinner table. Rather, create a dinner that provides a buffet-style so that your guests will be able to get the food easier without having to wait for it to be passed to them. Also, remove any centerpiece from the table so that nothing gets hard to reach.
Match the Music to the Holiday
This is more important for parties happening around Christmas. Not only does the atmosphere get lightened by music playing, but the crowd becomes more festive. Ensure that it’s at a comfortable volume so that their conversations don’t get drowned out.
Ensure That There’s Ice
Throughout the party, you need to ensure that everything remains fully stocked and available for your guests. This also includes your supply of ice which can be a difficult endeavor to maintain. However, having a chest designated for ice will allow your ice to last longer.
Fill the Waiting Time with Fun Games
The last thing that you want is for your guests to feel awkward as they wait around for the food or seem to be bored afterward. What better way to get rid of this awkward feeling than by including some festive games? Some great examples include karaoke, gift wrapping, or charades. Not only are games a great way to entertain, but they also allow your guests to mingle among themselves.