10 Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Parties
Written by Katie Silivos Thursday, December 10 2009
The holidays are a time for friends and family to come together: from Thanksgiving to the New Year. Entertaining is expected and frequent, but are you still having fun as hostess? Instead of letting guests add to your stress level, try keeping it simple, festive, and ‒ most of all ‒ fun. No matter how you make merry, as long as you infuse your personality, prepare, and then celebrate with the ones you cherish, you’re guaranteed to become the holiday hostess with the “mostess.”
Make Your Guests Feel Comfortable
This is first, because it is decidedly most important. What truly makes someone a great hostess is her ability to make guests feel at ease. Whether throwing a grand fete or merely welcoming an unexpected visitor into her home, a talented hostess exudes warmth and calmness. Start by taking a deep breath.
Start the Season Stocked
To kick off a successful (and cost-efficient) holiday season as hostess, take a quick look in your pantry to see what you have, then build on it. Stock up on items that have a long shelf life but can quickly be transformed into something special when an unexpected mother-in-law, second cousin, or neighbor stops in to wish you a happy holiday. Instead of answering the door in a state of panic, you can relax under the armor of your plump pantry. What are these must-have items? Check them out here..
Now that you are ready for the unexpected visitor, it’s time to plan the holiday party of the season. Read on to get the “wows” your party deserves.
Begin with the Basics
Before you can even start planning, you need to answer a few key questions. What kind of party are you throwing? What is the date? Where will it be? How many guests will you invite? What is your budget?
Plan the Party Guest List
First, assess your space and basic supplies to know what you and your home can handle. The number you invite, quite obviously, depends on your budget and degree of formality. Next, you should come up with your concoction of guests. Much like a chef, you need just the right mixture to create the perfect outcome. Mix and match people who may not know each other, but whom you think could get along fabulously.
Recruit Helpers
One of the biggest mistakes rookie hostesses make is taking on too much. There is no reason to feel like you must do everything. Ask your family and friends to bring a dish to share, show up early to decorate, or stay late to clean and reminisce about the night. Friends are usually more than happy to have a part in what is sure to be a hit of a party. Don’t feel inadequate. Even Santa has helpers.
Send Just the Right Invite
Whether you invite guests by mail, phone, or internet (we like evite.com), make sure to include all the important information. Major bonus points if you can do this in an entertaining way – one that shows your personality and guarantees your party will hit the top of the fun meter. Always try to invite everyone on the same day, so no one feels like an afterthought. And finally, no matter whom you invite and what delivery method you choose, invite early because holiday calendars fill up fast!
Create a Killer Cocktail
Unless you are hiring a bartender, skip the hassle and expense of a full bar. Instead, prepare one or two signature cocktails beforehand. Put them in a pitcher and add ice right before guests arrive. For an added splash, pour into fun glasses or get creative with homemade drink tags. Click here. for a few of our favorites this year
Food for Thought
How much food will you serve at your party? First choose the style of service that best suits the type of party and number of guests invited (sit down, buffet, passed hors d’oeuvres, simple snacks). Instead of slaving over a complex, multi-course meal, put a personal twist holiday favorites. “Go for the theatricality,” says Nancy Lutz, senior catering consultant at Atlanta-based Affairs to Remember Caterers. “Set little food vignettes around the house which encourages guests to move and mingle. Envision your party, the guest’s comfort, and plan for the flow.” Learn more about setting your vignettes here.
Greet the Party Goers
Make an effort to connect with every guest. Welcome each one soon after they arrive and make an introduction to at least one other guest. As the event progresses, make sure to reconnect for a more extended visit. People are looking to you for direction, so it’s always nice to have something for them to do as soon as they arrive while you greet other guests. For example, direct them to the bar or to make their personal drink tag.
Enjoy your Guests
Even with the best tips under your belt, planning a holiday gathering can make you feel a bit frazzled, but don’t forget to enjoy your own party. The holidays may be one of the few times of the year you see loved ones, so don’t let your role of hostess get in the way of what’s most important: being a friend or family member. All the pre-planning will pay off when you relax and have fun. Remember, the most impressive hosts are the ones who can enjoy themselves and make it all seem effortless.
Katie Silivos is a freelance writer and public relations practitioner living in Atlanta, Ga. She has worked with Business to Business magazine, DeltaSky, IntheMix magazine, JEZEBEL, Kitchen Trends, Wine Country This Week, Las Vegas Tribune, and the Daily Advocate. She has written speeches for individuals, such as Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Dr. James Tally of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
