These think-ahead steps from professional party planners will help you enjoy your party as much as your guests.
Key Takeaways
Tis the season to be hosting!
Especially if you’rehosting a holiday partyat your home.
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You’ve got this!
Typically, only 70 to 80% of invitees attend.
Decide On a Theme (If You Want One!)
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you’re able to find sometheme ideas here.
Send Invitations
Formal paper invitations are always nice, but not a must.
Just be sure that they get the message.
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The holiday season is busy and people tend to book up early.
You want to be able to attend your own party, after all!
Try somemake-ahead appetizersoreasy dessertsthat you’ve got the option to make in under an hour.
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Make a list of how far in advance each can be made, and compile a shopping list.
Place an order with your local delicatessen or bakery, as needed.
While you’re at it, count to confirm you have enough of everything!
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Silverware tends to go missing.
An average song plays for about 3 minutes, so you’ll need about 20 songs per hour.
Do a First Round of Grocery Shopping and Cooking
Whatever you could get early, do it!
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it’s possible for you to also now prepare any dishes that can be frozen and thawed later.
Just double-check the ingredients are ones thatcan be frozen.
This way, you’ll need only a quick once-over before the party.
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Designate a coffee table or side table for coffee and dessert, if you’ll be serving them.
Take a tour around your home and change out any lights that are dead or flickering.
Three Days Before
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Decorate
It’s go time!
Someone’s bound to spill and you want to be ready.
Make room for their shoes too if you’re a shoes-off household.
Have a mat or boot rack empty and ready to collect their kicks.
Finish Grocery Shopping
It’s game time!
Go through each recipe and make a detailed list of every item you’re missing.
You don’t want to have to run out 10 times the day of the party.
If you do, you should make some a little earlier then heat them up.
Tomorrow you will thank you!
Go over countertops and tables with wet wipes and ensure every bathroom has toilet paper and hand soap.
Finish Cooking
You’re in the home stretch!
Finish baking, broiling, or grilling any remaining items!
Place Chairs
Don’t worry about having enough seating for everyone; fewer seats will encourage mingling.
Wait until right before the party to set out the rest.
Greet Guests as They Arrive
You did it!
Frequently Asked Questions
It all depends on the size of the party.
For smaller events, it may take just one to two months.
For larger events with hundreds of guests, planning could start as much as a year in advance.
The most important elements for a party are location and guests.
after you snag those decided upon, the rest can fall into place.
From there, think about invitations, food, and entertainment.
