Christmas Cards
Original PhotoArt by A Couple of Artists

Christmas Tree Ornaments from A Couple of Artists

More Party Activities & Games click here to get a Christmas PINATA to complete your party planning

3 Ft. Bay Leaf Garland
at Organic Flowers

Draped over a mantle or down a banister, this fresh and fragrant bay leaf garland adds an elegant holiday touch to your home during the festive year-end holiday season. The aromatic bay grows naturally on the steep hillsides of Potter Valley, California--an area that neighbors the Mendocino National Forest and the headwaters of the Russian River. The leaves are harvested in the late fall and early winter when the oil content in the leaf is at its highest. As a result, the leaves dry slowly over a two-week period to a beautiful green. In addition to enhancing your home for holidays, this wreath provides a year's supply of culinary bay. Enjoy!

Also Available Organic EDIBLE Herb Wreaths & Other Unusual Wreaths for Christmas

Caryn.com	Holiday Store
	Christmas Party Planning Guide
	Decorations & Party Supplies
	Candles & Lighting
	Music for the Christmas Mood

Additional Party Planning Sections @ Caryn.com

Chanukah Party Planning Guide | Planning a Purim Party

Halloween Party Planning Guide | Valentine's Day Party Guide

St. Patrick's Day Party Ideas | Easter Decorating & Party Planning

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Planning a Christmas Party

Christmas Party Ideas: Creative Tips & Timetable for
Planning A Company Christmas Party or Family Holiday Event

Need Inspiration for Holiday Gifts ?

Holiday Party Planning Questions & Invitations

Have you agreed to host a family Christmas party or are in charge of planning the Company Christmas party and are feeling overwhelmed with the daunting task ahead of you? Would you like to throw a party but lack confidence in your party planning abilities? No worries. You've found our party guide--you're all set.

Canadian Pine Christmas Wreath 60"

For a step by step guide to planning a Christmas party for family & friends, return to the Christmas Party Planning Guide: Main Index see also Party Planning Timetable | Party Guests & Alcohol

Fresh Canadian Pine Christmas Trees: 36"

Party Planning Questions

First of all, you should start by answering a few basic questions about your party. Your answers will help you get focused and point you in the right direction. Think about these questions and be clear with your answers at least 4-6 weeks before your scheduled party date. 1. How formal a party do I want? Should it be a black-tie affair, a dressy event, or a casual gathering?
2. What type of theme do I want to center the event around?
3. How many people do I plan to invite?
4. How much money do I want to spend?
5. Will I host this at my home or another location?
6. Do I need to arrange entertainment for the party?
7. Am I feeling pressured to throw a party that's beyond what I really want to do and think I have time for? What do I really want to do? Is there a compromise that can make everyone's holidays merry & jolly, including me?

Take care of all the big things first (date, location, menu) and don't worry about all the tiny details until later. Invite only the number of people that you can handle both financially and space-wise.

Party Invitations

Once you have answered these party planning questions, the next step is to create a guest list and purchase the invitations. Try to make them fun and different. Use your personality but don't forget the basics like: hours. Tell your guests when the party starts and when it will end. Specify the hour in advance to avoid confusion. Let your guests know what kind of attire is appropriate. If you're anticipating a semi-formal gathering, let them know. A good rule of thumb is to send invitations out three to four weeks ahead of time - even sooner during the holiday season. You can usually count on about 25% of your invitations coming back as regrets. Invite everyone at once so that nobody feels like an afterthought or a replacement for another guest who couldn't make it. Always issue invitations yourself not through a third party. If it's OK for your guests to bring dates or kids, indicate it on the invitations; otherwise ask your guests to alert you in advance if there's somebody they would like to bring. Call anyone who doesn't respond within a week of your party and ask for an RSVP with an exact number of tag-alongs. It's not unreasonable for you to want to know how many people to expect and prepare for, and even though I always prepare for a few very last minute guests just in case, good guests should always let their hosts know how many people in their party will be in attendance.

GENERAL TIPS FOR OFFICE PARTY PLANNERS
PLANNING AN OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY

Be clear on your Budget. Allocate it wisely within your limitations. Consider that a non-Saturday party or early afternoon luncheon may greatly reduce expenses. Include your party crew when factoring in table space, food, drink etc. They make sure your event runs smoothly. You want them happy and well-fed.

Check out last year's attendance to invitee ratio– estimate number of people expected.

Book a banquet hall with easy road access (even in winter weather conditions) and ample parking facilities.

Ensure enough food & drink choices for all tastes. It is always nice to have one vegetarian and/or dietetic option on hand.

Plan out the party schedule and work out timing beforehand. Set a limit for speeches and then insist people stick to it! Have a contingency plan.

Consider hiring professional entertainment such as fire dancers, comedians, hypnotists, jugglers, psychics, magicians, a DJ or band. Don't leave booking until last minute--the holidays are a busy season. You may even want to look within your organization for talent and not wait until Suzy has that extra drink and starts singing atop the bar. Give her a chance to shine officially.

Hold a test run/dress rehearsal of any sound, lighting, projection equipment and audiovisual materials priot to arrival of guests. Keep speeches and presentations brief and speakers to a minimum. People are there to socialize.

Confirm all accommodations for out of town guests, transportation to and from the airport at least 24 hours before event.

Provide taxi service for guests who over-indulge in that open bar.

Coordinate plans for registration – name cards, open seating or pre-arranged seating plan, party theme and décor. Make your decisions as early as you can, and be ready to commit and put it in writing - halls, performers and caterers are much sought after this time of year. Call for appropriate dress- formal, casual or business attire--based on the theme of your party. Tie Awards, door prizes and giveaways to your theme and see if any can be donated by your suppliers or provided at their cost.

Send out festive invitations and leave time for an announcement in a company newsletter..   

Make sure suppliers have party venue address and phone number, and the cell phone number of company organizer for any last-minute emergencies.

Fora complete step-by step guide to planning an office Christmas party or corporate holiday event, please refer to our section specifically about Planning A Company Christmas Party.