Christmas Party

General Tips & Timetable

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Holiday Party Planning Timetable

Stay organized and prepared with the planning timetable below! You can even print out the list and check off each item as you finish it.

3-4 Weeks Before The Party

• Set budget
• Rent tables and chairs
• Arrange for any special help
• Make a list of your basic supplies and needs
• Send out invitations
• Decide on theme and order decorations

2-3 Weeks Before The Party

• Plan your menu. Choose your finger snacks carefully. Choose foods that complement each other. Try setting a theme for the food in each room or on each table. Allow 4 to 6 hot hors d'oeurves per person. Don't serve gooey, drippy sauces near expensive rugs or furniture. Still, have some spot remover on hand in case its needed.
• Prepare food ahead of time, if possible, and freeze
• Purchase favors and tableware
• Choose music
• Order any flowers
• Determine your event schedule for activities (games, mingling, food) - always have a few extra ideas in your bag
• Make necessary provisions for parking. If you live in a city, put in your request for the necessary guest parking permits. If you will be allowing guests to park on the lawn or in the back yard, let them know in your invitation. Ask your neighbors about parking options or warn them that guests will be parking on the street.

1 week Before The Party

• Finalize the headcount, but be open to the possibility that it may change. Always plan for 2 extra people to suddenly show up when someone asks last-minute if they can bring a friend. The worst case scenario is you'll have a few more leftovers.
• Purchase beverages
• Check camera equipment and purchase film

2-3 Days Before The Party

• Confirm all arrangements
• Purchase any fresh food or fruit for drink garnishes
• Give helpers a specific task from your list
• Arrange your serving trays and dishes
• Arrange favors
• Decide what you will wear!

1 Day Before The Party

• Decorate! It's all about Atmosphere

Create a festive party atmosphere with decorations, scents and music. Having a dinner party or a Christmas party for your coworkers? Try out some Creative Place Card Ideas. Use scented candles or simmer a pot of water with cinnamon and citrus fruit to fill the house with a delightful aroma. Choose your favorite music and have it playing softly in the background when guests arrive. Consider unplugging or removing your television if it's located in the party area. Nothing spoils the interaction of guests quicker than a group of people huddled around a television set. Consider removing all the chairs from the party area, as this will create more room for people to mingle.

Decorate your home with the of the season or a festive centerpiece for your holiday table. Creative lighting will contribute much to the atmosphere. Try replacing some bulbs with colored lamps or low wattage bulbs. And don't forget the bathroom! A scented candle in the bathroom is a nice touch. Leave an extra roll of toilet tissue in easy view. If your party is being held in a non-smoking household try to make accommodations for smokers, and set up this designated area with the proper ashtrays. If you do not have a place for smokers let them know in advance that the party is held in a non-smoking household.

• Complete food preparation and pick up ordered food items
• Set tables
• Make room for coats and purses
• Purchase ice

The Day Of The Party

• Put out any outdoor decorations
• Set out bowls of candy and nuts
• Give last-minute instructions to helpers
• Set up the bar
• Prepare any last-minute food. Be sure to have plenty of hot coffee and snacks on hand for late in the evening, and room for guests who have had too much to eat or drink and aren't able to safely get home.
• Put your camera out so you are sure to capture the memories
• Start the music, light candles, set the mood. Put out a guest book and invite your guests to sign-in as they arrive.
• Get ready for the event – a bath, glass of wine, exercise – whatever gets you in the right mood
• Relax and enjoy the party! Document everything! There is no such thing as too many photos or priceless memories.

Some Extra Thoughts for the Party Season

Treat your family like company. Don't save the best china, outfits and decorations for guests. Treat the ones you are closest to and love the most to holidays full of the best.

Go All Out on Decorations! Even the tightest budgets can decorate using inexpensive items. A table set with lovely paper goods and a festive centerpiece will let your family and friends know that you think they are special...and you won't spend the entire evening in the kitchen doing dishes!

Don't forget the favor or memento. Providing family and friends with a treasured memento, such as a candle or glassware, will be appreciated as much as any large and costly gift you might give. Whether big or small, give your guests something to take home to remember each holiday.

If you are a guest at someone else's party, it's always a good idea to bring a small gift to a party even if the host or hostess instructs you not to in the invitation. Bring along a bottle of wine, some flowers, or chocolates to show your appreciation.

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