The holidays are a great time to spend with family and friends. It can be a little stressful having to host a party. There are a few things you can do to have a fantastic gathering. These tips can help you can throw a memorable holiday party.
Take a Little Inventory of Your Dinnerware
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Now is the time to open your cabinets and cupboards for a look inside. While mismatched plates are okay for everyday use, it might not be the look you want when inviting guests over to your home. If you are short a few pieces, there are many places that sell table sets for cheap. Some stores have complete sets under $30. They are not heirloom quality pieces, but it will give you a nice appearance for your holiday table. You also should think about how you want to set up the dinner table. Make sure you have enough napkins, chargers, and silverware for the big party.
Don’t Make Last Minute Plans
If you are thinking about throwing a party, you need to communicate with guests as soon as possible. There are many parties that happen throughout the holiday season. You want to get the jump and start inviting guests. You should plan on sending invites in advance to people by email or phone at least two weeks before the day. This will give guests the chance to make arrangements as well.
Picking the Right Food and Drink
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Your menu is one of the most important items for a memorable party. You need to decide on which items you want to serve. Once guests have confirmed, you should find out if anyone has special dietary needs. Start planning a menu that everyone will enjoy. You want to have food that showcases the flavors of the season. The holiday season is the perfect time to serve a warm soup. For a dinner party, your main course is the star of the show. Be sure to plan the other courses around this item. You don’t want to have a meal that is too heavy.Drinks and drink menus are also a great idea as people usually like having a choice. Customized and personalized drinks served by a bartender can also transform a holiday party to a more formal and glamorous event. Finish off dinner with a fabulous dessert.
Get Organized
This is the time to start cleaning up the house. You can do a little work to make your home inviting to guests. If you can, hire out the deep cleaning to a professional. This can help you save some time. If you are on a budget, you can take a little time each day and deep clean it yourself. The dinnerware and accessories will also need to be washed as well. It is not a good idea to wait until the last minute. You should go ahead and set up the table. This tip can help you save time and ease the stress. Some people set the table and place the centerpiece about a week before the guests arrive. This is helpful if you are not planning on using the table until that time. A clean sheet over the items can help protect the holiday setup. You can remove the sheet before everyone arrives at the party. It can help you have a perfectly designed table.
Don’t Forget About the Centerpiece
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The centerpiece is what draws a person’s eye to the table. You want to find a piece that is beautiful but not overwhelming. Don’t pick a huge centerpiece either. You want to encourage your guests to have conversations with each other. That can be hard to do when there is a big flower centerpiece in someone’s face.
Get Into the Holiday Spirit
The holidays are a wonderful time to decorate the house. You want to show off a little spirit, but try not to go overboard. Less can be is more when it comes to decorating. So that 6 foot Santa might have to wait up in the attic. The front door is the first place guests will see when they arrive. You can make a good impression by adding some garland or a wreath to the door. Most guests will spend some time in the living room, so add a little decor to that area as well. A few candlesticks and Christmas trinkets will get everyone in the holiday spirit. If you are planning to add indoor lights, this is to spot to do it. The living room should be the main focus since everyone will mix and mingle here before dinner.
The holidays can be stressful, but you don’t have to let that worry you. You can make a memorable holiday party for your guests. By planning ahead, you can relax and spend quality time with friends and family. The holidays are the time to enjoy the company of your loved ones.