The holidays are a perfect time to gather with friends and family and enjoy each others company. It may seem like the perfect time to host a party, but there are things to consider before sending out the invitations:
Many people are bogged down with work-related parties and children's activities during the month of December, so if you have your heart set on a Christmas Bash, be sure to send out invitations early so that guests can mark it on their calendars while their weekend nights are free.
Consider a more informal afternoon affair, especially if children are invited. It's often easier for guests to attend, and the children are less tired and cranky.
If you're planning a formal affair without children, be sure to make guests aware of that fact and give them plenty of time to find a babysitter. And be understanding if they decline your invitation. Remember, babysitter's can be hard to schedule, not to mention expensive during the rush of the holiday season.
Once you've figured out the style and tone of your party, you'll want to consider the types of foods you'll serve and the decorations you'll use. Holiday parties can be much easier to plan for since most people opt to use their normal house decorations for the backdrop of the party, just adding a few of those special touches they would normally save for company.
Depending on the style of your party you'll have to decide whether you want a formal sit down dinner featuring the good china and tableware, or a buffet style meal that allows guests to wander from room to room and chat with various people. While both have their pros and cons, there are some things to consider when choosing your meal style and food selections:
While a sit-down dinner does appear more elegant and formal, it can also be a wonderful option for people with children since it allows everyone to sit at one time at a table and eat without the risk of spills and other food related accidents.
Oftentimes a buffet allows for a larger variety of food items to be featured.
A buffet can be set out for longer periods of time, allowing guests to go back to the food table again and again.
A sit-down dinner allows guests to sit, relax and enjoy each other company and conversation more than juggling plates and drinks as you wander the room with a buffet
For those who want the party to begin and end at a specific time, a sit down dinner is best, since the serving of individual courses, and dessert, followed by polite conversation and coffee sets the signal that the party is winding down.
When it comes to the invitations you'll want them to reflect the style and tone of your party. Casual family friendly affairs often sport a whimsical or even comical invitation, while the invitations for a formal event should feature dramatic colors and elegant elements such as ribbon or sparkling designs.
Semi-formal or casual events should feature invitations that reflect the holidays with more casual colors and design elements.
Throwing a holiday party can be a lot of fun, and the holidays are a great time t get together with friends and family. Just take care to make the entire process as much fun as the party itself in order to truly enjoy your holidays.
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