Have you ever wanted to host a holiday party but thought it might be too stressful or overwhelming? These simple tips are meant to make the planning easy and fun. So easy in fact that you might even look forward to planning next year’s holiday party once you’re done.
What’s the purpose? Is the holiday party meant for pleasure or business? Will you host your family and friends or will you plan a holiday party for your business associates and employees?
The Essentials – determine when you will be having the party (pick a date), where you will be having the party (select a venue), and who you will invite to the party (create your guest list). Once your guest list is complete, create and send out your invitations as soon as possible. Holiday season is a busy time of year so you want to ensure you give your guests ample notice.
What’s the theme? It’s important to have a theme so as to avoid chaos and disorganization. A theme will allow you to have a clear vision of what you want your party to look like.
For example, a Winter Wonderland theme is beautiful, easy and elegant. The décor is all white – white linens, white backdrop, and white Christmas trees decorated with white ornaments. Centrepieces can contain white snow balls and be topped with a big white snow flake. Chairs, bars and furniture are also white. You might consider adding an accent color. A splash of silver adds a sparkle to the overall look.
Another example is a Chocolate Factory theme, or a Willy Wonka soiree as it is often referred to. The décor should incorporate as much candy and chocolate as you can handle. Centerpieces can be tall vases to add height to the room. They can be filled with an assortment of candy and chocolates. Each centerpiece can contain one type of candy only such as Hershey’s Kisses, candy canes, or multi-colored M&M’s, or you can create a layered centerpiece whereby each centerpiece contains layers of different candies. Christmas trees should be decorated with edible candy and chocolate and the room should have edible chocolate throughout.
The 12 Foods of Christmas is another example and focuses on different types of food for your guests to enjoy. This one is more about the menu and less about the décor. The idea is to develop 12 different types of foods which should include an assortment of appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, entrees and desserts. Be sure not to rush through each course. You want to enjoy the 12 Foods of Christmas just as you would the 12 Days of Christmas.
Think about the type of holiday party you would like to host. Would you like it to be a sit-down dinner or a cocktail party? Would you like it to be buffet style or would you like to have multiple food stations? A sit-down dinner is more formal and limits food choices to whatever the hosts select. A cocktail party is a lot of fun and guests really enjoy the variety of hors d’oeuvres which are passed around. Buffet and food stations are a big hit. They offer a variety of foods which provide more than just a single plated meal at a sit-down dinner. Each station typically serves a different type of food such as Italian, Mexican, Chinese, or Fast Food, and the guests really enjoy the variety.
Hire help or ask your friends to help out. If the budget allows, hire help – wait staff and bartenders are very helpful and a great asset to any party. If the budget doesn’t allow, ask your friends to pitch in. They can help serve drinks, pass the hors d’oeuvres, and ensure the buffet station is always replenished.
The holiday season is a great time to gather with friends, family, business associates and clients. Don’t let the fear of planning a holiday party stop you from doing so. Take it one step at a time, stay organized, make a list and check it twice!
Raquel Sananes Grad is the principal event planner at RSG Events, a leader in the event planning industry. As a Toronto party planner, corporate planner and wedding planner, Raquel has planned a variety of events for all occasions. Contact Raquel for a free, no obligation consultation. 416-398-0217 or raquel@rsgevents.ca
