How to Throw a Christmas Party

A Christmas party can be a major undertaking or a low-key gathering of friends. Be sure you plan ahead, since Christmas is a busy time of year for everyone. One thing is for sure, though, everybody loves a Christmas party.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Invitations
• Christmas Decorations
• Christmas Trees
• Candles
• Eating Utensils
• Flowers
• Drinks
• Food
• Nonalcoholic Drinks
• Napkins
• Plates
• Christmas Music CDs
• Napkins
• Candles
• Plates

1. Plan your party. Decide whether you want a big bash with a bartender, catered food and a DJ, or if you'd rather have a more casual evening with friends--or something in between. Consult several party books and decide on a budget before making up your mind.

2. Get your party on the calendar. It's often best to schedule a Christmas party several weeks before Christmas--before calendars are filled with other activities, shopping and baking.

3. Make a guest list. Ask as many people as you can accommodate to a sit-down dinner, or as many people as your house will hold for a cordial get-together with finger foods and drinks.

4. Decide on a menu. If you are having the meal catered, consult with the caterer and choose a menu, or plan your own.

5. Send invitations. Invitations should go out as early in December as possible so that your guests can schedule the party and RSVP. Be sure to include times, let guests know if a meal will be served, and mention appropriate dress.

6. Decorate. Your decor should include the traditional Christmas tree, plus lots of candles, centerpieces (if appropriate) and other holiday decorations.

7. Buy the food, beverages, paper goods and flowers you will need for the party.

8. Make hors d'oeuvres, arrange the flowers, cook the food and chill the wine as appropriate, and set the tables or arrange the serving table.

9. Just before guests arrive, light the candles, turn on some soft Christmas music, set out the hors d'oeuvres, and bring out the punch or open the bar.

10. Have fun!

Tips & Warnings

• People really like to dress up at Christmastime, so a dressy cocktail party is always a winning idea.
• More casual Christmas party ideas include a caroling party, where guests go caroling and come back to your house for hot mulled cider and Christmas cookies; a soup extravaganza, where guests bring their favorite homemade soup and you provide hors d'oeuvres, bread and dessert; or a tree-trimming party, where guests make popcorn and cranberry strands, popcorn balls, and Christmas cookies for decorating the tree, then stay for treats.
• Be sure to have nonalcoholic drinks on hand for those who do not partake of alcoholic beverages.
• Try not to take on more than you can comfortably deal with or afford. Remember, you still have to do your shopping and baking. Save some energy for the big day.

Resources

• Letters From Santa
• Christmas Recipes

on 11/22/2005 Have a trusted friend or neighbor agree to be your helper. You cannot be everywhere at once. She/he can help in the kitchen, empty ashtrays, make certain the ice bucket has ice, and clear used plates and utensils. In short, he or she is an extra pair of eyes and hands. This way, you can answer the door and be gracious without feeling stressed. Since I have enlisted my galpal, I get to enjoy the party as well because I know I have a back-up.

on 11/22/2005 I started planning for my upcoming party in september i ahev all the stuff i want to do, christmas buying list, guest list, things to do list, things to buy, things to bake, things for people to bring, and so much more all in its own notebook. This is going to save me the struggle in the end. Missy

on 11/22/2005 Ask guests to bring their favorite hors d'oeuvres AND the recipe to share. Everyone learns something new (usually), and the guest can be as elaborate as they are able. Most people love to share food and their opinions on the subject!

on 11/22/2005 The guests at my last four Christmas parties have been given a small ornament as they leave (one per family). They all seem to enjoy it, and I've been able to purchase small ornaments in quantities of 10 or 20 very inexpensively. Share the season!