How to Plan a Holiday Dinner Party

Whether you're a new bride, homeowner or a chronic festivities flop, the stress of hosting a holiday dinner party can sometimes be less than jolly. Fortunately, with a little creativity and planning, you can learn how to have flop-proof holiday gatherings.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide how many guests you want to invite to your party and whether you want your list to include relatives, friends, co-workers or neighbors. Make sure you invite people with similar interests and compatible personalities. Keep in mind that not everyone celebrates the same religious holidays.
2. Establish a realistic budget and stick with it. Avoid using a credit card.
3. Choose a holiday theme. Decide if your party is going to be formal or informal, catered, buffet-style or sit-down. Read entertaining books and magazines and search the Internet for holiday party ideas and recipes. Hold all this information in one file folder or binder.
4. Invite your guests, by either phone or written invitation. Make sure they know if additional guests or dates are welcome.
5. Schedule pre-party to-do items in a day-planner. List any food to purchase, assemble and cook. Note which items can be purchased ahead of time or the day before. Decide who to delegate necessary repairs and typically avoided maintenance jobs inside and around your home.
6. Buy music, holiday color-coordinated decorations, supplies and non-perishable food and drinks. Keep a running checklist of party expenses and purchase the most important items first.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid inviting guests with incompatible political, social or religious beliefs.
• Always be sensitive to your guests' possible food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

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