How to Choose Music for a Holiday Party

The holiday time has arrived. You’re in charge of throwing the holiday festivities for the family and friends this year. You have the food all taken care of and decorating too. But you have no idea how to handle the music. Follow these easy steps and you will soon have the perfect holiday ambiance.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Holiday CD’s
• Stereo w/remote control

1. Mix it up. Choose a selection of holiday CD’s with an ample mix of classic versions (think Bing Crosby) with newer versions (think Beyonce).
2. Know your audience. If the gathering consists of only friends and family, try and mix in some of their favorite versions. Nothing spices up a holiday gathering than hearing a friend or family member shout with delight, “I love this version of Jingle Bells.” Yes, it can happen.
3. Throw yourself a bone. This is your party. You should have a few favorites in on the playlist as well.
4. Shuffle along. If you have a stereo with the shuffle feature on your CD function, use it. Place all your selected CD’s in the stereo, set it to shuffle, hit play, and join the party. Instant variety with very little attention required.
5. Volume control. You definitely do not want to blow-out your guests. You also don’t want to have the music so low that no one hears it. Before your guests arrive, turn the music on and walk around different parts of the house or room and adjust the volume control as necessary to make sure that your guests will be able to hear the music wherever they are. Adjust as necessary during the party.
6. Know the situation. If there are softer moments that occur during your party (such as a special toast or gift opening), you want to make sure that the music accompaniment enhances the moment, rather than detracts from it. Adjust playlist and/or volume as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the holiday CD’s not used in the stereo at the ready in case of a “special request.” Those are always crowd pleasers.
• If you don't have a shuffle setting on your stereo, burn a variety of songs onto a CD (or have someone do it for you) and just let that mix CD play.

Who Can Help:

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