Things You'll Need:
- Decorations
- Cookies
- Games
- Food
-
Step 1
To begin, you need to plan. Make a guest list and create (or buy) invitations. You can make festive, budget-friendly, homemade invitations with construction paper and scrapbook material from the dollar store.
Plan out what kind of food and drinks you plan on serving, what games you plan on having, entertainment for kids (movies, coloring, cookie decorating), how much decorating of the house you want to do, and if you want to give any gifts for parting guests. -
Step 2
Make sure the invitations are distributed at least three weeks away from the date. Holidays are busy and people need time to plan.
-
Step 3
If you plan on having baked goods such as cookies at your party, or to give out as parting gifts, begin baking them three weeks or so ahead of time. After completely cooling, you can freeze them and thaw them the day before.
-
Step 4
Begin decorating a week before the party is scheduled. That way you can add or subtract as you see fit and you won't be rushing around at the last minute. Again, consider buying low-cost decorations at a dollar store.
-
Step 5
A few days before the party, plan and purchase ingredients for any food you plan on serving. Consider serving finger food, such as meat and cheese trays with rolls, green salad and fruit. There are much less time-consuming than preparing a traditional meal. Not to mention, people get fairly turkeyed out this time of year.
-
Step 6
The day of the party, set up any entertainment, such as a DVD player with kid-friendly fare, coloring books and games for party-goers. Also get out any dished and utensils you will need.
-
Step 7
Dress for success. Consider skipping the jeans and T-Shirt and go with a festive sweater and slacks or something slightly more formal than normal party attire. It will encourage a more festive atmosphere.
-
Step 8
Have a good time! Don't spend all your time in the kitchen. Talk, mingle, play games. Be attentive to guests needs, but there is no need to smoother them. If a friend asks to help, be willing to let them! It's always nice to have someone refill the ice for you.
