How To Make The Best Holiday Party This Year 

With the holiday season practically upon us, now is the time to plan those holiday get-togethers, gatherings, and big parties. To host a party that everyone will love, you must ensure everything is just right, from the drinks and food to the music and decorations.

Of course, every holiday party is unique, and they don’t all need to have the same vibe or theme. For example, a family get-together will likely differ from a classy cocktail party with your friends. 

No matter what vibe you prefer, this guide will offer tips to help you create the best holiday party. 

Continue reading to find tips for hosting an excellent holiday party this year. 

Tip 1: Make The Holiday Drinks A Breeze

Many holiday parties include adult beverages, but offering too many options can be expensive and time-consuming. Instead, reduce the stress and streamline the process by creating a couple of drinks for the menu. For example, craft a modified Moscow Mule with cranberries for a classic holiday cocktail. Or, for a cozier feel, make a spiced eggnog or crisp apple cider.

You can serve these drinks inside your kitchen or even in an outdoor bar if you live in a warmer climate. It’s also crucial to offer non-alcoholic versions or alternatives, so everyone can have a good, safe time. 

Tip 2: Go The Extra Mile With Amenities

Whether hosting the get-together at your home or some other venue, your guests will appreciate it if you go above and beyond and offer some niceties. 

If the party is at your home, ensure everything is stocked, such as extra paper products. You can also offer additional things like one-time-use toiletries or extra blankets in the living room in case it gets chilly.

You can do similar things in any other venue. Just find ways to make everyone as comfortable as possible. Plus, by thinking of these small details ahead of time, you can reduce stress and crowd management during the event. 

Tip 3: Create A Timeline

While some holiday gatherings are more casual than others, it’s still good to have an overall plan of how the night will unfold. As you plan, think about the general order of events. An example of this looks like this:

• 6:00 pm: Guests arrive. Offer drinks and appetizers.
• 7:00: Dinnertime.
• 8:00: Provide coffee and play games.
• 9:00: Dessert and gifts.
• 10:00: Guests start to leave.

While you might not stick to your schedule exactly, having a game plan will make things easier for yourself and the other hosts. 

Tip 4: Consider All The Senses

The winter holidays are at their best when they offer a cornucopia of sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and even touch. When planning the party, you want to consider all five senses to ensure everyone has a good time.

Here are some examples of how to do just that:

1. Taste: Starting with an easy one, balance your menu with savory and sweet options. 
2. Smell: While cooking can smell amazing, you’ll want to ensure it doesn’t smell like oil or burning food. Consider using candles or room sprays to provide a fresh, cozy feel.
3. Sight: As you decorate, focus on creating balance. Winter holidays often have rich colors and lots of lights, but you don’t want too many decorations that overwhelm your guests.
4. Sounds: Depending on the theme and vibe you want to achieve, curate a playlist. You’ll likely want to have instrumental music during more bustling times of the get-together.
5. Touch: While touch isn’t as important at a party, your guests will appreciate comfortable places to sit and different textures to explore. 

With these ideas in mind, you’ll create a party that appeals to all your guests.

Remember To Enjoy The Process

Lastly, as you plan your holiday party, remember to have fun and enlist help if you need it. Party planning is a lot of work; there’s a reason people do it professionally. So, don’t bite off more than you can chew. Working together with family and friends can be part of the fun!