One of the things people look forward to most as the holiday season approaches? The set of holiday parties that come along with it: a wonderful time to celebrate with friends and family. However, there’s no denying that hosting a holiday party, should that responsibility land on your shoulders, is generally associated with some level of stress.
While there’s a lot that goes into hosting loved ones during this festive season, it is possible to host an easy holiday party – one that doesn’t make you feel overwhelmed and out of control (two details that aren’t compatible with the spirit of the season). Photobook Australia has got you covered this holiday season!
Get Organised
Are you planning a large event or a more intimate gathering? Will your party be formal, casual, or somewhere in the middle? Make these decisions early and plan your party accordingly. Create a guest list and a to-do list for the week before your event. If your guests offer to bring something, feel free to delegate. Allowing them to assist with planning or preparation makes guests feel involved. Check out these photo calendars that look good and help you keep track of important dates!
Send Invites Early
You might not start thinking about the holidays until Halloween has come and gone, but your friends and family’s seasonal calendars will fill up fast, especially on those precious few Saturday nights in December. Inviting them with advance notice ensures the guests you really want there are available. Send out these personalised greeting cards that can be doubled as an invite from Photobook Australia!
Offer Snacks Instead of A Sit-Down Dinner
Small bites and finger foods are easy and fun to make in advance. For a fast and universally appealing array, set out a fruit and cheese platter, an antipasto plate, a decorative bowl filled with roasted or mixed nuts and a dip – such as hummus drizzled with olive oil – served with crackers or toasted pitas. If you have guests with dietary restrictions, provide one or two options that they can enjoy as well.
Designate A Dessert Table
Let’s face it, the holidays just aren’t the same without sweets – Christmas cookies, candy canes, pies, gingerbread and so much more. Whether you bake or buy your treats for your Christmas party, elegant trays and platters instantly elevate any offering. Plan your party space to allow for last-minute additions from friends bearing homemade appetisers or desserts. Place pastries and candies inside paper muffin cups – your sweets will look fancier and guests can easily swoop them up when passing by.
Decorating Your Home
If you’re hosting at home and deck the halls anyways, your usual decor will likely do just fine, but you may want to adjust according to your theme. Ornaments from Photobook Australia for your Christmas tree. Herbs and evergreens – they smell great and work for the mantle, tables, doorways and more. Stockings on the mantle or staircase railing never go out of style, and neither do twinkle lights and candles. Scatter baubles in your chosen colour scheme along with a tablescape, or string up dried orange slices, popcorn, and cranberries for a traditional touch. It’s important to use what you already have at home, but add a little bit of spice!
What to Do at a Holiday Party
Oftentimes, with the right combination of music and drinks, corralling your nearest and dearest is entertaining enough. But it never hurts to have some methods for merry-making up your sequined sleeve, especially if they suit the night’s theme. Here are some ways to keep friends and family having fun at your Christmas party.
Play holiday games. Charades or board games (think Pictionary) are foolproof ways to energise and entertain your guests. Plan prizes for winners to sweeten the pot.
Exchange holiday gifts. ‘Tis the season for giving, after all. Organise a Secret Santa gifts, or Favourite Things gift exchange, so everyone leaves with a treasured trinket (or at least a laugh). A photobook filled with precious memories of your friends and family would make a great gift as well!
Decorate or swap Christmas cookies. For a sweet take on a potluck, ask everyone to make a favourite confection such as fudge, toffee, or spritz cookies. Provide trays so guests can collect treats to take home. Alternatively, bake a few batches of sugar cookies yourself and set up the frosting and sprinkle stations for custom creations.
Have an ugly Christmas sweater contest. It’s silly, it’s cheesy, it’s a whole lot of fun. Don your worst holiday garb and vote on the very best worst look.
Watch holiday movies. A film viewing is usually best for groups of eight or fewer, but adjust based on your available seating. Make a real-life theatre and offer popcorn, candy bars and plan a trivia or drinking game to enhance the cinematic experience.
Decorate the Christmas tree. Cross this decorating task off of your party prep list! A tree-trimming theme is a perfect way to get everyone into the holiday spirit, particularly for a party set at the start of the season.
Sing karaoke or Christmas carols. Christmas Carol-oke, anyone? Capitalise on the familiarity of holiday tunes with a holly jolly singalong. Dibs on Mariah Carey!
Check out more gifts from Photobook Australia that your loved ones will surely love!