Tips for Organizing a Stress Free Christmas Party
With the holiday season upon us, everyone will probably end up attending at least one Christmas party, perhaps it's you who is hosting that party. Having a party does not need to be a stressful event. There are numerous options out there to help you have a fun and stress free holiday party.
One idea would be to have a progressive dinner party. A progressive dinner party is where three to four people go in together and host the party. The first thing to do in order to have this type of party would be to figure out who the three to four hosts will be. Then you need to develop a guest list, this should not exceed more than 10-12 to ensure that everyone can be accommodated at each house. Next you need to send out the invitations. On the invitations you should include the times and addresses of each host, and an RSVP for each. You will want to make sure that you follow up with each guest so that all of the hosts can accurately plan their menus. A good form to follow would be to have cocktails and appetizers at the first house. At the second house, the hostess could possibly prepare soup and salad. The third house may do the main course, and the last would do the desert and coffee. These types of parties are alot of fun, and take the pressure off of the host to have to do it all.
Here is another idea. You could host a cocktail and hor d'oeuvre party. You provide the space, it should already be decorated for the holiday such as a tree, add some poinsettias here and there, and you're set. Get the Christmas music on the radio and you provide the tableware. Have each guest bring an hor d'oeuvre and bottle of wine or drink of their choice so you have a good selection and then all that's left to do is mingle.
Or you could do a family cookie exchange. Invite a bunch of neighbors over and have them all bring over a couple of dozen of their favorite cookies, again, have some snacks and drinks, music and decorations, it's a party just waiting to happen.
The main point here is that you do not have to do it all on your own. It is the season of giving, people want to help, and they want to party. So the next time someone asks you, "Can I bring something?" Tell them "Yes!"
