Are you planning a Christmas party this holiday season? Although planning a Christmas party is a joyful occasion, at the same time it can be overwhelming with all the demands of the holiday season. Planning this year’s party doesn’t have to be a stressful undertaking. Here are some helpful tips that will guide you through all the steps of planning a successful Christmas party.
Start Planning Early
Start planning your party as early as possible. The month of December is jam-packed with parties and holiday chores. So it’s a good idea to determine your event date, complete the guest list and mail your invitations as soon as possible.
Here are the main things you should get done within the first week of December:
- Set a date for the party
- Make a guest list
- Mail your Christmas party invitations
- Plan your menu
Once you've decided on a date and who you're going to invite, it's time to shop for your invitations. It's a good idea to send your invitations three weeks in advance. The sooner you send your invites, the less likely it is that your guests will have committed to another holiday event. Be sure to check out LCI’s great selection of Holiday Invitations.
Decorate Your Home for the Holidays
My favorite Christmas memories are choosing the perfect Christmas tree and decorating the tree together with my family. It seems like every year, the Christmas season gets more and more hectic with commitments, shopping for gifts and other holiday chores. In the end, my favorite thing to do is sit around a glistening tree, with family and friends enjoying holiday tunes and the sound of a crackling fire.
Festive holiday decorations can make your Christmas party a memorable event. Whether you are planning a small get-together or a large party, here are some ideas for decorating your home for your Christmas party:
- Bring home and decorate a Christmas tree
- Hang Christmas lights
- Place poinsettias throughout house
- Hang a wreath on front door
- Hang mistletoes
- Hang garlands
- Set out candy canes and festive colored candies in bowls
Prepare and Shop for Christmas Party Menu
Christmas is the time of year when we enjoy some of the most delicious home cooked meals. There are many different traditions for a typical Christmas menu. Some of my favorite holiday recipes include homemade breads, warm apple cider and sugar cookies. Below you will find some great suggestions for a traditional Christmas party dinner. This menu includes my family favorites, from Honey Glazed Ham to Carrot Cake.
Here are my seasonal favorites for a traditional Christmas party menu:
- Appetizers: Shrimp cocktail, artichoke spinach dip, garlic bread, mini quiches, crab cakes, potato skins, vegetable platter
- Main dishes: Turkey, honey glazed ham, prime rib, roast chicken, shrimp scampi, rack of lamb, crown roast of pork, roast beef tenderloin
- Side dishes: Mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, asparagus, corn, green beans, cranberry sauce, homemade dinner rolls
- Drinks: Eggnog, apple cider, sparkling water, coffee, hot chocolate, juices, wine
- Dessert: Fruitcake, carrot cake, apple pie, pumpkin pie, ice cream, Christmas cookies, brownies, fruit salad
Start your holiday dinner off with the perfect menu card. Our festive Red Slim Vellum Menu Cards are a great way to inform guests of your Christmas party menu, while adding a splash of color to your tablescape.
See Red Slim Vellum Menu Cards
To help make your holiday dinner more festive, place a Christmas centerpiece on your table to set the stage for a festive meal. Here are some of my favorite holiday centerpieces:
- Evergreen centerpiece filled with pinecones and berries
- Collection of glowing white candles
- Collection of amaryllis blooms or poinsettias arranged in shallow bowls
Whether you are planning a formal sit-down dinner with four courses or casual cocktail party with appetizers only, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy your party with your family and friends.
Last-minute Details
You have planned and prepared as much as possible in advance for your event. So on the day of your party, a few last-minute details should be all you need to make your party an event to remember.
- Play festive Christmas music
- Set out hors d'oeuvres and snacks
- Set the buffet and dinner table
- Make sure your camera is charged for taking pictures
Enjoy the party. Relaxing and spending time with your loved ones should be your top priority. After all, that’s one of the best things about Christmas!
For more helpful Christmas party planning tips and creative ideas check out Christmascarnivals.com.
Trisha
trisha@lcipaper.com
