Tips to Hosting Your First Holiday Party
Hosting a holiday party can be stressful. The fact that you are even taking on this monstrous task is an accomplishment in itself – you should be proud. Know that when hosting your first holiday party, it will set the precedent of what your guests expect from you at your future parties. You don’t want to “wing-it” when it comes to hosting a house full of people for Christmas dinner.
Now it’s time to make a plan.
A good holiday party doesn’t take much, as long as you have some key factors close to perfect.
What Type Of Party Will It Be?
When someone is invited to a holiday party they analyze the invitation to understand the formality of the party. Will this holiday party be formal or casual? Do I have to dress up? Should I bring alcohol with me?
You want to set the expectation of what type of party it will be. For a casual holiday party, you may want to invite people with a Facebook Event, verbally, via text, or through an Evite. For a formal holiday party, you can send printed invitations with a request to RSVP. Other factors that are involved include: deciding whether or not to state a dress code, BYOB (bring your own booze) and the design of an invitation.
Guests never want to walk into a formal party when they thought it was casual and they come in Ugg boots, leggings and a flannel. Be sure to set clear expectations.
Keep The Drinks Flowing
Depending on the crowd, you may want to stock up on wine or you may want to create a signature cocktail. The important thing is that there are plenty of drinks for the night. The great thing about alcohol is that it doesn’t go bad; well not quickly. So overstocking on alcohol is not a bad problem to have.
A quick signature cocktail you can make is Jingle Juice. It is as easy as Pour-Mix-Serve. It has yummy and simple ingredients such as red wine, vodka, cranberry and mint leaves. Your guests will be amazed with this tasty cocktail and will be wanting it for every holiday party you throw for the years to come. The full recipe can be found here.
Don’t Let People Leave Hungry
One of the worst things that can happen at a party are when you run out of food. Red Rock Catering can make this part of your holiday party a breeze! Why worry about creating a menu, grocery shopping, cooking and serving when you have an affordable option right here in town. Red Rock Catering can help you create a custom menu to fit the atmosphere for your party. Everything from Mini Crab Cakes and Vegetable Spring Rolls to a Taco Buffet to plated entrees. They can provide delicious food and leave you worry free! Oh and don’t forget they also do hosted bars in case you are inviting some rowdy gusts that need proper pours.
Start Your Own Tradition
Hosting your first holiday party means you are starting your own tradition. This is the fun part where you can truly make this party your own. Here are a few ideas:
Make some handmade festive decor on a string. The classic holiday string decor is with popcorn. Sitting around the kitchen table with your mom stringing popcorn with a needle and thread and then using it to decorate the christmas tree. But you can be unique and string something different. Acorns and paper snowflakes add a festive touch that you can use as decor to decorate the rooms.
Another thing you can do is set-up a cookie decorating station. Decorating cookies may be classically a child’s activity but adults love having fun too. A simple selection of sugar cookies, different frosting colors and sprinkles will give your guests something to remember and something to fill their tummies after dinner.