This morning, I got an email from a friend who is planning her first Christmas Open House in her new neighborhood. She thought it would be a great way to get to know her neighbors better and was excited about opening her home and welcoming her new neighbors. She was asking me for tips on how to have a successful Open House without getting too stressed. I emailed her back, but I also thought this would be a great time to share those tips with anyone who might be planning a big (or small) Christmas Party this December. YES, I do realize that we haven't even gotten to Thanksgiving yet, but these are some ideas to tuck away in the back of your mind until after Turkey Day...
This is the order in which I do most of my planning, and it generally helps me stay organized and not forget things:
Plan the size of event you want to host. Do you want to have your house overflowing with people? Do you want just a handful of people?
Plan the age range. Adults only? Families? Young children? If you send invitations, the names of those invited should be on the invitation. This usually-but not always- helps people know whether or not their entire family is invited.
Plan the type of event. Dinner, brunch, lunch, tea, just desserts, appetizers, a theme party, White Elephant Party, Cookie-decorating Party, Gift Wrapping Party, Ornament Exchange...the options are endless! Be creative!
Plan the date and time. Mark your calendar, clear it with any family members who need to know (ie, Hubby) and schedule/reserve your babysitter NOW if you need one!
Make or order your invitations. I know e-vites are popular, but they aren't nearly as fun an festive as an actual "old fashioned" invitation...are they? I never do e-vites... but do what you want. You can print up cute invites on the computer, make them by hand, or order them inexpensively online.
Plan the menu. Decide if you will make the food, order it, have it catered, have people bring things, or a combination. Decide on specific recipes and foods you want to serve. Be sure to include a variety of things that can be made ahead or ordered ahead so that you aren't running around like a crazy woman on the day of your event.
Plan the decorations. At Christmas this is easy because you likely have decorations out anyway, but plan specifically what you will use as centerpieces on dining tables or buffet tables, any special lighting or decor outside (and of course whether you want to hang mistletoe anywhere!)
Plan your timetable. I usually get out the calendar, look at the week of the event and decide what needs to be done on various days leading up to the event. This includes mundane things like cleaning the house, but also the fun things like unpacking, setting up, making, or purchasing decorations. My list includes specific household things to be done, grocery shopping and errand-running, as well as a specific timeline for food preparation. (For example, things like cheese platters or a cheese ball can be made a few days ahead. Pastries or desserts should be made closer to the time of the event. )
Plan activities for family members. Spouse, children, roommates... whoever lives with you either needs to be involved in the preparation or needs to get out of the way. I once kept my toddlers busy for about 45 minutes collecting twigs from the backyard to put in the fireplace on the night of the event. They loved having a job, and I raced around like a maniac trying to get things done while they were occupied. Involve people who want to help in the preparation. It makes it more fun for everyone and creates memories.
and most importantly...
Plan to have fun. Remember that your guests will have more fun and enjoy themselves more if they see that you are enjoying being a hostess. No one expects the house to be spotless, the decorations to be perfect, and the food to be gourmet. They just love that you thought of them and invited them into your home. Enjoy the Christmas season and spending time with special people in your life!
Happy planning!
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