| Christmas - games, parties and fun! Who can | | | | so don't feel obligated to serve them. Perhaps |
| resist the joys of the holiday season all the | | | | wine options are a better fit for your affair. If |
| decorations, traditions, contagious cheer and | | | | you do offer alcoholic drinks be sure to have |
| endless parties! If the holiday spirit has swayed | | | | alternatives for those who don't drink and |
| you into hosting a Christmas party you've come | | | | designated drivers. Keep the bar drinks simple to |
| to the right place! With a little planning you can | | | | avoid the added work of playing bar-tender and |
| host a memorable Holiday soiree that will be | | | | the extra expense of stocking the bar. Should |
| remembered long into the new year! | | | | any of your guests have one-too-many be sure |
| It's Just Around the Corner - Plan Early! | | | | they do not drive home. |
| In case you haven't noticed (but we're sure you | | | | Get the Party Started - Plan the Fun |
| have), the month of December is crazy busy and | | | | Above all else your Christmas party should be fun! |
| gets crazier as Christmas comes near. Best | | | | Plan fun activities to get the party started and |
| advice on this topic is to PLAN EARLY! Planning in | | | | keep it going. |
| November will assure you have time to organize | | | | - Christmas party games. Games are a great |
| the party and still tackle your own Christmas | | | | way to get your guest talking and mingling. |
| "To-do" list. You'll also be able to get the invitations | | | | - Trim the tree. Have all your tree decorations |
| out before your guest Christmas calendars fill up. | | | | out and let your guest trim your tree. |
| Mind the Pocketbook - Set a Budget | | | | - Christmas caroling. Take the party outside and |
| The first, and most important, step is to set a | | | | sing carols for your neighbors. |
| budget! Determine how much you can | | | | - Decorate cookies. Prepare a table with cookie |
| comfortably spend. Setting a budget (and sticking | | | | icings and sprinkles and let your guest decorate |
| to it) will not only keep some Christmas cash in | | | | the cookies. They get to take their decorated |
| your pocket but will also help guide your party | | | | cookies home. |
| planning decisions. | | | | - Exchange gifts. Either secret Santa or grab bag |
| The Whole Crew and Aunt Sue Too - Make the | | | | style. Be sure to include this on your invitations |
| Guest List | | | | along with a spending limit. |
| Be realistic about how many guest you can | | | | Ya'll Come - Send the Invitations |
| handle. Take into account the size of your place | | | | Now that the party plans are in place, it's time to |
| and the work involved in entertaining a group. | | | | send out the invitations. Remember, three weeks |
| Remember too that 'tis the season to be jolly and | | | | notice (or more) is best so get those out ASAP! |
| someone will likely bring an extra guest or two. | | | | It's the Thought that Counts - Party Favors |
| Better to have a shorter list of closest friends | | | | This is not always necessary but it is nice to give |
| and family unless you plan to have some hosting | | | | each guest some small token of thanks for their |
| help and can afford to feed and entertain a larger | | | | attendance. This can be as simple as a slice of |
| crowd. | | | | cake to-go to a beautifully wrapped party favor |
| Any Day Now - Choose a Day and Time | | | | gift. Again the watch cry is...budget! |
| 'Tis the season for full social calendars so choose | | | | Count Down - Final Steps |
| your date early and wisely. If possible, it's best to | | | | Shop for decor and party accessory items 2 |
| give guest at least three weeks notice. Saturday | | | | weeks before. This will give you time to find any |
| is usually the best day for most people to attend | | | | items that prove hard to locate. If you plan to |
| but Sunday can be good too. Remember to | | | | order Christmas party games or other party |
| consider your schedule, make sure to give | | | | supplies online, shop three to four weeks before |
| yourself plenty of time to prepare for the party | | | | the party. |
| and tend to your Christmas "To-do" list. | | | | Buy Food items and beverages the night before |
| It's All about the Food - Plan the Menu | | | | the party. Also, prepare any food that can be |
| Your budget, guest list and party time will help | | | | prepared ahead of time the night before. This will |
| guide this step. You can choose a potluck event a | | | | give you time to decorate, prepare food and get |
| catered affair or anything in between. Perhaps a | | | | ready for your guest. |
| formal dinner and invite guest to bring their | | | | There you have it, plans for a event full of |
| favorite dessert. The only rule on party food is | | | | Christmas party games and merriment! Have fun |
| the time of the party. If the hours of your party | | | | and remember, no matter what the budget or |
| include the dinner hour you should serve heavier | | | | theme your guest will appreciate the time spent |
| entree foods. Evening parties can serve lighter to | | | | sharing the season's joys with family and friends |
| heavy hors d'oeuvres and desserts. Don't forget | | | | Above all else, keep it fun and you can't go |
| the beverages! Alcoholic drinks are not mandatory | | | | wrong! |