| There are so many great holidays for parties, too. | | | | Be sure you ask your planner in advance for a |
| There's Christmas, Halloween, Independence Day, | | | | complete list of everything they do. Most of them |
| New Year's Eve, St. Patrick's Day. Here are some | | | | do the decorating, book the venue, hire the |
| tips on planning an unforgettable holiday party. | | | | caterer, hire the bartender, purchase the party |
| Decide first of all on the holiday. When choosing a | | | | items, etc. How many of them operate is that |
| party date, remember that during the holidays | | | | they purchase and rent items for your party, and |
| others may be planning party events as well. | | | | then charge you the cost of the item plus a |
| Usually around Christmas, many businesses host | | | | commission fee. They also charge a fee for their |
| office parties for their employees. Ask around | | | | party planning service and implementation as well. |
| and try to find out information about other parties | | | | Again this can be an expensive route, but it |
| in the planning stages to avoid a conflict. | | | | eliminates a lot of work and worry. |
| Prepare the guest list and choose your invitations. | | | | Follow up with guests that do not RSVP. Do your |
| If you are having your invitations professionally | | | | shopping in advance. Make and freeze ahead as |
| printed, allow sufficient time for that process. | | | | many food items as possible. As the party date |
| After sending out the invitations, you need to | | | | nears, make food dishes that can be refrigerated. |
| create a party budget and plan your menu. Will | | | | Don't save every task until the date of party. If |
| you serve appetizers and cocktails or are you | | | | you are hiring a caterer or bartender, confirm |
| planning a full dinner? Will you have the food | | | | your party date as it gets closer and see if they |
| catered or prepare it yourself? Will you hire a | | | | have any questions or problems. |
| bartender or have guests serve themselves? | | | | The holidays lend themselves to some |
| These are all decisions you need to make for | | | | outstanding decorating ideas. Independence Day |
| your holiday party. | | | | decorations can include red, white, and blue |
| If using a caterer or a bartender, book them in | | | | balloons, streamers, confetti, tablecloths, napkins, |
| advance. Holidays are busy times of the year for | | | | and plates. St. Patrick's Day parties are notorious |
| these professions, so don't wait until the last | | | | for green beer and green Irish themed |
| minute. Make a complete list of all the items you | | | | decorations. Halloween is fun with ghostly ghoulish |
| need such as decorations, ice, food items, drinks, | | | | decorations such as ghosts, skeletons, witches, |
| liquors, napkins, plates, glassware, etc. One useful | | | | smoldering cauldrons, fake tombstones, and much |
| holiday party planning tip is to ask caterers and | | | | more. The decoration planning for holiday party |
| bartenders about others who have hired them. | | | | planning is a tremendous amount of fun. |
| They may be aware of conflicting party dates | | | | Plan your party well in advance and keep a |
| that you were did not know about. | | | | checklist handy, referring to it often during the |
| There are professional party planners that offer | | | | party planning stages. If you plan your party |
| full service party planning. This can be expensive, | | | | carefully and sensibly, your guests will be talking |
| but it sure can make things easier if you can | | | | about the most unforgettable holiday party ever. |
| afford it. These planners handle just about | | | | Enjoy! |
| everything that pertains to your party for you. | | | | |