Planning a party weather it be for Christmas, Thanksgiving or any other type of event can be a stressful activity, especially in the midst of all the other holiday tasks and chores that we have to deal with. All of us understand how stressful the holiday season can be and all the different things that we have on our minds and the plans that we need to make.
From creating our shopping lists of holiday gifts for the guys, kids, spouses, friends and all our loved ones to decorating our homes and the Christmas tree to planning Christmas dinner and parties it’s enough to cause quite a bit of stress. We can all use some tips to help with that all important party planning.
Step 1 – Invitations
The first to most important part of party planning is to set a date and do it as early as possible because many other people will be planning their parties for Christmas as well and you want to make sure that you will have a good attendance. Sending invitations is made easier these days with the use of e-mail but if that is not something you would like to do or it is not always possible then make sure to send your invitations early. Add an RSVP date so you will have a head count, which is really important for the rest of the party and dinner preparations.
Step 2 – Seating and Themes
Once you know who will be attending you can consider a theme for your party, and whether you will have a buffet or sit down dinner. It is also time to consider the table settings and to make sure you have the proper seating. You can then choose color schemes for your settings, tablecloth and any decorations that you will want to have.
Make a list, don’t trust things to memory because during stressful times you are less likely to remember all the little details. Lists will help you to stay much more organized and provide you with that all important piece of mind.
Step 3 – The Menu
The next step involves planning your menu. Once again make a complete list of all the food that you would like to serve. Break it down into categories, appetizers, main dishes, desserts and drinks. Start gathering any recipes that you will need and organize them neatly so that you can find what you need when you begin cooking. Once you know which are planning to serve make a complete shopping list. Remember to include on that shopping list any and all decorate of items that you need to pick up, table setting items in case you will be using paper plates and any other items that you might need.
Step 4 – Shopping
Do all of your shopping as early as possible. Obviously this will depend on the types of foods that you are buying and their perish times, but whenever possible tried to shop and least three days before your party. Shopping can also be broken down for instance, you can buy drinks, both so does and alcoholic beverages well in advance along with any paper goods that you might need.
Step 5 – Preparation And Help
Preparation is something that is really important to a successful party when you want to keep your sanity. Consider all of the tasks they can be done well in advance and leave as little as possible to the day of the party. For example, you can set up the tables and chairs and actually set the table at least two days before. Also you can take out and organize all the serving dishes that you will be using well before the party.
Consider asking someone to come and help especially on the day of the party, or if you have older kids that are capable of helping make sure that they understand what you expect of them and that they do not make any other plans.
Cook, prep and prepare anything that you possibly can as much in advance as possible. Baking for example can be done several days before the party. Cutting of vegetables, preparing dips and even making a Christmas ham can all be done in advance.
Step 6 – Day Of Party
The day of the party will probably be the most stressful time but keep in mind that if you follow all of the steps mentioned above you should be very organized and have the peace of mind that your party will be a great success. Get up early and get as much stuff done as you can in advance, the ultimate goal is to have everything completed and ready to go at least one hour, or more before your guests arrive. This will allow you to take a short break, take a shower and get yourself ready without rushing.
Step 7 – Have Fun
Finally, remember to have fun smile and be a great hostess. Your guests came to see you and they want to make sure that you have as much fun as they do as they enjoy all the festivities and food that you worked so hard to create.