December 2004 - How to Host a Holiday Party in Your Home

The winter holidays are just around the corner and many people will be hosting holiday gatherings in their homes. This month’s column will provide useful tips and information for those readers who will be throwing a holiday time soiree. While the information required to throw a simple cocktail party varies from that which would be needed for a more elaborate formal sit-down dinner, some basic party planning tips will apply to any event hosted in your own home. Key tips for throwing a successful holiday party include planning ahead, staying organized and creating a fun and comfortable party environment for your guests.

Why should I host a holiday party in my own home and how much time do I need to plan the event?
The luxury of planning an at-home party exists in the fact that the host/hostess can determine the formality of the event and therefore can put something together last minute with phone or email invites or can plan in advance. For the proper planning timeline, the host/hostess should start planning about 6 weeks in advance and send out invitations 1 month prior to the actual event. The two weeks before sending invitations allow for theme development which then will determine menu development, décor and other important event components.

How much should I spend on my holiday party?
There is not a certain budget or dollar amount that is required to host a party. It is all up to the host/hostess and what he/she wants to spend on their event. For a few hundred dollars, one could put on a nice cocktail party at home. However, with a larger budget, food and beverage, professional service, entertainment, décor and even invitations allow for more creativity and higher quality.

Is it okay to host a party in my own home or do I need a venue such as a hotel or restaurant?
It is not necessary to host the party away from home. One’s home can be a perfect site for a cocktail party. I encourage people to choose a theme that can easily be integrated into their home environment to add to the party’s style. Again, as mentioned above, a theme can really elaborate a simple party.

Are there certain decorations that are a must?
There are no certain decorations that are a must have. It is nice to be able to elaborate on a theme or special occasion with decorations. Depending on the event budget, décor and design can be achieved with a minimal amount of money. However, event décor can really transform a space into something very fun or extremely elegant. There are a number of factors to consider when planning your decorations, including the space, layout and design of the area that you will be using to host the party. Once you have configured your event budget and know how much you have to spend on décor, you can choose materials that compliment the theme or occasion while staying within your allotted budget.

Do I have to hire live entertainment?
Depending on the size of your home and the event budget, live entertainment may not be possible. Choose CDs that reflect the theme or mood you are trying to set. Set up an area where the stereo will be with music selections that are chosen prior to the start of the party. Invite guests to bring a musical selection of their own and change the music throughout the party using the CDs they bring along.

Do I need to send out invitations and should I request an RSVP?
However you choose to invite guests, you should always request an RSVP. Be sure to include a date to RSVP by and then make yourself a spreadsheet of sorts to record the RSVPs. Follow-up with a phone call for anyone that does not RSVP by the requested date. As the host/hostess it will make your job of planning the party much easier and efficient with RSVPs.

Is it okay to serve only hors d’oeuvres?
Hors D’Oeuvres can be enough depending on the time and duration of the party. The types of food you choose will also make a big difference. It is okay to serve only hors d’oeuvres, but choose foods that will satisfy your guests hunger. For example, a vegetable platter (also called crudités) is not as filling as miniature quiches, bacon wrapped scallops or spinach/mozzarella puffs.

As a host/hostess how will I know what to do and when to do it?
The most important step to being a great host/hostess is to stay organized. Keep a to-do list along with a timeline to ensure that you have all of your party components accomplished in the appropriate period of time. Be sure to include enough time to relax and get dressed before your guests arrive, you should include this time for yourself in your event timeline and to-do list. If there is any food that you must pick up last minute, include that in your to-do list also. If you have a spouse or children that can assist, delegate out the things that you are comfortable having them handle. Most importantly, have fun because that is what a holiday party is all about!

Impressive Occasions offers special event planning and consulting, Amorous Adventures™ and a number of other professional special event services. Our services are available for weddings, parties, showers, corporate events, bar/bat mitzvahs, and a number of other special occasions. Please visit our website for more information at www.ImpressiveOccasions.com or call 561-477-2817.

To be entered into this month’s drawing or to submit a question or comment for next month’s column, send information to Info@ImpressiveOccasions.com or contact Impressive Occasions directly at (561) 477-2817. You can also visit www.ImpressiveOccasions.com for more information.

Sara Starkoff created Amorous Adventures™ by combining her creative event planning with her travel expertise to develop a unique and exclusive concierge service for couples.

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