With the Holidays just around the corner,
I wanted to share some great tips on making a holiday party to remember!
Preparations: Food and Drink
When it comes to parties, the best way to host a stress-free celebration is to BE PREPARED. This includes: making a list of all the food you need and getting as much bought days, if not weeks, in advance. If there are any dishes or desserts that can be prepared in advance and frozen for a week, this is key! The night before, get all your prep-work done. Take out any frozen items and allow them to defrost overnight, either on the counter or the refrigerator. This is also a good time to cut veggies and brine and stuff your meat and ready it for the oven the next day.
Trust me! Waking up and only having to shove your meal into the oven and keep an eye on it, you are way ahead of the game. Not only does this give you less things to stress over on the day of the party, but will also ensure you have more time to entertain your guests.
Keep the Party Going!
Getting as much food and drink prep done before the party will help keep your internal temperature down a few degrees. For an even greater party experience, there are a few additional things you can do to keep the celebrations moving along!
Don’t hesitate to call on a close friend or family member to help you. Between the two of you, this ensures there is always someone greeting guests at the door, making sure coats are put away and getting a drink into their hand as quickly as possible. It also can’t hurt to keep one or two people on bar duty, making sure everyone’s glass stays full, that there is ice available and a few cocktails on hand. If you’ve have little ones in attendance, set up an area for them to play and show off their new gifts. Maybe select your favourite holiday movie to keep them occupied.
Holiday Décor
Your décor is a major part of any party, but it really comes down to individual taste and tradition. No matter your color preferences, your goal as host is simply to make your guests (especially any family members) feel like they are truly in the holiday spirit and right at home.
The End of the Night
It is not unusual for holiday parties to run into the wee hours. If your party is going to involve a fair amount of celebratory cocktails, it is your duty as host to ensure your guests get home safely and don’t drink and drive. If you are not able to make reservations in advance, it could be tough to get a last-minute cab. If you’ve got space, be prepared for people to stay over or plan ahead for safe rides home.
When all is said and done, the most important part of a good holiday party is FUN! Make sure your guests (and you!) are enjoying themselves and the season. Before you know it, it will be all over and you’ll be planning for next year!
Speaking of which… as you look ahead to the new year, I want to remind that I am here should you have any questions about your mortgage or want to discuss any new financial goals you have in mind. Send me a quick email to learn more about your Options.