7 Tips on How to be a Great Holiday Party Host
It’s that most wonderful time of the year that offers opportunities to entertain the people you love and enjoy socializing with. Following are some helpful hints that are sure to make you a great host this holiday season.
- Plan ahead. – People are busy during the holidays, so if you want to make sure your party date is on their social calendar…get those invitations out early, approximately four weeks in advance. If you are using a caterer, call them 6 months before the date of your event. They book up early during the holidays.
- Create a holiday playlist. – Holiday music has a way of putting people in a festive frame of mind. Put together a playlist of everybody’s favorites, and then enjoy it yourself as you continue with your party planning.
- Decorate early. – Minimize stress by getting your decorations up well in advance of the party. This is something you can check off your to do list and enjoy the splendor while you continue with the party preparations.
- Food and Drink. – When deciding what foods to serve, be creative and offer something out of the ordinary, as well as some old reliable choices. This will offer an element of excitement to the adventurous, while still catering to the conventional type. Offer a variety of drink options so there is something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure you plan for a couple of extra guests who may show up unexpectedly.
- Clear the walkway on party day. – Be certain the entrance to your holiday affair is well lit and free of snow, ice or any other obstacle that may be a hazard to your guests. You wouldn’t want the local paramedics to be the unexpected guests at your party.
- Relax and enjoy. – After all your planning and hard work, be sure to enjoy your own holiday celebration. Make sure you have a relative or friend available to help you when guests begin to arrive. Greet each guest with a smile, happy holiday wishes, and introduce them to others. Encourage mingling amongst your guests.
- Farewells. – As your party winds down and guests begin to depart, be sure to walk them to the door and thank them for coming. In addition, make sure each guest is capable of making it home safely. If you have any doubt, arrange for a ride or call a cab.
If you have that occasional guest who likes to linger, you can begin to drop some delicate hints that the party is over. Turn off the music, blow out the candles, and begin cleaning up. If they still don’t get your subtle intimation, tell them it’s getting late as you gather their belongings and then thank them for coming.
Happy Holidays!
Patricia Rossi, America’s Etiquette and Protocol Coach, www.patriciarossi.com
