No matter the type of party you are planning, it goes without saying that there are a multitude of activities that need to be done before your guests arrive.
Having numerous parties every year, I have learned a few tips that will apply whether you are having a holiday party, birthday party or just a simple cocktail party.
5 Party Planning Tips for a Chic Holiday Season:
1. Don’t be afraid to Mix ‘n’ Match: If you a lot of people coming over, it’s okay that some guests get the good china and some get the everyday dishes. Unless the President is coming over, no one cares. That goes for accessories, like glasses, napkins and napkin rings. One year, I went out and bought 10 very nice wine glasses while some guests had plastic (this was during the toddler years.) In my opinion, the hostess (you) is the only one who deserves the nice glass. Mix-n-matching makes the party more festive and eclectic.
2. Prepare the Menu in Advance – . And definitely do the prep work earlier in the day or the night before. I like to either make a lasagna or another casserole dish in advance so all I have to do is prepare the day before and then 2 hours before my guest arrives, cook the casserole. As the hostess, you want to be able spend time talking to your guests and not spending all your time in the kitchen.
4. Buy Store Bought Items – Don’t be afraid to save yourself time and energy by going the store bought route. There is nothing wrong with store bought dressings, appetizers or desserts. I for one do not have time to do the meal and dessert, plus I am not a dessert maker. This is the perfect time for me to go to my local green market and pick up organic pies and cakes.
3. Allow for an hour of “Me” time – If you time it correctly, you should be able to get in an hour prior to your guests arriving to take a nice hot shower, put your make up on and have a glass of wine. There is no reason that the hostess shouldn’t enjoy herself. There have been times where I didn’t have enough time to change out of my cooking clothes and felt icky all night. It’s a party and shouldn’t you enjoy your own party.
4. Fresh flowers and candles to set the mood – You don’t have to spend hundreds on either. There are inexpensive flowers or even a poinsettia plant for the holidays that you can purchase as a center piece. Also, there are inexpensive drug store candles that really makes a difference in setting the tone of your party.
Enjoy the Holidays, you deserve it.
Do you have a party planning tip to share?
Disclosure: NYC Single Mom was not compensated for this post.
