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The holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Years is a wonderful time to gather with family and friends to celebrate and share memories. If you are planning to host a holiday party, here some of the things you will need to consider:
Type of Occasion
One of the first things to consider when hosting a holiday party is whether it will be formal, semi-formal or casual. Next, you will need to decide how many people you wish to attend. These two factors will affect everything from the invitations and decorations to the entertainment and the food. It's also important to find out how much, if any, help will be available from friends and family members.Formal Holiday Dinner Parties
A formal party likely would include a small number of people -not more than 12 and likely fewer - who would be seated at a table for the duration of the meal. This means that place settings and seating have to be done and a decision has to be made on whether the meal will be a three- or four-course dinner.
The advantage of a formal dinner is that it is very organized. It has a known content, and everyone around the table usually engages in pleasant conversation. It also usually provides an opportunity to get to know and hear from everyone present without anyone having to initiate small talk, which some people are not comfortable doing. As the host of a formal dinner, you will also have the responsibility of keeping the meal flowing smoothly by having each course brought out at the right time. You also need to be aware of any special dietary needs that a guest may have.
Informal Holiday Get Togethers
In contrast, an informal party at home is much less organized and does not have the predictability of a formal one. The fun and festive spirit of an informal holiday party comes from guests being able to mill around freely, moving about to have conversations, laugh with other people, and enjoy munching on Christmas treats and other goodies.Despite the easy, fun-filled atmosphere, it is necessary to plan the use of space and to think about the areas of your home that people will use. Making such a plan will facilitate contact between party-goers so that the party spirit spreads everywhere and puts participants in a livelier mood.
Sending Invitations
Once you have decided what type of occasion to host, you can choose a holiday party invitation that suits the mood and theme of your party. If you have chosen to host a formal event, the invitations should reflect this with dramatic colors and elegant elements such as ribbon or sparkling designs. However, for a semi-formal or casual event, it's okay to choose an invitation that reflects the holiday being celebrated and uses more casual colors and design elements. Invitations should be sent out to everyone invited to the party at least out two weeks in advance. More time should be given for a very formal gathering. It is also a good idea to request that guests RSVP so that you can plan seating and food for the party.
Providing Entertainment
Music is an important feature that must be a part of any festive holiday party. In selecting Christmas music, consideration should be given to what will be played at the start of the party as guests are welcomed and introduced to each other, songs to inject or enhance liveliness during the middle of the party, and music that can be played at the end of the party to create the right mood as the party-goers bid farewell with 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Holidays.'Complementing Your Food Selection
Along with the music and decorations, food also enlivens a holiday party. Food that looks interesting and has an appealing color palette infuses a mellow feeling among guests and adds an intangible element to the level of enjoyment and excitement of the party-goers. Be sure to serve holiday cookies and treats for special touch.Holiday parties at home can also be personalized dishes that are ethnic. The presence of some ethnic food, which isn't frequently enjoyed by guests will add something that is unique to you. And that is what a holiday party at home is about: entertaining family, friends and acquaintances with your own personal style while all enjoy some merriment in the season of goodwill and good cheer.
Hosting Children
Finally, you should consider whether children will be able to attend your holiday party and what ages are allowed. Children, even older ones, always need careful supervision. If children are going to attend your holiday party, arrangements should be made for adequate supervision of them and special activities should also be arranged for their entertainment. Their parents cannot have a good time if they are constantly worrying over their children.The end of the year is a great time to catch up loved ones and plan for the new year ahead in good spirits. Sharing food, fun and laughter in a happy, jovial manner truly embraces the spirit of the season. Your holiday party is sure to be a success by planning ahead for your guests' enjoyment.
Products shown courtesy of The Crockery: Unique Customizable Tableware
Post image courtesy of Pixomar / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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