It’s party time! Perhaps you’re getting ready to host a Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve bash!
As I shared last week, party prep is Week 2 of holiday preparations in our house. We host our annual holiday party on the second Saturday of December. 75-100 people attend each year. It’s our labor of love for the holiday season.
This year, we celebrated our 21st year. Suffice to say, we learned a few things along the way.
Keep It Simple
No surprise, we simplified. We do less. In years past, decorating consumed days and I scrambled right up until the last hour. No more. I completed my decorating in a few hours last week. Week 1…Check!
Many rooms in our home used to require a significant amount of effort to declutter and rearrange. I had to create a pathway for guests through our maze of possessions.
Tables and counters had to be cleared of “stuff.” Then, the items were boxed and stored in closets. Why didn’t I just pass those on to GoodWill? 🙂
Bins used for Christmas decorations were refilled with my “regular decorations” so as to make room for the holiday season. No More. Minimalists homes are always ready to entertain.
If It’s Not Broken, Don’t Try And Fix It
For many years, my husband researched new recipes and started planning the menu as a blank canvas. We loved creating a themed-menu based on our travel destinations, but returning guests always missed their favorite items!
With this feedback in mind, he set a classic heavy appetizer menu and added one or two new items each year. Now, the grocery list can be re-used. Quantities and budget forecasted with ease. We also record lessons learned and quantity adjustments for the following year. I especially love that these “table tents” can be reprinted or re-used.
Plan Ahead
To be fair, we host a lot of people. And I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you it’s a lot of work. But even in the holiday season chaos, I cannot imagine Christmas without “the party.” That said, my husband and I agree, when it stops being fun, we will stop.
Are you wondering how we made it to Year 21? Here are some tricks we learned along the way.
Secrets To Success:
November Shopping
Buy Beer, Wine and Paper Products several weeks in advance. I prefer to handle this heavy, labor-intensive shopping trip early. Inevitably, last minute errands arise for forgotten items. So dealing with the non-perishables ahead of time is a huge time saver. During my weekly shopping trip, I stock up on cooking staples likeonions, garlic, butter, olive oil, mayonnaise etc.
Organize Food, Drinks and Desserts
If you’re hosting a large group, it helps to get people moving about the house by separating food and drink offerings. Wine in the basement. Beer on the patio. Food in the dining room. Coffee and Desserts in the office. Once we landed on this perfect configuration, our guests knew what to expect each year.
Borrow Everything
By now, you know that I love to borrow instead of buy. We borrow 60 wine glasses from our neighbors. Our generous neighbors offer help with folding chairs, tables, serving platters, and even trash cans.
Hire Help
Budget for and hire help to cook and clean up. Enjoy your party! Sit down and talk to people. Spare your family from doing dishes. When the last guest leaves, turn out the lights and go to bed!
Get Ready Early
I get ready 2 hours before the party starts. Do any outside work or messy jobs early in the day before you change into your party outfit. I also eat before the guests arrive and keep my water bottle handy. I’m happier and healthier and enjoy the party more.
Be Content
At some point on Saturday, I toss the To-Do list. What’s done is done. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good! Your guests will never know what didn’t get done.
Party With A Purpose
Be a Blessing with your celebration. Years ago, friends alerted us to a family in need right before our party. They suggested that we ask for gift cards in lieu of a hostess gift. No one needs 100 bottles of wine, certainly not us. So we jumped at the opportunity.
Since then, we have identified a school or family in need at every party. Last year’s total was $1,935. My only regret is that we didn’t start this tradition sooner. Find a cause that speaks to you and Do Good Well.
It’s not too late to share the joy of the season by hosting your own Party with a Purpose. Keep it simple and celebrate with friends and family.
I’d love to hear your holiday party traditions. Cookie swap? Egg Nog party? Tell me more!
Leave a Reply