Planning the perfect Christmas party at home
The thought of hosting a Christmas party at home is, for many, a scary prospect. Here are some guidelines and tips that will make your planning easier.
We chatted to event catering specialists Eat Greek to get a few tips on planning (and throwing) a great Christmas party at home.
1. Set the Date
Christmas is a busy period and diaries fill up fast, so get something penciled in asap. Send a save the date email to everybody as soon as you’ve settled on one. At this stage it doesn’t matter that you don’t know any details about the party
2. Budget
Find out how much money you have to spend, and leave some money aside as a back-up.
3. Establish the type of Christmas party you want to organise
You’ll need to decide whether you’re planning a day event, evening event - or both.
4. Theming
The theme is the heartbeat of your event and should be integrated through all parts of the day. Plan how the event will run (arrival, reception drinks, dinner, dancing and bar) and parts of the party that can be incorporated into the theming (dress codes for guests and staff, outdoor areas, music choice, food and drinks).
5. Food
Food is a key part of any party and can easily be incorporated into the theme. Don’t feel like you have to stick with turkey. Choose how you would like the food to be served, e.g. pre-dinner nibbles placed on the tables or canapés taken round by waiting staff, a buffet or sit-down three course meal with full silver service (and will this be a set menu). If you choose to use caterers discuss options with them and choose a style of food for the event, incorporating the theme where possible. Don’t forget your guests who have special dietary requirements. Confirm the menu.
(Above: Your menu is a key part of any party, and can easily be incorporated into the theme. Don't feel you have to stick to traditional Christmas fare!)
6. Drinks
It is easier to arrange your drinks and glasses from your local bottle store and you can arrange them to take back what you don’t use. You’ll need to choose a serving process for drinks, either waiter service/barman or drinks set up in one place so guests can just help themselves
7. Music
Hire a DJ, musician, band or put together a Christmas playlist (it's important to have some music playing)
8. Security
Book friendly security (if required) that can look after your guests' vehicles