The holidays are a fantastic time to get together with your family and friends. If you are planning a holiday party in your home, aim for a low stress, low mess affair. With a little planning, you can host a holiday party with the hassle.
Start planning early
If at all possible, begin planning your holiday party at least four weeks in advance. Make the guest list and send out the invitations. Use e-vites rather than paper invitations to make it easier. Sit down and write out a list of everything you’ll need for the party. Be sure to include food, drinks, decorations, music and other party supplies.
Partner with a friend
Instead of taking on all the hosting duties yourself, partner with a friend or two to host the party together. This can save money, as well as prep and cleanup time. Split up the planning duties with each of you being responsible for certain aspects of the party. Communicate regularly leading up to the party to make sure everything is getting done.
Consider a potluck
Want to save money and time? Host a potluck meal. Supply the main course yourself and allow your guests to bring the drinks, side dishes, desserts, napkins, plates and everything else you’ll need. Keep an updated list of who is bring what, so you don’t end up with six pies and no soda.
Get the kids to help
Children can be involved with planning the party and cleaning up afterward. Two days before your party, clean the house together as a family. Delegate the chores, turn up the holiday music and get your home spic-and-span. Kids will love hanging the lights and setting up other holiday decorations.
Make clean-up a breeze
Use disposable foil serving pans that you can just toss when the party is over. Be sure to place plenty of trash cans and recycle bins around the house and outdoor areas to encourage your guests to clean up their own mess. Reward your kids for doing the majority of the cleanup. They can take out the trash, load the dishwasher, wipe up spills, vacuum up the crumbs and put away the decorations, allowing you to get a little rest after the party is over.
