Planning a Stress Free Holiday Party: Ten Simple
Tips
The holiday season beckons, and although you love being a
guest at parties, this is your year to host one yourself. Don't be
afraid to take the challenge. Hosting a party during the holidays
doesn't have to be stressful. Read on for ten tips to help you throw
the perfect party, without the stress
By Veronica Sliva
1. Timing is Everything
Savvy hosts never plan an event
during a particularly hectic time in their lives. Check your
calendar and find a date that is relatively free with a day or two
on either side as a buffer. That way you can actually enjoy the
preparations that go into entertaining, instead of frantically
scurrying from one chore to the next.
2. Simplicity is Important
Next to timing, simplicity
is everything. The biggest mistake we can make is to bite off more
than we can chew...definitely a stress-inducer! Simplify your
hosting efforts to reflect the tempo of your lifestyle. Maybe a
Saturday evening dinner party is too ambitious for you, but a
dessert and coffee evening is more manageable.
3. Guest Dynamics
The all important guest list! Take
time to think about the group dynamic you will be creating, and make
sure that guests are likely to be compatible. Nothing is more
stressful than having Aunt Mary in a huff because her ex and his new
wife are among the guests. You get the picture... invite people you
enjoy spending time with and who will enjoy each other's
company.
4. Try Something Different
Something 'different' can be
easy and stress free. Instead of hosting a get together in your
home, think about taking the event off site. You don't have to rent
the grand ballroom of the swankiest hotel in town. Instead, why not
take in a seasonal movie and then chat about the film at a local
coffee house afterwards, or go skating and take the party home for
hot chocolate (or something stronger) and cookies? With a little
imagination the possibilities are endless...
5. A Pot Luck with a Twist
If the thought of cooking up
a storm is more than you can bear, consider hosting a pot luck with
a twist. What about an international theme? Assign each guest (or
couple) a country and have him or her bring a dish that reflects a
holiday tradition of that country. You just have to supply the
drinks and the atmosphere. What could be easier than that?
6. Get Help
The most stressful element of hosting a
party is having too much to do and too little time. Enlist the help
of other family members. Even kids can get into the act by tidying
up and doing simple housekeeping chores. If you don't have your own
built-in crew, think about hiring a student for the party. Students
are usually affordable and even having someone around just to clear
the table is enough to ease the stress load.
7. Be Kind to your Pocket Book
Holding a party
shouldn't cause undue hardship to your bank account. After all, it's
supposed to be about the company rather than the expense involved,
isn't it? If your finances are limited, you can still host a great
party and stay within your budget. For example, instead of pricey
filet mignon as a main course, consider comfort food. A robust
old-fashioned beef stew, for example, is especially welcome at
holiday time. Guests are sure to appreciate your efforts. Think
about the different ways you can show your friends and family that
you care without breaking the bank.
8. Do Some Good
Even though the spirit of generosity
should be with us year round, it seems to be more prevalent during
the holiday season. Consider asking guests to bring an unwrapped toy
or non-perishable food item to donate to a local charity and help
relieve the stress of those less fortunate.
9. Have a Back-up Plan
If something can go wrong, it
will. The sooner you learn this lesson, the better host you'll be.
It never hurts to have some extra food on hand in case one of your
dishes doesn't turn out as you'd planned. Always think ahead and
plan for disaster so you'll remain cool and calm in any
situation.
10. Make Some Time for Yourself
Be sure to schedule
some time for yourself before the party. Even an hour alone will
help you unwind. Do what relaxes you most, whether it's a long
soothing bath complete with soft music and candlelight or a brisk
run in the fresh air. Do whatever it takes to de-stress. A relaxed
host sets the stage for relaxed and happy guests and a party to
remember.
