Complete Christmas Party Planning
Guide 2016
Step 1: Make your guest list
I always say to make your guest list
so that 1. You know how many people are coming and can adjust what you need to
make, buy, etc. for when they do come and 2. So that you know the ages of kids
that are coming and can make sure there is plenty to do for anyone of any age,
no one sitting alone in the corner! That’s never fun! And of course, having
tons of activities will be sure to make this a party to remember!
Step 2: Choose A Start Time:
When it comes to deciding on a start
time there are a few things you will want to consider, the ages of who’s coming
(too late and you get moody kids! Too early and you will either get super
stressed out trying to get everything ready, or you won’t get everything ready
in time!)
If it’s a kid focused party earlier in
the day tends to be better, so they are still happy and ready to play with each
other, not grumpy and ready to go home! With a kid friendly party whether it be
a sleep over or not, I suggest you start around 2. Gives the kids plenty of
time to do all the planned activities, and play before they are either put to
bed, or head home for the night.
An adult party is a whole different
story, you can start one around 5 or 6 pm and go as late as people want,
depending on if there is alcohol involved or not, it can either be a some come
and go, or a family style sleep over with parents and kids. (I did these all
the time as a kid and everyone had fun! Gave the moms a chance to get away from
the house, kids got to hang out and have fun, and all the dads could go out and
watch a game or something. Guess I never really know what they can do.)
Step 3: Choose Activities for The
Party
When it comes
to choosing the activities that you will set up and have at your party, it can
vary, you don’t need anything too fancy! My above all favorite party to have
would be a cookie decorating party. Everyone brings in 2 dozen cookies, any
type, then all the kids sit down and get to decorate their cookies, and get a
few of all different kinds of cookies to take home without moms and dads having
to bake and clean up the messes that come with holiday baking! (This one brings
some coordination, you don’t want everyone to show up with the same 2 kinds of
cookies!)
There are so many fun holiday games
that you can set up and play, some are for the younger guest, and some are
fantastic for anyone and everyone. You can do pin the antler on the reindeer, snow
bowling, there are so many ideas out there! Don’t be afraid of pinterest! There
are so many awesome ideas on their, you can find ANYTHING you could possibly
need!
Step 4: Make a Menu (If it’s what you
want to do.)
Depending on the type of party and the
length of the party, if you plan on feeding your guests, make sure and decide
on what you want well in advance so you have plenty of time to get it ready!
You can buy fruit and cheese platters for an appetizer plate, but honestly in the
end its cheapest if you cut it all up yourself, and you can do it a few days in
advance and keep it in the fridge!
You can always have a party where you
invite the guests to bring a menu item each. This once again, like the cookie
party, does require some planning so that you don’t all bring dessert (heck
actually, im not opposed!)
Step 5: Address Invitations and Mail
Out!
Step 6: Plan out Decorations
Step 7: Shop
Step 8: Prep Prep Prep!
Figure out everything that you can
make in advance, either games, cookies, foods, and decorations and start your
prep work about 1-2 weeks before (depending on the size of the party and the
intricacy of the items you are trying to prep!)
Step 9: Set Up and Day of!
This is when its great to have kids!
Recruit everyone with their own specific duties to make the day run smooth, don’t
try and overload yourself or you will get burnt out very quickly! Most times,
if you offer a friend some coffee and treats, they would be happy to bring
their family over and pitch in!
Step 10: Enjoy your party!
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