Hello everyone! It's FriYAY also know as Friday and we've made it to the finish line! You know the rat race you run day in and day out? Okay, I'll stop there. Anyway, today I wanted to discuss the holidays, because well.. umm, they're here! I know exactly what you're thinking too; where did the time go? At least that's what I'm thinking. It's like we just said Happy New Year, then we were setting off fireworks for the 4th of July and now we're basting turkeys. I mean really, where has it gone?!
The Holidays Are Here | Hosting The Perfect Party
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You've sent invitations inviting your friends and family to spend the holidays with you and then the doorbell rings! Guests are arriving! Are you ready? Well here are a 5 tips to help you become the perfect party host(ess) you were destined to be!
1. Find the right location. Location has a lot to do with how you host a party. If this is a party for your co-workers or you're simply hosting family and friends make sure you pick the right place to host your holiday party. Have you ever gone to a friend's house and you never see them after they answer the door to let you in? They're usually in the kitchen finishing up last minute items, either pulling those freshly baked cookies out of the oven, or whatever they're in there doing they're not out in the mix with you and other guests!
Pick a location that has an open floor plan. I know what you're thinking too! I'd have to knock down walls in my kitchen in order to do that. I know most people don't have the luxury of having an open concept home or simply that's not their choice, and that's okay, which brings me to my next point.
2. Have a helper or Prepare It Ahead of Time! There is nothing like getting an invite to someone's home over the holidays and you don't know anyone there and to top that the one person you do know, which is the host(ess) is M.I.A. Put yourself in the shoes of your guests. Would you want to be somewhere and not know anybody? That's why I say as a party host(ess) have some help. If you still have a few things to finish up that will take your attention away from your guests then this would be the perfect opportunity to have your helper assist with those things so, all you need to worry about is entertaining your guests. If you don't have a helper then it's best to prepare everything ahead of time and make sure you have plenty food and drinks in stock! I bet you can guess where I'm going with the next tip, huh!
3. Food, Drinks, & Entertainment. These three things will usually make or break your party! If the food is tasty, drinks are flowing, and the music is spinning then you'll look like host(ess) of the year, but the minute you run out of drinks or the DJ plays the wrong song or IPod/IPad loses a signal then it can really put a damper on the party or may very well end your party.
4. Deck the Halls! Part of hosting a party is the decor and the atmosphere. I wouldn't worry so much as to what the outside appearance looks like as opposed to the inside. Don't get me wrong, I mean your landscpae should look nice, but what I'm saying is that your yard doesn't have to look like the northpole on steroids. Check out your favorite decor magazines for what's trendy. You can't go wrong there!
5. Gifts! Everyone likes gifts, but let's be real here. Buying gifts for everyone on your list can become more of a chore than what the real intent should be. I live by the motto "It's better to give than to receive." If getting gifts for everyone seems unrealistic for you then my other suggestions would be to host a secret Santa or even have games with prizes such as the first guest to arrive gets so-and-so, etc. I don't necessarily mean you have to stop the music to sit around and play reindeer games, unless that's what you're into. If so, then have at it.
There are so many things you can do to make sure you're a great party host(ess). I hope that these few little tips were helpful. If you haven't hired a planner to plan your upcoming holiday soiree then i suggest you make a list, check it twice, and get started, because you have a fabulous party to plan and host!
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