Are you planning a festive gathering this Christmas? Are you hoping to impress your guests with exemplary hosting skills? If so, these party planning tips should come in handy.

Create a guest list

Before you start thinking about catering or decorations, write out a guest list. Once you’ve got names, send out invitations. You can order customized invites online. Or you could send a text or an e-card, or create a social media event to save money. Make sure you specify an RSVP date and include information about the date and time. If you have a theme, and you want people to dress up, offer some ideas. 

As the RSVP deadline approaches, send out a reminder to those who haven’t replied yet. When you’ve got numbers, you can start working on ideas for food and drink.

Choosing a theme

It’s Christmas, but that doesn’t mean that you have to go for traditional themes. You could keep things festive but add your own spin. You could host a Christmas jumper party or get everyone to dress up as their favorite festive film characters. You could create a winter wonderland or go for something completely different like a Christmas beach party. Do some research and look for ideas online. Once you’ve got a theme, you can select decorations and tableware. 

Catering options

If you’re hosting at home, you’ve got a few options available to you. You could call in a professional catering firm. You could do the food yourself, or you could arrange for takeout delivery. If you’re taking charge of the food, a buffet is a great idea. You can serve a mixture of hot and cold foods and have a savory and a sweet table. Try and channel your theme in your feast. Inject some festive influences, and be creative with your presentation. 

Are you looking for a standout feature for the table? If so, why not take a look at mbobble, personalized bobbleheads? Here, you can create a bespoke bobblehead cake topper. You could honor your kids or your partner and add a festive touch. 

When it comes to serving alcohol, it’s usually best to bulk buy, as prices are lower. Choose a few spirits and buy a selection of mixers. Or create your own holiday cocktails. 

Entertainment

No party is complete without entertainment of some sort. You could keep things simple with a Christmas playlist and exchange Secret Santa gifts. You could crack open some festive board games or split into teams and take part in a quiz. Keep the kids entertained with a magician or arrange for Father Christmas to pay them a visit. 

Party planning can be stressful, especially during the holidays. Try and plan ahead, and get an idea of numbers as soon as possible. Choose a theme, and search online for decorations. Think about what kind of food and drinks you want to serve. Get friends and family to help out with setting up, and putting the food out. Finally, get into your outfit, put some music on, and pour some drinks.