As everyone gears up for the holidays and for many of us it could be the first time that we’re seeing our friends and relatives due to the pandemic, keep in mind, that hosting a get-together doesn’t have to be stressful. It can be endlessly fun.
It may have been a while since you hosted a group at your home, but with our key factors to throwing the ultimate holiday get-together, your party will go off without a hitch.
1. Provide food
This is the first factor you’ll decide upon when holding a get-together. Dinner parties put the whole task on you, but maybe you love to cook. Pot-lucks can be fun and are a whole other type of party. Or you can settle for snacks and finger food only. No matter the type of food preparation you would like to commit to, it is most likely the first aspect of your get-together that will shape the entire evening.
2. Include some form of entertainment
The entertainment sets the mood for your guests. Depending on what type of party you are hosting, you could do anything from set the best Christmas music playlist, have a holiday movie on in the background or play that old Yule Log on loop. It’s up to you and it will certainly keep the mood high no matter what you choose.
3. Drinks—alcohol or not—are essential
There’s nothing more fun than discovering a new concoction at a friend or family member’s home. You can have a bar set up so that guests can make their own drinks. Or you can have an old-school punch bowl full of Christmas cheer. You don’t have to include alcohol, but it is very fun to drink something out of the ordinary at a party.
4. Plan at least one activity
Even if your get-together is more low-key, try to have at least one activity in mind in case there is a lull in conversation. Read the room. Depending on who you are gathering together, you can have games ready or a movie or even a secret Santa or White Elephant activity. If you’re providing alcohol there are many fun drinking games. A few involve some of the funniest holiday movies. There are also some great board games. But even if you don’t have those, breaking out a deck of cards can feel timeless.
5. Can’t go wrong with a party favor or theme
This doesn’t have to be anything extreme. Favors can be as simple as a little note attached to a candy cane or as over-the-top as small stocking stuffer-type gifts. It depends on your budget and your overall sense of creativity. It can even be a gag gift or silly item to leave your guests with fond memories.
Depending on your budget, your guest list, and your personality, your party will be truly unique and if you follow these five tips on how to shape your party, you’ll feel less stressed and enjoy yourself so much more. You can throw a nice-sized dinner party with favors and a themed cocktail. You can host a potluck with card games or a White Elephant party. You can also just have a PJ party with adult hot chocolate and a holiday movie marathon.
Whether you throw a large party, an intimate get-together, or just chill with your best friend, happy holidays from Young Hot & Modern!