A holiday party can be a great way to catch up with friends and celebrate a special event. There are are a number of upcoming occasions that you may like to consider hosting, including St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, and the 4th of July.
If you have decided to have a holiday party, these are a few ways that you can make it perfect for your guests. Here are our top tips, approved by party specialists from FDP, for a successful event that everyone will enjoy:
Give Your Guests Time to Reply
Holidays can be a busy time of the year, and your guests may be in high demand. It is best to plan your event early to ensure everyone you care about is able to attend. The best way to do this is to send out save-the-date cards, which can be given to your guests as soon as you start planning.
You can include basic details such as the occasion, venue and date, and follow up later with a formal invitation. Before you send out your save-the-date cards, decide on your theme so your designs can be a reflection of the celebration.
Set a Theme
Throw a themed party to make things more interesting. Decorate the venue, and choose the menu according to the theme. Invite everyone to dress up in elaborate, fancy costumes and makeup to level up your party. Themed parties are ideal for big celebrations hosted in large function halls. Setting a theme can make your celebration more dreamlike and memorable.
You can choose any theme that you like. Just make sure to indicate the dress code on the invitation so guests have time to prepare.
Food for Everyone
When hosting a holiday event, your food choices should fit the day; for example, a traditional Irish stew might be served on St. Patrick’s Day, or tacos and enchiladas could be on the menu for Cinco de Mayo. Don’t forget to include a selection of delicious cocktails and mocktails, as they will be sure to impress.
Deciding on what to feed your party guests can be complicated, especially when they have a range of dietary requirements. Speak to your guests before the event to find out if anyone is vegan, vegetarian, or has any allergies or intolerances. This will give you time to prepare alternatives so no one goes home hungry.
Decorate the Space
When you’ve chosen your party venue, you can start planning your decorations. Holiday events will usually have a general theme, such as red, white, and blue for the 4th of July. Don’t be afraid to go over the top with your holiday decorations, and ask your guests to come in an appropriate costume.
When shopping online for party supplies, make sure you leave plenty of time for potential shipping delays. You may also like to DIY some custom decorations to show your guests your creative flair.
Evening Entertainment
Depending on the type of party and the familiarity of your guests, you may like to include some games so everyone can get to know each other. Look for ideas that won’t embarrass anyone, while still encouraging chit chat. Celebrity Heads could be played throughout the event, using famous people who fit the occasion. For example, for a Mother’s Day party, you could include well-known moms such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Michelle Obama, Kim Kardashian, and Beyonce.
Music is essential for any party, and creating a playlist with a mix of old and new tunes will keep everyone happy. Consider extra entertainment such as a karaoke machine, photo booth, or face painter to make your event unique.
The Perfect Holiday Party
Your holiday party can be perfect with the right group of friends, good food, entertainment, and decorations. Planning in advance will give you a greater chance of success, as giving guests notice will ensure they are able to attend. When the party starts, make sure you take the time to relax and enjoy the special occasion.
