5 Tips for Planning a Successful Holiday Event

Planning the perfect holiday party can be stressful. Here are some tips to help you plan an event to remember.

“Invites”

What fun is a party if no one shows up?

• Take advantage of social media, but personalized invitations are always the best way to go. If people receive an invitation addressed to them they are more likely to attend or at the very least respond.
• Make sure you give guests enough notice, in today’s busy world people’s schedules fill up fast.
• Ask them to RSVP! An accurate head count will help with all the details i.e.; how much food to buy, how many favors to make, how much seating to have available.
• Follow up and remind your guests that your event is coming up.

“Set the stage”

Set the tone for the party you want.

• Theme: If you are going with a theme, make sure you carry it throughout the whole party from the food to the décor.
• Music: Make sure the music is current or fits the theme of your party.
• Décor: Don’t be scared to get corny. Décor should add to the theme and fun of a party.
• Lighting: Often over looked but really helps set the tone of the party. Is your event going to be small and intimate gathering? Try using candle light.

“Let Them Eat Cake”

Food and drinks are the basic fundamentals of any successful party.

• Keep it simple!! It is easy to go over board and over complicate your menu, but sticking to the basics will keep your stress level down.
• Always have more than enough, this is where RSVPs help, but be prepared for extra guests.
• Labelling the food will help with the “what is this” question being asked repeatedly.
• Make sure that not only does it looks yummy, but that it taste good enough that your company want seconds.

“Give it a personal touch”

It is your party don’t make it a cookie cutter gathering.

• It is the little things that will make your guests feel special. Who doesn’t love knowing something was made just for them?
• Does one of your guests have a favorite food or drink? Why not include it in the menu? If not share a dish that is special to you.
• If you will be serving a formal dinner use seating cards, this will help add decretive and personal touch.
• Party favors are great way to add personality to any event and the possibilities are endless.

“Make it FUN!” No one wants a repeat of their middle school dance.

• If you have a social group of friends you won’t need to do much but if you are blending several groups you might want to consider having games and actives available
• Mingle, Mingle, And Mingle!!! Introduce guests to each other as you make your way around the party.
• Make sure any games are interactive like Jenga, Cornhole, or Trivia.
• If kids will be attending coloring sheets or an arts and crafts area are a great addition.

About me:

Along with being able to assist you with all of your conferencing needs, I have 11 years party planning experience. I have coordinated weddings, corporate meetings, fund raisers and everything in between. Being a successful planner takes organization, follow-up and little creativity. I hope these tips help you plan your next event.