Christmas Party Planning

If you've had a party before, you'll soon learn that planning a Christmas party is perhaps more stressful than planning other types of parties. It's the busy season and there's simply more to do and less time to do it in. Not only that, it's more difficult to find people willing to help because they too are busy around the holidays.

If you get organized and start planning early, you will be a happy hostess instead of disgruntled Scrooge or Grinch. Below are some tips to get you started planning a Christmas party for adults.

Get Organized

Keep checklists for all of the things you need to accomplish for your party. Put the most important things at the top and consider leaving off anything that's not completely necessary.

Clean Your Fridge

It's not a fun thing to do, but if your refrigerator is cleaned out, it will provide much needed room for food and drinks. Have a cooler on hand (with ice) for any extra food that won't fit in the fridge.

Keep Snacks Simple

Skip the holiday hors d'oeuvres and set out meat, cheese and vegetable trays from the supermarket. Provide olives, pickles, crackers and dip.

Provide Non-Alcohol

Have traditional drinks such as coffee, hot chocolate, eggnog, cappuccino and punch available for those who don't drink alcohol.

Have Your Party Catered

You may decide to hire a caterer. Many of them provide brochures or lists of foods available that will help give you ideas planning the menu. The expense may be well worth the extra time and relief it provides.

Make it a Group Effort

Ask for help and you shall receive. Surprisingly, it often doesn't occur to some people to bring some goodies or pitch in and help. They can't read your mind, so speak up! Clean up is a snap if you provide some extra treats for those who stay to help you clean after the party.

Plan Entertainment

Parties are all about entertainment! Whether it's Christmas caroling or crafts for kids, have some fun stuff in mind to make your party memorable.

Rent a Room

Consider having your holiday meal in a restaurant or convention room. This way, you won't have to do the clean up and guests won't overstay their welcome.

Have a Gift Exchange

Set dollar limits if you're planning a Christmas gift exchange. Make this optional for guests and consider a theme, such as gag-gifts.

Hang Mistletoe

While it's probably not a good idea for an office party, it's especially fun for a get-togethers with friends. Adults will enjoy the laughs and it will probably ease any tension.

Have Fun Planning

Don't knock yourself out trying to make the party perfect. When people begin to arrive, switch from "work" mode to "party" mode. The best hosts and hostesses are ones that relax and mingle with the guests.

Be Responsible

Don't let any guests drink and drive. Quit serving drinks an hour before the party ends and have a designated driver or taxicab company # handy for those who overindulge.