With the holiday season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to gather with friends and family for a bit of party fun! Although scheduling and planning can be overwhelming this time of year, with the right tools and some creativity, your party can be the toast of the town. Make your holiday event stand out with these refreshing tips on some great party planning classics!

Design a Dessert Bar

The winter season is the perfect time to indulge a sweet tooth and what better way than with a delicious dessert bar? Create a spread where guests can decorate their own sugar cookies, build a brownie sundae, or construct a mini gingerbread house. Then, cap it all off with a hot cocoa station complete with all the fixings! Yum!

Have a Thoughtful Start and End Time

Create a cheerful but considerate atmosphere right from the beginning by establishing a convenient start time. Ensure the party stays on track, allowing guests to mix and mingle without worry of keeping the babysitter out too late. Adding a small parting treat near the door also signals to guests the event is winding down—a perfect night cap!

Send Save the Dates

Since calendars fill up fast, it’s important to send out invitations with enough time for guests to accept. However, in the digital age, waiting on returned RSVPs is no longer a problem with various invitation and save-the-date apps readily available. Most of these apps are easy-to-use and customizable for all party design needs, and help you manage your festivities with ease!

Invigorate the Typical Holiday Fare

After weeks of rich and decadent meals, offer guests a change of pace when it comes to holiday eats. Opt for small plates and light bites that won’t leave guests feeling overly stuffed or too drowsy for cheerful merriment! Think cranberry glazed meatballs instead of an entire roast, or peppermint cocktails. Delicious!

Plan for Cold Weather

With cold weather comes bulky extra layers. Optimize the party area and keep guests free of coats and scarves by creating a designated spot for cold weather essentials. Rent or purchase coat racks and hangers, or even go the extra mile by providing a coat attendant to handle guests’ items with care. Go a step further and include cozy blankets and textured throws to upgrade both your design and your hostess with the mostess rep. Adding in little extras like this is a great way to show hospitality and thoughtfulness this giving season.

No matter the size of your event, this holiday season is all about joyfully spending time with one another. Whether a small get-together with family and friends or a large office gathering, adding some of these tips to your holiday fare helps cap off the year in perfect fashion!

Holiday Party Must Haves