Have a Christmas Party

Do you want to celebrate Christmas by having a Christmas party?

Steps

 * 1) Set a date for your party. As December moves on you, and everyone else will be more and more busy, so booking early is essential.
 * 2) Send out invitations, and make sure that you have a clear guest list so that people who are not wanted do not turn up unexpectedly, or if you prefer invite people over the telephone or by email. Be clear that it's RSVP only, so you can gauge how many people to expect.
 * 3) Plan your menu several days in advance. Are you going to have a formal sit down meal, or a more relaxed buffet? Write a shopping list and stick to it. Prepare as much as you can the day before the party, avoiding any last minute panics. Keep things simple and easy - the last thing you will want to be doing is slaving away in the kitchen while your guests are having a good time.
 * 4)  Prepare the party area. Make sure the area you are planning to hold your party is relatively clean and tidy. Remove any items that you are worried might get broken or in the way, and remember to put out plenty of chairs.
 * 5)  Welcome your guests. Greet your guests at the door. Take their coats and see them through to the party area. Make introductions if your guests are not acquainted with each other and start off the conversation. Delegate arranging drinks to one of your guests, if someone is particularly shy this will be a great job for them as it's a real icebreaker.
 * 6)  Play music. This is essential in setting the mood. Have a few CDs ready but don't play them too loudly, people will want to be able to talk.
 * 7)  Host games. Charades or another lively game is always popular at a family get- together, whereas a more adult game will be suitable at a sophisticated get-together. Have plenty of pens, scraps of paper and balloons ready just in case.
 * 8)  Have fun! Being the host, people will look at you to set the mood. If you are looking stressed they won't relax. Similarly if you lead the way in having fun - they will follow.
 * 9) Give the kids something to do! Especially if you have kids, let them invite friends. It will keep them busy so you can have fun with your friends. Just give them something to do.

Tips

 * As an intriguing twist, arrange a few toys or Christmas crackers half hidden around the room. These can be incorporated into a party game later on, or can simply be to entertain children - and big kids.
 * The more the merrier, is not always true. You need to take into consideration factors such as size of the room, amount of food you can provide, etc. So make sure you are comfortable with the number of people you invite.
 * Christmas music makes the party fun!
 * Make sure your guests have plenty to drink. If you plan to serve wine, you should have at least one bottle for every two guests.
 * To have a more enjoyable Christmas party ask your guests the type of Christmas food and candy they like.
 * Decorations are always a good idea. It needn't be something expensive or time consuming - a few strings of fairy lights instantly create a festive atmosphere. Bowls of nuts, oranges, and brightly colored sweets also look great and double up as snacks.
 * If you want to create a more formal atmosphere, then simply taking out some of the games and festive music can do the trick.

Warnings

 * If you invite people with children, make sure you have a child safe area set aside for them. Also, make sure to provide games and activities for the kids.

Things You'll Need

 * Christmas food and candy
 * Christmas decorations
 * Christmas Music
 * Plenty of seating
 * Gifts (optional)

Related Tips and Steps

 * Behave at the Office Christmas Party
 * Decorate for Christmas
 * Make a Christmas Cake
 * Care for a Christmas Cactus
 * Plan a Party
 * Decorate a Christmas Tree Elegantly
 * Make a Candy Cane
 * Get Prepared for a Christmas Party
 * Host a Christmas Party As a Kid with Your Friend

Sources and Citations

 * How to Throw the Perfect Christmas Party from VideoJug -- used with permission.