1. Plan, Plan, Plan

This is an obvious one, but extremely ESSENTIAL. You don’t want to go with the flow when planning a party haha! Here’s my checklist anytime I sit down and start planning a party.

• Write out your guest list and keep track of the RSVPs as they come in so you have a final guest count.
• Plan your food. Will you be getting it catered? Making it yourself? Potluck style? Whatever you’re doing, make the phone calls, do the shopping, whatever you have to do to ensure there is enough food to feed your guests. Pro tip: Pick a theme so it’s easy to pull together a menu.
• Take inventory of your decor. Pull out your party boxes and take stock of what you already have and can use. Chargers, table linens, centerpieces, etc. Then make a list of what you need to pick up!

3. Spacing & Seating

There’s nothing worse than a crowded party where guests have nowhere to space out!

For larger holiday gatherings, set up a few different areas around the house where guests can mingle, sip and nibble. I like to set up my bar area, kitchen island, dining table and living room area! That way guests can make their way through the spaces depending how they’re feeling.

5. Get Festive!

Holiday parties are the time to bring out all the stops! A warm, festive, and decorated space makes feel guests right at home. I always make sure to have plenty of soft lighting like candles (electric ones to not overpower the space with scents), decor centerpieces like the one pictured to the left (this makes it easier to save counter space so guests can sit and space out), and pops of natural greenery/florals (whatever matches the season).