1) Select a unique theme
Winter wonderland, traditional Christmas, fancy dress, — all the best parties start with a strong theme. Choosing a unifying idea will also make it easier to plan all the smaller details, as you’ll have parameters to help whittle down the seemingly endless choices.
2) The all important guestlist
Make sure you do your guestlist and planning carefully, you want to ensure you have a good balance of people – who is going to get the dancefloor going? If you event is a sit down meal, it’s essential to plan who is next to who!
3) The venue
Whether you are hiring a space or simply transforming your home, your venue is where your vision can come to life. Think about how you can transform your space to fit your theme. you might want to move some of that home clutter out the way or get a floorplan from your venue.
4) Create atmosphere
It’s not the holidays without lots of lights, right? Don’t feel afraid of atmospheric lighting, and remember that more is better when it comes to smaller light sources. Hang twinkle lights from the ceiling, drape them on Christmas trees, and string them above the bar, and add a few coloured uplighting options for extra pzazz.
5) Food & drink
This is another way you’ll want to stay on theme. For a Christmas party, think festive favourites like hot toddies and build-your-own hot cocoa and apple cider stations or you might want to create a themed cocktail selection for a New Year’s Eve event! Don’t forget food needs to work for your event whether it’s a buffet of crudites and nibbles or a sit down three course meal. Remember to check if you have any vegetarian, vegan or gluten free guests!
6) Entertain your guests
Think outside the box when it comes to how you can entertain your guests. Consider props, games & interactive fun – you can never go wrong with a photo opportunity with Father Christmas!
7) Opt for non-traditional centre pieces
Incorporate tree branches, ornaments, twinkle lights, wrapped presents, or snow, and give your guests something to admire that’s more than just flowers.
8) It’s all about the music
What’s a holiday party without the sounds of the season? Whether using a playlist or splashing out on a DJ or live musicians, after guests have a few speciality cocktails, they will want some top tunes to keep everyone moving!
9) Keep the party moving
The best tip for any event is to space out what is happening when, this keeps all the guests entertained throughout the night so serve drinks first, food can come later, then entertainment as so on! The more the evening progresses, keep those surprises coming and you’ll have happy guests!
10) Getting everyone home safely!
At this time of year, getting everyone into taxis can be battle! Make sure you have telephone numbers or have prebooked cars for busy nights like New Years Eve.
