Christmas is only a month away, and it is a great to get together with friends and family and celebrate the festivities. Organising a festive get together is one of my favourite things to do at this time of year, and it’s a great way to finish of the year and welcome in the Christmas season. If you are planning a festive event, then these tips might just help you get organised.
Location, Location, Location
Before you consider anything else, the location of your get together is essential. There are many pubs, restaurants and venues that offer a ‘get together’ space around Christmas time. Some include a food and party package, so it’s worth considering if you want to be as hands-off as possible. The downside to planning a get together in this way is that the cost can be substantial, especially at this time of year.
An alternative is to host at home. This eliminates the cost of a venue and means you are much less restricted by times and dates. If space is a factor, then consider branching out into the garden. You could even set up party tents similar to a Christmas market theme!
Plan a Festive Feast
The food you choose for your festive get together will largely depend upon the type of get together you are planning. For something more intimate and formal, you may opt for a sit-down meal. Still, if you have a more substantial amount of guests on a much more informal basis, then canapes and buffet food may be a much easier option. You can still incorporate a festive theme in your food whichever style you choose.
A Tipple or Two
Providing drinks at any get together can be expensive, so it’s best to stick to a limited selection – after all you aren’t a bar! Why not mix your own signature cocktail which can be served in a large punch bowl for guests to help themselves? Not only is this a great way to save money, but it also means you don’t have to spend the night playing bartender!
Festive Decorations
Decorating for a festive get together is easy and can be executed with some simple household Christmas decorations. Tinsel, lights and gold stars all make great decorative items just don’t forget to hang some mistletoe!
Entertainment
A big dread when it comes to hosting a get together is keeping the guests entertained. No one wants to feel like their party is a bore, so considering your entertainment beforehand is vital. Again, this largely depends on the type of get together you are planning and for something more intimate organising a secret Santa beforehand can work really nicely. For larger groups party games, carol singers and even just some festive music for a dance is a good idea.
Make it Special & A Little Different
As part of your decorations, why not set out a “Wish Tree” where people can write their wishes and hopes for the following year on a decoration. It’s a great way to get guests talking about their plans and goals for the future and a great way to reflect on the previous year.
We all know that the festive period is one of joy and fun, but it’s also nice to be able to give back if you can. Why not invite your guests to bring along a donation for a local food bank or a wrapped gift that can be passed on to charities