November 30th, 2009
Planning a get-together this holiday season? Our 5-part series explores everything from simple, easy to prepare intimate gatherings to gala-style events.
There’s no question — the holidays are a time to celebrate, and what better way than with a gathering of friends and family? Here are some simple ideas for putting together a fast and easy holiday soiree’.
1 – Keep the menu simple.
When planning your menu, remember that less is more. Stick to a few very tasty crowd-pleasers instead of setting out a 20-item buffet. Better yet, consider hosting a potluck — most people are happy to bring a dish or pick up something to contribute en route to the party, and it takes a heap of the pressure off you. You can further minimize your menu by carefully choosing a time for your event — for example, a mid-afternoon party (where folks are likely to have eaten lunch before arriving) or an evening gathering that starts at 8PM or so sends a subtle message: dine or grab a snack before you arrive, as a full dinner won’t be served this late in the evening. When you’re planning for drinks, be sure to include non-alcoholic beverages as well, and you can cut back on expenses by providing beer and/or wine while inviting folks to BYOB.
2 – Ask for help.
One of the biggest stressors in planning a gathering is thinking you’ve got to do it all yourself. Consider hiring a professional cleaning specialist to scrub your home before the party, and don’t feel you must say “no” to guests to offer to assist in picking up at the end of the party. If everyone picked up just a few plates or cups, the cleanup goes a lot smoother and quicker than if you dismiss offers for help and insist on doing it all yourself.
3 – Keep the guest list small.
Intimate gatherings require a lot less planning, preparation, and clean-up than larger parties, and yet they can be just as much fun as a full-scale event. The key is to keep it simple, invite folks who mesh well together (or already know each other), and remember to relax.
Holiday gatherings don’t have to be complex! What matters is the quality of the conversation — not the quantity of guests or the elaborateness of the food. Keep it simple, have fun, and everyone is sure to have a wonderful time. And be sure to include a projector rental for a photo montage slideshow from Projector123.com.
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