Rather than rushing out to buy expensive new china, glasses and silverware for a holiday get-together, consider renting it. No matter where you live, chances are there’s a party rental store near you. The prices are reasonable and by renting rather than buying you also avoid having to store the items year after year.
Don’t be afraid to re-arrange furniture for the night, or simply remove items from the space. Make the other rooms your storage for the evening, so that your guests can have sufficient space to move and mingle. Remember it’s just for one night!
Set the mood with great lighting. We are true believers that almost anything is improved with good lighting. If you can help it, don’t use overhead lights, as they can be terrible for atmosphere. Instead, turn on lamps with a warm white light. Candelight is a wonderful option, as it instantly makes everyone look beautiful. Place tea lights and candles on tables and in the washroom for a beautiful setting.
Plan the soundtrack for your event ahead of time. If you’re having people over for several hours, make different playlists to accompany different activities throughout the evening. Start with something nostalgic—a little Bing Crosby, then move to an instrumental mix as background music for dinner, and finally end things on a high note with a fun, up-beat dance mix after dinner games and dessert.
Instead of a full bar, consider offering wine and beer! As a third option, prepare a fabulous seasonal punch. Your guests won’t miss the hard liquor and if you are determined to have a range of liquor, hire a bartender. They will tell you everything you need in advance for a full bar and they are trained to recognize when and if someone needs to be cut off!
The absolute most important rule of hosting a great party, remember to show up! “To sit around a table with your guests is really a treat, especially since so many of our relationships are via emails or social media. When your guests arrive, turn your attention to them, and not to any last-minute details you may have neglected to handle. So without getting too sentimental, be sure to thank your guests for coming out, and enjoying the evening with you!