The holiday season is here and, with it, endless opportunities to host the perfect dinner party! But while the winter holidays should be a moment of relaxation and enjoyment, planning a party for multiple guests can end up causing unnecessary stress - especially if you are juggling a full-time job and other pre-existing responsibilities!
Luckily, you don’t need to feel stressed to plan a memorable Christmas or New Year’s Eve dinner party. Learn how in the quick-start guide below.
Plan the Menu and Buy Groceries in Advance
The first step to avoiding unnecessary stress during the holiday period is to plan in advance. While a lot of the tasks might need to be completed the day of the dinner party - such as setting up the table - there is a lot that you can do several days or weeks before the party.
For example, you should consider doing the bulk of your grocery shopping and securing all the staples. While there is always time for last-minute purchases, going on a shopping trip to buy all the needed supplies can be extremely time-consuming! Make sure you do so before the holiday period rush!
And, of course, before setting off be sure to have a menu planned for your dinner party!
Rely on High-Quality Ingredients
That Are Easy To Prepare
While the food you’ll serve at the dinner party is important, don’t forget that you are hosting this gathering to spend time with your family and loved ones! And, being overly stressed because of a complicated menu, risky recipes, and multiple dishes to prepare can cast a shadow over the evening as a whole.
Instead, consider using high-quality ingredients and foods that are easy to prepare, such as frozen Asian food. With the right garnishes and sides, this trick can help you set up a memorable dinner party in minutes!
Embrace a Minimalist Holiday-Inspired Decor
Of course, Christmas decorations are a must during your holiday dinner party. However, decorating the table and your home as a whole can be a resource-intensive and costly project!
So, consider choosing minimalist and natural decorations that can be placed on the table in just a few seconds and create that Winter Wonderland atmosphere you have been trying to create. Unsure how to get started? Pine tree branches, pine cones, fresh and dried fruits, candles, and Holly wreaths can do the trick!
Be Clear About Your Budget and the Guest List
Before getting started with the preparations for your dinner party, it is crucial to have a budget and guest list in mind. According to 2021 statistics by Deloitte, the average American will spend an extra $1,500 during the holiday season, and many families put themselves in the position of having to take out loans to cover these expenses!
Luckily, there is a lot that you can do to safeguard your family’s finances while making the most of your holiday season - starting with creating a budget and a reduced guest list for your next party.
Have a Few Games at Hand!
The recipe for a successful Christmas party will always include games and activities! With the right games to play with your family, you can be sure that there won’t be awkward silences during the dinner, and that your guests can break the ice and get to know each other better.
Don’t Plan Your Dinner Party Alone!
There is no doubt that planning a dinner party can be stressful, especially if you are alone in this! However, there is no reason why you should not turn your party planning tasks into a fun activity to enjoy with your whole family and friends. And, don’t be afraid to delegate or ask your guests to help out!