Holiday Party Guide from A to Z
Below are 26 tips, basic rules of thumb and otherwise neat ideas to consider when planning your holiday cocktail party!
A: Appetizers
Plan on serving at least 10-12 appetizers per person for a 3-hour cocktail party.
B: Bar
For simplicity, offer a signature drink, punch and wine. Plan on 4-5 drinks per person for a 3-hour cocktail party.
C: Coat Closet
Make room for guests' coats.
D: Dancing
Plan on 50% of guests dancing. For a party of 50 guests, approximately 25 will dance and you will need an 8' x 16' space.
E: Experience
Bring your holiday party to life by engaging all the senses - sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.
F: Floral
The trend is suspended decor. I like this dressed up "candy cane" chandelier by Sandra Lee (FoodTV's Semi-Homemade chef).
G: Garnish
Turn an otherwise ordinary drink into something extraordinary with a garnish - olives, lemon and lime twists, and cherries. Rim the cocktail glass with colorful sugar, too.
H: Holiday Entertainment
Inspire more fun with interactive activities like casino, wine tastings, magic or murder mysteries.
I: Ice
Plan on 1/2 pound of ice per person, more to ice down beverages.
J: Java
You knew that I'd find a way to incorporate coffee into the party planning discussion <smile>
Enhance your dessert buffet with coffee (and tea) service; offer cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa and vanilla powder and flavored cream for a warm sweet treat!
K: Korbel Champagne
Admittedly, its the only item I could come up with for K. Whatever sparkling wine you purchase, plan on 5 glasses per 750-mL bottle.
L: Lighting
Light is the universal element of the winter holidays. Achieve a warm glow with unscented candles on the fireplace mantel or other out-of-way areas like kitchen countertops.
Everyone has a favorite holiday CD. Hit shuffle and enjoy!
N: Napkins
Plan on 4 paper napkins per person, more if passing hors d'oeuvres.
O: Outstanding
Keep up the good work! The planning is almost done!
P: Powder Room
Refresh towels, refill soap, empty trashcan and put out an extra roll of toilet paper.
Q: Quick Fix for Spills
R: RSVP
Tip for getting guests to RSVP - mail your invitation on a Wednesday! Guests will receive it by Friday or Saturday and will have more time to reply.
S: Signature Cocktail
Serve this clear, orange-flavored Winter Solstice Cocktail (above)! Click
here for the recipe.
T: Traffic Flow
Keep guests moving (and alleviate congestion) by creating mini food stations in the kitchen, the dining room and on the coffee table.
U: Unbelievable
What a party you have planned!
V: Valet
If you have limited parking, dark streets and or older guests, consider utilizing valet staff to park guests' cars.
W: Waitstaff
Hire servers and a bartender to assist with food and drinks during the party, as well as set up and clean up.
X, Y & Z : Exercise, Stretch & Sleep
Final preparation is a mental state of mind. Take a walk, take a deep breath and get some zzz's the night before your holiday celebration!
