The holidays are fast approaching and that means it's time to start planning your holiday party! Don't stress, we've got you covered. These tips will help you plan and execute a holiday party that your guests will love. From setting up the table to preparing the food, we've got you covered. So sit back and relax - your guests will love what you've done!

Send Invitations Ahead of Time

You might not start thinking about your holidays parties until Halloween has come and gone, but your friends' and family's calendars will fill up fast, especially on the precious few Saturday nights in December. Be sure to invite your guests with plenty of heads up to make sure they are available. While there are a few ways to send invites, evites have become increasingly popular and much cheaper than sending invitations by mail.

Stick to a Budget

Set a Budget and Stick to It. One of the most important aspects of throwing any type of party is setting and sticking to a budget. When it comes to holiday parties, it's easy to get caught up in the flurry of activity and end up spending more money than you intended. To avoid overspending, sit down before you start planning and determine how much money you have to work with. Once you have a number in mind, make sure you stick to it by creating a budget for all of the difference expenses you'll incur such as food, drink, and decorations.

Pick a Theme

This will help you with everything from decorating to food choices. Whether it's a color scheme, a seasonal fruit, or even a holiday song, choosing one design element to lead the rest will create cohesion throughout your event. You do not have to be matchy matchy but an easy theme throughout the night will pull it all together.

Purchase Items Early

The earlier you start planning, the less stressed you'll be closer to the date of the party. Purchase non-perishable items along the way to help spread out cost. Items such as decor, tablescapes, napkins, etc are easy to get well in advance to help you be less stressed. Prepare as much food ahead of time as possible. Things like appetizers and desserts can be made ahead of time and frozen until party day.

Make a List

Make a list of everything you need and check it twice. This includes things like food, drink, plates, utensils, cups, etc. You don't want to get caught day of with missing items.

Set Your Menu

Get Creative with Your Food and Drinks. While it's tempting to splurge on gourmet hors d'oeuvres and an open bar, your guests will be just as happy with simple finger foods and alcoholic beverages. To save money on food, take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables that are typically less expensive during the winter months. You can also get creative with your drink selection by offering spiked eggnog or mulled wine instead of more expensive liquors. 

Don't Splurge on Decor

DIY Your Decorations. There's no need to go out and buy expensive holiday decorations when you can DIY them yourself. There are tons of great tutorials online for how to make everything from wreaths to garlands out of items you probably already have around the house. Not only will DIYing your decorations save you money, but it'll also add a personal touch that your guests will appreciate. 

Do it with Your Friends and Family

Delegate tasks to friends or family members if possible. Everyone loves to help out during the holidays! Make sure each person knows what they are responsible for bringing or helping with.

Research Table Setting Decor

Set up the table(s) ahead of time so that you're not rushing around at the last minute. This includes things like putting out place mats, silverware, etc.

Don't Forget the Ice

Make sure to have enough ice on hand for drinks - no one likes a lukewarm beer!

Plan for entertainment

This can be anything from music to games or even just watching holiday movies together. \

Have fun!

The holidays are a time to relax and enjoy spending time with family and friends. Don't forget to enjoy yourself!

We hope these tips have helped make your holiday party planning a little bit easier! Hosting a successful holiday party takes some effort but it's definitely worth it when you see your guests having a great time thanks to your hard work! So sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself - your guests will be glad you did! Happy holidays!