Party planning can be a challenge! Plan ahead and make several lists to ensure you don’t overlook anything, or anyone. The holiday season is stressful enough; don’t let your holiday party plans cause any undue stress.
Party Plan Lists
What’s Needed: Are you having a big or small party? Do you need a bartender or a DJ? Will you be using fine dinnerware or paper? Never over-stretch your budget by under-planning your holiday party.
Guest List: Guest lists help identify other items you’ll need for your party. Do all guests enjoy alcoholic beverages or should you have a combination of alcoholic and virgin drinks? Don’t invite so many people that you’re pressed for room; no one wants to feel crowded.
Foods List: Holiday foods are meant to be as fun and pretty as they are delicious. Look at your guest list; do you plan to invite anyone with health issues, food allergies or a vegetarian? Plan your menu according to the tastes you know your guests will enjoy.
Drinks List: Consult your guest list once again. Keep food allergies and other important issues in mind as you plan your drink list. Offer a variety of drinks so people can be as choosy as they wish.
Holiday Party Games
Parties just aren’t parties without a variety of games. Games bring people together and create a fun atmosphere even if the contestants are stressed. Try some of our holiday party ideas this holiday season!
Drunken Gift Wrapping: Some people say there is nothing funnier than watching a new gift-giver learn to wrap gift boxes. We say it becomes exponentially more fun with every drink they take! Use real gifts or empty boxes, it is fun either way. This is great fun for girl’s night in with holiday movies and a bottle of wine.
Name that Song: Play snippets of holiday favorites and give people an opportunity to guess the song. Split into groups or couples for a more competitive feel.
Fake it: Each person at the party tells three stories or “facts” about themselves. Everyone else guesses which story is true. The person who “fakes it” with the highest number of people wins!
Holiday Party Drinks
For an extra-merry holiday party, include everyone’s favorite alcoholic drinks! Here are a few exceptionally delicious holiday drink ideas.
Butternut Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is a holiday favorite for all ages. This recipe is a warm and delicious way to come in out of the cold. Combine two ounces of Butterscotch Schnapps with 1/2 ounce of Amaretto and 5 ounces of hot chocolate. Mix all ingredients in a holiday style coffee mug, stir well, top with whipped cream and serve.
Ginger Snap
This is a delicious holiday drink that may be served frozen or on ice. Combine 3/4 ounce of Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum with 1/2 ounce of Ginger Brandy and 4 ounces of Egg Nog. Garnish with a ginger snap. Add additional ginger snaps for dunking.
Everyone’s Favorite Reindeer
Rudolph would agree that this is one of the lightest and tastiest drinks for the holiday season. Combine 1 and 1/4 ounces of light rum, 1 and 1/2 ounces of lemon juice and 1/2 ounce of Grenadine in a tall glass. Add ice cubes and cranberry juice to taste. Garnish with a wedge of lemon.
Holiday Party Planning
Once you’ve planned the party and have a good idea of the menu, drinks and games; send invitations. Ask guests to RSVP at least one week before the date of your party. Purchase all party favors, gifts and decorations at least two weeks before the party. Decorate and prepare most foods and drinks at least a day before guests arrive. As people begin arriving, set the finishing touches and enjoy.
