Hosting an event at your home can be stressful for everyone involved but it doesn’t have to be. With a little bit of planning, you can throw a simple, joy filled event that you even you will enjoy!

TIP #1: Decorate.

Decorate your home, inside and outside, well ahead of time. This is something that can easily be done weeks in advance. Don’t forget to give your table and island some extra attention since that’s where most of your guests will be hanging out.

TIP #2: Plan ahead.

Plan the menu and ask for each guest to bring something to contribute. Feel free to assign courses so you have a good variety of foods for everyone to enjoy. This takes all the pressure off of you and allows you to focus on the main course and the atmosphere. Planning ahead also involves doing what you can ahead of time. Don’t do it all the day before!

TIP #3: Play Christmas Games.

Choose few Christmas Games for your guests to play. This makes the event fun and gets everyone getting to know one another better. Choose a few from HERE or make up your own.

TIP #4: Put on a Christmas Movie.

Play a Christmas Movie on mute. I love to play the Old Classics, inevitably people stop to watch a bit and have a bit of nostalgia for their childhoods. I’ve listed our favorites HERE.

TIP #5: Incorporate Paper Plates.

Give yourself permission to use paper plates, cups and plastic utensils. You should enjoy the party too and standing at the kitchen sink is not my idea of fun. I’ll often use paper plates for the appetizers and dessert. This is a good middle ground for me.

TIP #6: Create a Special Experience.

Create a special experience with candles and music. See our Mackadoo Christmas Playlist HERE. Battery operated candles are a great option so you don’t have to worry about burning the house down. Placing them throughout your space if you’re hosting an evening party creates such a beautiful atmosphere. I really like this brand, BATTERY OPERATED CANDLES.

TIP #7: Know How Many Are Coming.

Make sure you’re planning for enough people. Nothing is worse than running out of food or drinks at a party. Below is a general guideline you can follow.

Meat: 6oz - 8oz for boneless cuts and up to 12 oz for bone in cuts like prime rib

Rice & Grains: 1.5 as a side dish, 2oz in a main such as risotto

Potatoes: 5oz

Vegetables: 4oz

Beans: 2oz as a side dish

Pasta: 2oz for a side dish, 3oz for a first course, 4oz for a main dish

Green Salad: 1oz undressed weight

Figures from The Spruce

TIP #8: Have a Theme.

Having a theme doesn’t need to be complicated. It can be as simple as suggesting a dress code: Ugly Christmas Sweaters, Christmas Jammies, Fancy Attire ~ have fun with it! Or perhaps you want a Vintage Theme - play Christmas Classics and Old Christmas Movies. Just keep it simple.

TIP #9 Don’t Forget the Hot Chocolate.

You can’t have a holiday get together without hot chocolate! Set up a festive Hot Chocolate Bar. We like to set out peppermint sticks, marshmallows, chocolate nips, whip cream and festive cups.

TIP #10 Offer a Parting Gift.

Offering a parting gift is a nice way to say thank you and helping your loved ones remember the fun party. It can be simple and inexpensive. We love to hand out our Homemade Peppermint Bark wrapped up like a small gift. Some other ideas are a small ornament, a handwritten note, or a homemade gift.