Planning Ahead for a Totally Relaxed Holiday Party
Giving a party for friends at the holidays is one of the great joys of the season. But as you’ve learned over the years, putting together a celebration is a LOT more work than it seems.
A little planning now can ensure your success later. Here, from setup to clean up, is a step-by-step guide to hosting a sophisticated yet simple gathering that won’t drain away your holiday spirit (and crash your budget!).
TIP 1: SERVE A FEW EASY, IMPRESSIVE DISHES
This stress-free plan focuses on do-ahead recipes – some savory, some sweet. We also are big believers in adding store-bought goodies to round out your menu. Best of all, this finger-food-only menu requires no utensils, making clean up super easy. Menu suggestions include:
- Homemade crab puffs
- Hot cheese dip or baked brie
- Maple-glazed ham with biscuits, fancy mustards and chutney
- Mixed olives, pickled veggies, pistachios, clementines and strawberries
- Mini gingerbread cupcakes
TIP 2: GIVE YOUR PARTY A REAL PUNCH
You might think punch is a bit fussy, but serve-yourself beverages can be totally hip – and they’ll free you from tending bar all evening. Look for recipes such as winter sangria, vodka cranberry cooler or pineapple mint punch. Sparkling ciders are a fun choice, and bourbon punches are another traditional holiday favorite. Bonus: by offering a few cool, delightful punches, along with sparkling water, you’ll avoid the expense of stocking a full bar.
TIP 3: MANAGE THE MOOD
Turn off your bright overhead lights and use colored votive holders for a warm glow. Decorate with metallic accents—they reflect the candlelight in a sparkling, delightful way. Tape light and dimmer switches in place so guests won’t lean on them and the effect stays in place.
To add seasonal cheer without driving everyone crazy with back-to-back-tracks of “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” and “Feliz Navidad,” mix traditional holiday songs with other party tunes in a ratio of 3 to 10. Make a playlist ahead of time that will play for an hour longer than you expect your guests to stay. This way, you’ll be able to dance your way through the house as you gather up the dishes at the end of the celebration!
TIP 4: WORK SOME BEHIND-THE-SCENES MAGIC
Rent a coat rack. It beats having guests pile jackets on your bed. Check party-rental sites. Coatracks cost about $20, and many times hangers are included. Put the rack in the entryway against a wall.
Soak dirty dishes. Fill a large plastic bin with warm, soapy water and keep it in the kitchen. Toss in used dishes during the party.
Crack a window open to circulate fresh, cool air, then adjust as the party heats up.
Keep prepared food warm. A 200-degree oven works well as a professional warming drawer. This also frees up counter space and provides insurance that your food won’t burn if you forget to take it out.
TIP 5: WIND DOWN IN STYLE
Signal that the party’s over (in a subtle way). Turn down the music, blow out a few candles, and turn on one light. If guests don’t get the hint, resort to plan B and start cleaning up.
Pack leftovers for people to take home. Chinese to-go boxes or Ziploc containers are perfect for this. The more food you give away, the better you’ll feel when you look in the fridge the next day.
Tidy up a little, then sit down and relax. After guests are gone, take out the trash and recycling so your house doesn’t look and feel like a bar later on. Check for furniture or carpet stains and treat those immediately, but otherwise, leave the heavy cleaning and furniture moving until the next morning – or even the next day. Take time to savor the afterglow of a party well planned and thoroughly enjoyed.
BE A GUEST AT YOUR OWN PARTY! CALL THE CATERING SERVICES PROS AT JERRY’S KITCHEN
When the holiday celebration is at your place, the pressure’s ON. Handling all the cooking and serving yourself can be stressful, especially if you’re expecting a big crowd! Why not give yourself a break by calling the catering services experts at Jerry’s Kitchen?
Work with our award-winning food truck catering team – or, if you prefer, we’ll put together a classic holiday menu with everybody’s favorites. We have delicious choices for all your guests, including those with special dietary needs.
Whether you’re planning a private party or a big business bash near Doylestown or Philadelphia, we’re ready to help. But book early! Call us today to reserve your date.
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