Step 1: Make easy, impressive food
The menu: crab and chive puffs, hot ricotta dip, maple-glazed ham with biscuits, mustard, and chutney, mini gingerbread cupcakes, olives, pickled veggies, fruit and nuts.

Step 2: Step away from the cocktail shaker
The cocktails: pineapple mint punch, tequila grapefruit splash, winter sangria, vodka cranberry cooler, spiked sparkling cider, and bourbon ginger snap.

Step 3: Manage the mood
Keep the lights dim and spread holiday cheer with some holiday party mixes.

Step 4: Work some behind-the-scenes magic
This can be done by renting a coat rack, keeping prepared food warm, soaking dirty dishes, and keeping the air fresh.

Step 5: Fun-shui your space
By rearranging your furniture you can find a new flow to your living space!

Step 6: Wind it down
You can begin this by lowering the music, brightening lights, and putting away leftovers.

Step 7: Holiday party timeline
Creating a timeline can keep things organized and makes planning a party much more manageable.

Step 8: Don’t let this happen to you
Remember that even if things do not go as planned, it is just a party, and much worse things have happened.

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Photo Credit: realsimple.com

Step 1: Make Only Easy, Impressive Food

This stress-free plan comes complete with do-ahead recipes (a few savories and a sweet) and delicious store-bought extras. Even better: The grab-and-go, finger-food-only menu requires no utensils, meaning less cleanup.

Crab and Chive Puffs