This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own. When you are hosting a holiday get together, there are some rules of thumb you should follow. No matter if you have 2 or 20 people over, you want to make sure all of your bases are covered and your guests are well treated, well fed and hoping for an invitation to next year’s shindig! If you are hoping to be planning the perfect holiday party this year, here are some great tips to follow:
Holiday Party Planning Tips
- Space: Before you can invite any guests, you need to know how many people you can accommodate. They say you should take the square footage of the area you want to use for the party and divide it by 5. Now add 20% to that number and you get a pretty good estimate of how many people you can fit into your space. Now you know how many people to mail those invitations to!
- People: Send out your invitations at least 3-4 weeks ahead of time, especially during the holidays. People will start to accept invitations pretty early and you don’t want to get caught with no one coming to your get together. Be sure to have an R.S.V.P. so you get an accurate number of who is coming to your party.
- Drinks: Be sure to serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Have plenty of ice on hand as well as a variety of wines, liquor and mixers. Be sure to serve at least one hot drink, especially if the party is on a chilly day/night.
- Food: I would rather have leftovers than to have hungry guests at a party. Be sure to serve a variety of foods, including vegetarian options. Are you planning a buffet, a sit down dinner or just hors d’oeuvres? Plan your menu accordingly, shop well in advance and don’t wait until the last minute to prepare your food. Be sure to serve traditional dishes, but don’t be afraid to update them and put your own twist on a family favorite.
- Music: A party is not a party without music! Be sure to make a playlist with plenty of genres of music so everyone can hear something they enjoy. Keep the volume up enough so your guests can hear the music but not so loud it drowns out their conversation.
Decorations: Whenever possible, decorate with that you already have on hand. For the things you need, shop at your local thrift store or garage sales. I have found such interesting and unique items at my local Goodwill. - Dishes and Flatware: If you do not have enough dinner and flatware, you have two options. You can buy some nice plastic options or you can rent. You may be surprised at how affordable the rental option is. When it comes to serving dishes, use what you can of your own and supplement with the rest. Again, think of renting or borrow from friends, neighbors or family.
- Delegate: Do not knock yourself out by trying to do everything yourself. Get your family to lend a hand. The kids can help decorate while our husband can rig the stereo. My kids are old enough to even help write the invitations.
When I have a family get together, there is usually anywhere from 6-10 people. Last year, everyone was out of town, so it was just my husband and I and the kids. I must say, it was one of the most fun holiday parties we have ever had! When I made my Layered Green Bean Casserole Shepherd’s Pie, I served them in my small soufflé cups. This way, each of us were able to have an individual serving. They were a smash hit! I cannot wait to serve these at our holiday party for our family and friends. You can be sure I am using my tips for planning the perfect holiday party too!
What tips for planning the perfect holiday party can you share?
Leigh Anne Borders says
November 8, 2015 at 1:31 pmOh my gosh–those look delish! I am pinning this for sure. I know my family will love them.
Jennifer says
November 9, 2015 at 10:47 amNow I’m stoked for having a get together, AND I’m starving! Thanks so much for sharing this.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
November 9, 2015 at 11:08 amI agree with everything! I host a lot this time of year and it’s all about the prep work!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
November 9, 2015 at 11:20 amThese are great tips. I would add lots and lots of toilet paper. You can never have too much toilet paper when people come to visit.
Valerie says
November 9, 2015 at 11:37 amThese are all wonderful tips. The green bean casserole looks so good!
Donna says
November 9, 2015 at 11:37 amI agree that I would rather have leftovers than hungry guests! These are great tips.
Debra says
November 9, 2015 at 11:39 amGreat tips! I think having an open, but inviting space is key (along with some good background music). I’ve never thought of renting dishes & flatware – I usually go to the party store and get some disposable ones.
Jennifer says
November 9, 2015 at 11:39 amoh my gosh I LOVE the look of these. the single serve dish is a great idea to help everyone have the same amount. I know in my family sometimes people will take a lot and it only leaves a little bit of food for someone else.
susan says
November 9, 2015 at 12:41 pmThis gets me even more excited for the holidays than I already am! This is going to be an addition to our holiday meal, thanks for sharing.,
Jeanette says
November 9, 2015 at 1:08 pmWOW green bean shepherds pie? um YUM! Why didn’t I thin of that before! What a great idea! I have to make something this Thanksgiving SO this might just happen!
Mistee Dawn says
November 9, 2015 at 1:09 pmThese are some really great tips! I will keep these in mind for my upcoming holiday parties!
Diana Villa says
November 9, 2015 at 2:11 pmThat green bean casserole will be a for my next party, thank you so much for the great ideas an recipe 😀
Catherine S says
November 9, 2015 at 4:01 pmThanks for the great tips. This recipe looks so yummy and I can’t wait to make it.
Liz Mays says
November 9, 2015 at 5:59 pmI needs to keep this in mind. I have to make sure there are some really fun drinks that are unique. That casserole sounds amazing too!
Stacie says
November 9, 2015 at 6:04 pmThank you for the great tips. I believe delegating is a great idea. No need to try to do everything yourself. I will be saving your recipe to give it a try.
Jeanine says
November 9, 2015 at 6:13 pmGreat tips! I am not doing the party thing this year – I did one last year and the year before with a few select groups of friends. but this year its just going to be us, our family. Maybe next year!
Mykidsguide says
November 9, 2015 at 7:08 pmOh my goodness. That looks so delicious. I love your tips!
Liz Mays says
November 9, 2015 at 11:10 pmIt does look really good. I can hardly believe I’ve never added bacon bits to my green bean casseroles.
Daisy says
November 9, 2015 at 7:10 pmGreat tips! I love your Layered Green Bean Casserole Shepherd’s Pie recipe.
Pam says
November 9, 2015 at 8:19 pmDelegating is definitely my best holiday tip! I usually tell each person in the family something to bring if it is a family party.
Janis @MommyBlogExpert says
November 9, 2015 at 8:26 pmOur family really enjoys shepherds pie, but I always make it in a 13×9 pan for them. Love what you did with the mini casserole dishes, your recipe looks amazing.
Theresa says
November 9, 2015 at 8:41 pmHosting can be so stressful, but these are all great tips to help make it a little easier. Your green bean casserole remix looks delicious!
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
November 9, 2015 at 8:43 pmThis is my dream come true. Pure comfort food in a bowl.
Shauna says
November 9, 2015 at 8:44 pmOh my goodness, those little casseroles are amazing. I love how everyone gets their own. So cute… and they look delicious.
Emma Spellman says
November 9, 2015 at 9:01 pmOh my gosh. I think my husband would marry me all over again if I made him that. I love your dishes and fork…so cute!
alexandria waning says
November 9, 2015 at 10:03 pmThose look good. And thank you for saying invitations should go out 3-4 weeks before. I have literally been handed invitations on a Tuesday for that weekend. Like, really?! I am always on top of my party planning!
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
November 9, 2015 at 10:15 pmWhat a delicious recipe! I can’t wait to try it out myself
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
November 9, 2015 at 10:40 pmI love Shepard’s pies. I am throwing a few holiday parties this year, so this dish is a great idea!
Jenna Wood says
November 9, 2015 at 10:49 pmI love the idea of portioned shepherds pie- I like to serve big multi course meals, this would be a great addition. I love the tip to send invites 3-4 weeks in advance- I’m bad about giving head notice!
Cinny says
November 9, 2015 at 11:24 pmI love casseroles for holiday planning. They’re so nice and easy to put together and are the perfect comfort food!
Sabrina says
November 9, 2015 at 11:26 pmWhat a fun party and great tips! I never delegate enough.
Dawn says
November 9, 2015 at 11:28 pmThis looks delicious! You are right, it’s always important to have a lot of space and a variety of drinks.
Chasing Joy says
November 9, 2015 at 11:34 pmI agree with your planning tips. You have all the bases covered.
Aubrey says
November 10, 2015 at 12:00 amThese look good. Cute too. Can’t wait for holiday party time.
Autumn @Mamachallenge says
November 10, 2015 at 1:10 amThose are great tips! It is important to have someone help out!
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
November 10, 2015 at 2:18 amHoliday parties are so much fun! I love just getting together with friends and having a good time!
Onica{MommyFactor} says
November 10, 2015 at 4:36 amWhat a fun idea!I love this idea and this is perfect for Christmas, I’m sure my family would love this.
Joyce Brewer (@MommyTalkShow) says
November 10, 2015 at 5:25 amI’d also recommend hiring a cleaning service before or after your holiday party. Helps relieve your stress.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
November 10, 2015 at 5:49 amBeing a party host is both fun and stressful. The preparations and the after party tasks can be daunting. However, when we just look back at the fun and the memories we have made, everything is worth it. I love the green bean casserole. I’ll keep your recipe. Thanks for sharing.
Kristi says
November 10, 2015 at 8:21 amSome great tips! I always get a bit stressed when it is time for the guests to arrive. Lucky for me my husband is better at the cooking part but small talk is where I get more nervous will have to refer back to your tips many times!
Christie says
November 10, 2015 at 8:44 amLove all of your fun tips for a great holiday party! We plan one every year, so definitely on the radar for us!
Anjanette @MommaYoung says
November 10, 2015 at 8:53 amGreen bean casserole with yummy Frenchies onions is the one dish I wouldn’t get rid of for Thanksgiving dinner. I’m the only one who eats it, so I love this idea of baking it in ramekins.
Mary Larsen says
November 10, 2015 at 9:05 amwe are hosting the holidays this year, and these tips will come in handy!! Thank you 🙂
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
November 10, 2015 at 10:20 amI showed this to my Husband and he wants it this weekend! Can’t wait.
Amanda || Growing Up Madison says
November 10, 2015 at 10:22 amThis looks absolutely delicious. Now I know what I might be making on the weekend. Something super easy and I’m sure the family would love it.
Rebecca Swenor says
November 10, 2015 at 11:32 amThese are great tips for planning the perfect holiday party. The Layered Green Bean Casserole Shepard’s Pie sounds and looks so delicious. I am going to have to make this for dinner.
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green says
November 10, 2015 at 11:58 amI love a great holiday party, I’m certainly into the details. I’m a very visual person and so I’m all about the details. I’m loving the presentation displayed above.
lisa says
November 10, 2015 at 12:06 pmI usually host Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. This year only Christmas Eve, but these are great tips. It’s always important to delegate for parties!
JenJacqs says
November 10, 2015 at 12:31 pmI haven’t tried planning for a party at all so this tips that you shared here is very helpful and essential especially I’m going to plan a party soon. Thanks for the tips! 🙂
ricci says
November 10, 2015 at 12:33 pmI love Green Bean Casserole and I love your twist on them!! These individual servings are adorable!!
Tammi says
November 10, 2015 at 12:40 pmGreat list and I agree that delegating tasks is very important. You want to enjoy yourself as well at your event.
Lynndee says
November 10, 2015 at 12:44 pmI love green bean casserole and your green bean casserole is mouth-watering. So looking forward to the holiday parties. Thanks for the tips.
Jataya says
November 10, 2015 at 1:09 pmMy favorite part about the holiday season is hosting festive parties. I totally agree that having more food is so much better than not enough. Thanks for the tips!
Chubskulit Rose says
November 10, 2015 at 1:26 pmThose looks so good! I don’t really host parties but great tips you have here.
diana elizabeth says
November 10, 2015 at 2:47 pmWow can I be your guest? That looks amazing. Thank you for the reminder about music – YES! I think background noise is so important and helps guests relax too!
Digna says
November 10, 2015 at 3:42 pmI agree on the food! Always provide lots of food!
Crystal says
November 10, 2015 at 5:02 pmThis is going to be perfect for our friends-giving celebration. It’s more relaxed and tons of fun. I know it’ll be a hit!
Katharina says
November 10, 2015 at 6:10 pmThese are great tips. Christmas can be very stressful. Probably will be for me. I also love the look of that green been sheperds pie. Yummy Kat I http://www.beautifullytravelled.com
Erin says
November 10, 2015 at 8:14 pmThese are fabulous tips and a great way to decrease holiday stress! Perfect for someone like me… that overstresses! lol!
Kiwi says
November 10, 2015 at 9:12 pmI loved this personalized portion of green bean layered casserole! This looks delish and would be perfect for a holiday shindig!
Bonnie @wemake7 says
November 10, 2015 at 9:30 pmThose are very great tips, especially having the space for company. I’m loving these pictures of your green bean casserole.
HilLesha says
November 11, 2015 at 4:36 amThank you for sharing these wonderful tips! These are surefire ways to have a perfect holiday party.
Rosey says
November 11, 2015 at 5:10 amThat’s a good tip for seeing how much room you have for actually entertaining. The recipe looks great too.
Shaney Vijendranath says
November 11, 2015 at 8:04 amGreat tips. We planning holiday parties and I’m so excited. I love the festive season especially all the yummy food. 😉
Amber C. says
November 11, 2015 at 11:40 amOh how yummy and perfect! My mom asked me to bring a green bean dish to Thanksgiving and this is PERFECT!
Marielle Altenor says
November 11, 2015 at 9:41 pmHoliday parties are always a bit stressful! These are some really great tips to make them less stressful! Thank you. That recipe looks delicious!!
ashleigh says
November 12, 2015 at 2:00 pmGreat tips! I love the idea of music playing in the background, my grandmother always did that around Christmas.
Raijean says
November 13, 2015 at 9:49 pmI need to come to your party, looks like a good time. I’m all about bacon and onion!
mycraftingworld says
May 22, 2017 at 6:57 amThank you for all that information. I did not realize there was a formula for determining how many people to get into a space. Of course there should be, I just never thought about it. The other tips are good for just company or family visiting too. Thank you.