The quickly-approaching holiday season will present many opportunities for get-togethers with family and friends as kids come home from school and workplaces take a break. This is the time to create a new tradition. It may seem daunting, but with careful planning and a few deep breaths, hosting a winter-season gala can be fun and actually relatively simple.
Pick a Theme
The first step is to choose a theme, such as “Welcome Winter” or “Party Before We Get Snowed-in”—the idea is to make the event fun and memorable. There are no wrong choices—opt for a formal event or one that is much more casual. Regardless of which direction is chosen, it is important to set a dress code and communicate it clearly to all invitees. Letting everyone know what is expected in terms of attire is the best way to avoid a guest being embarrassed by showing up in jeans with everyone else dressed in tuxedos and evening gowns.The dress code decision must be tied to an overview of the guests; the chances of a good turnout can be significantly improved by hosting an event that will appeal to a majority of the invitees. If the folks on the list are known for spending most of their time both at work and at home in t-shirts and jeans, a black-tie event may not be something they’d enjoy, and they may not have an appropriate wardrobe, possibly making a Hawaiian Shirt Festival worth consideration. On the other hand, if those on the list are frequent patrons of the opera or local playhouse, a “Dress to Impress” theme might result in a high percentage of “Yes” responses.
Another theme that may strike a responsive chord this time of year is “Hit the Slopes,” making it clear to leave skis at home, or “Winter Wonderland,” in which everyone is encouraged to dress all in white. Or make it easy with “Come as You Are,” knowing that there will always be somebody who walks in wearing a bathrobe. It all comes down to knowing the guests in order to create an event they will want to attend. Conversely, if the guest list includes folks that are new to the neighborhood or to the workplace, as well as many others that are known to be fun but not overly festive, keep the dress code simple, such as “Friday casual attire is perfect.”
The Perfect Venue
A decision equally as important as the theme is choosing a location for the event. This will be impacted by how many people are expected to attend and how easy it will be to get to the desired location. Locations may include the host’s residence, or perhaps that of a friend who has a large home. Other options could include an organization or community’s clubhouse, a hotel ballroom, or even a public park for an open-air affair. To create a memorable event, don’t hesitate to think outside the box.The Heart of the Party
After deciding upon a location, theme, and related dress code, another important consideration when planning a holiday party is the guest list. If many of the attendees are from the workplace, it’s natural to consider those you work closely with and whose company you enjoy, but consider using the event as an opportunity to get to know others better, too. However, there is no law that says inviting “that person” is a must. It’s sadly all too common for there to be at least one know-it-all narcissist or “yes man"—or woman—in the workplace. If they are unpleasant to be around at work, there is no reason to think they’d be any more tolerable at a party, so don’t feel a pang of remorse at leaving them off the list.On a similar note, if there are coworkers, family members, friends, or even neighbors who are at odds with each other, leave at least one of the sides off the list. The goal is for everyone in attendance to enjoy themselves, so defuse any tension in advance by not inviting the Hatfields and the McCoys.
Sending Invitations
With the location, theme, dress code, guest list, food and beverage choices, and entertainment choices made, it is time to send invitations. Yes, an email would work, but in keeping with the goal of hosting a memorable party, send hand-written invitations via the U.S. Mail, complete with self-addressed RSVP cards.And most importantly, have fun at your own party.
