by: Catherine Spelling

It's just about that time of the year again! Each year, around this time, people start to get into the festive spirit and decide to celebrate with a party of some sort. I host a party for my friends and family every year, and each year I learn something new. In my experience, there are a few things you can do to make the party enjoyable for everyone…yourself included.

Plan your party well in advance. The holidays are a busy time for everyone, so give your guest as much advance notice as possible. Your best bet is to send out the invitations in late November, so your guests can have the time to plan ahead. Organization is the key to a successful party.

It is important to have some idea how many people will be attending your party. You could include a stamped envelop with the invite, so your guests can RSVP. If you are unable to confirm the number of attendees, save yourself some trouble and plan to have a few more people than you invited. By approaching the party this way, you will be sure to have enough food and drink for everyone.

When considering your menu, try to keep things as simple as possible. This does not mean you have to compromise the quality of your food. Experience has taught me that homemade desserts are always a big hit. Consider serving an array of tarts and pastries, along with tea and coffee. As for the other food, try to serve finger foods such as sandwiches or wraps. You can purchase a platter of these at a very reasonable price, and save yourself a lot of time. I also like to have to an assortment of appetizers such as breaded shrimp and spring rolls.

Regarding beverages, you should consider having a selection of things to choose from. Be sure to stock up on Egg Nog! You should have a reasonably well stocked bar that includes red and white wine, rum, whiskey, vodka, and beer. We love Irish Cream with our coffee! Keep in mind that not everyone likes to imbibe, so be sure to have an assortment of soda and juice on hand. Tea and coffee are absolute necessities.

Another thing you could do to make the party more exciting, is to base it around a theme of some sort. You can tailor your food and drink to the theme, as well. Wouldn't it be great if everyone showed up dressed in costume? We had a party a few years ago, and it was in the theme of a Victorian Christmas. It was so much fun seeing everyone together and enjoying the holidays dressed in wonderful evening gowns and tuxedos! So good luck, and have a wonderful holiday!