It is almost that time of year again. Within the next 3 months, more than 5 holidays will come and go. And with the holiday season comes the social obligation to party heartily with coworkers, friends, and family. But it doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking if you are going to host one of these gatherings. In fact, you can plan an amazing party that your nearest and dearest will talk about for ages- with minimal effort.
Hosting a party always puts pressure on the organizer to plan an event that will impress. Maybe it’s the boss, maybe it is to impress your parents, or maybe you want to outdo the person who planned the party for your favorite holiday last year. Whatever the case, with the help of Holiday Inn, and a handful of easy tips, you will be on your way to the history books under the heading of Holiday Party Master.
What You Are Going to Need
The basics boil down to three categories of focus: Food, Venue, and Music. Everything else stems from these three important factors. And, if you have minimal partying space in your home or office, the spacious conference areas at Holiday Inn will more than accommodate your group, no matter how large. If alcohol is involved in your merriment, rooms with a bar are very affordable and comfortable.
In the category of food, we have one word for you: catering. Let someone else prepare the food. Yes, it might be cheaper to make it all yourself, transport it, pray nothing gets cold that shouldn’t or spills, and then serve it, but who has time for all of that? How can you enjoy the atmosphere you have created to relax and entice your party guests when you are stressed about the eating experience?
As far as music, this one can be tricky. You probably think it should be themed, and this is not a terrible instinct, but what if your guests hate Christmas music? Finding a blend of musical offerings that include the holiday music of your choice along with more danceable options is a fun and easy way to keep people happy, and even inspire some moving and shaking. Let your hair down and cut a rug.
Music is less tricky with family gatherings. Most of your family members won’t even notice. That does not mean you can take liberties with what plays in the background as you serve up Thanksgiving dinner. Believe it or not, few people eat when dubstep or death metal is playing. Keep it light, simple, possibly instrumental, and happy. Funk is always a hit. Upbeat music is the best go-to for party music.
Other Items to Consider
The venue must be in a central location, close to most of your guests. Again, this does not always apply to family gatherings if everyone is flying in from somewhere else, unless they all live close to that distant location. In this case, you might have to pick a venue that you will have to travel to yourself. As far as company parties, most of your coworkers live a relatively even distance from the office. That is your baseline.
Have you thought about party favors? Everyone loves to get something festive, and free, when they attend a party. Add to your party “street cred” by giving everyone a party favor either as they enter or as they leave. It will seal the memory in their mind, especially if the gifts are something everyone loves.
And of course, no one will attend if you don’t tell them the details. Invitations are crucial. These days you can send them online, but a hand-delivered invitation is more likely to be kept and considered. Online invitations have a bad history of ending up in a computer trash bin or spam file. The more interesting your invitation is, the more likely you are to get an enthusiastic response.
Steps:
These are the steps to consider when hosting a party.
- Location – It should have free parking, be centralized, and if you plan on buzzed guests, a stay option is best. Holiday Inn has all of these ready with one call to reserve your party space.
- Invitations – Send them early, don’t cheap out on the design, and if you can, hand deliver them. If not, adding festive music to your e-vite will also work to create a lasting impression. And insist on RSVP for a headcount.
- Food – Catering companies need time to prepare. Book this as soon as you get a tentative number of attendees. Keep the food options broad enough to cover pretty much everyone. That means don’t forget your aunt with a gluten allergy or your cousin who is vegan.
- Music – If you can construct a great playlist, go for it. If not, hire a DJ. Karaoke is also a people pleaser when alcohol is involved. At home events, instrumental music is perfect. It pushes out the void of silence.
- Graciousness – Thank your guests for attending, smile, shake hands, work the room, and hand out party favors. You put all this work in, so get yourself noticed.
Final thoughts
If you are planning a party, call your local Holiday Inn at least a month before your venue. They can check and give you dates that will work. You don’t want to book your party at the last moment. You might end up resigning yourself to a party in a public park, and that only works for kids’ birthdays and church functions.