Are you hoping to host a spectacular holiday party in Austin this season? Does organizing your event seem more like dashing through the snow than planning the season's perfect Christmas celebration? You can still have peace on earth and good will toward party planning by following our guide to hosting holiday parties in Austin during Christmas time.
Get Organized with a List
Make a list for every aspect of your party. Write out a guest list, address/email List, food and drink list, etc. Don't hesitate to assign lists to several party helpers so you can divide responsibilities and conquer your holiday party.
Set a Theme or Dress Code
There are lots of fun, festive themes you can have for a holiday party like a Crazy Santa costume theme, a silver and gold theme for a formal affair, or an ugly sweater theme for a more casual get-together. Just make sure to state the theme and dress code in your party invitations!
Consider Food and Beverage Choices
Are guests bringing food, or are you having food catered? If it's a pot luck, consider using a food item sign-up sheet to avoid duplicate dishes. Some people have food allergies or other dietary restrictions, so provide a way for guests to let you know if they have any special needs.
Serve ready-made drinks with alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. Have cups, ice, and pre-made drink items on a separate table or counter. Ask a friend or two to take turns restocking any items that start running low.
If you're in search of a professional catering service, check out Fabulous Affairs Catering and Event Planning. This event planning service offers gourmet catering to make your party the toast of the season! You won't go wrong with this caterer as they won City Beat Award for Excellence in Customer Service and hold a Thumbtack Top Pro Award for 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Build a Music Playlist
Even the best DJs have a playlist for every occasion. You don’t have to keep it strictly Santa and sleigh songs throughout your party, however. A mix of music styles and categories is always a great idea and will keep your guests happy.
Want to hire a professional? You can get a fantastic DJ experience with Texas Pro DJ providing a non-stop mix of music and entertainment that your guests won't soon forget. They're ready to handle any venue from intimate private parties to the large corporate events.
Plan Specific Activities
As host, you're the leader of your holiday party and the one who keeps the party flowing. Have your guests exchange gifts, play Christmas charades, or compete to win a memory game or tongue-twister challenge. To preserve the memories even longer, set up a photo area with a tripod camera and a simple cloth backdrop with a variety of photo props.
Send Out Invitations
Since it's the holiday season, invite guests at least a month before the set party date so you get their RSVPs before another host. If most of your potential guests are on social media or available by email, you can also send out event announcements with several reply choices; this way, guests can see who else is attending.
Keep Decorations Simple
Keep most of your decorations limited to accents on your table tops so as not to clutter up your space. Other than that, an elegant Christmas tree in the corner and a wreath on the front door will suffice.
Use holiday-themed plates and napkins with an elegant tablecloth or table runner. Keep flower arrangements simple and low in height, and candles should be used sparingly as they are fire hazards.
A quick trip to Party City or your favorite retail store will help you find party favors for your guests.
Plan for the Unexpected
We all know Murphy’s Law: if anything can go wrong, it will- even under Santa's watch. So have a plan in place to handle the unexpected. For instance, have a friend or loved one designated to pick up items that you may run out of like ice or napkins. This way you can keep the party going well into the night without skipping a beat.
Find more ideas for Christmas in Austin by registering on 512area, your comprehensive guide to everything Austin has to offer.
Cover photo courtesy of Pexels
