Tips to Plan the Perfect Holiday Gathering
If you have ever hosted a holiday gathering, you know that they take hours of preparation and planning. Even if you’re having a small gathering, there is still a lot of work to be done. There’s shopping and decorating as well as cooking and planning entertainment for your guests that needs to be taken care of before the big day. Your holiday party can be as elaborate or as simple as you choose. Whatever route you take, here are some tips for planning the perfect holiday gathering.
4 Tips for Planning the Perfect Holiday Gathering
Make a To-Do List
Organization is a huge component of being successful. So it should be no surprise when I tell you that if you’re organized before your holiday party, your party will go much smoother than if you throw it together last minute. Making a list is a great way to make sure that you’re not leaving anything out. They’re also really good for visualizing just how much work you’re going to have to do to pull off the perfect holiday get together. When you’re planning your holiday gathering, go back to the basics and make a good old-fashioned list.
Curate a Holiday Playlist
One of the easiest ways to set the ambiance for your holiday gathering is to have a Christmas playlist ready to go. You can spend time prior to your party putting Christmas songs together. There are so many different kinds of Christmas music, from instrumental to classic Christmas carols. Whatever your musical tastes, put something together so you can have some background music spreading the Christmas cheer.
Cook Ahead of Time
The food that you serve at your holiday gathering can make or break the party. Planning what you are going to do for food ahead can help you get ahead of a kitchen pile up. The more you can do ahead of time, the less stress you’re going to have. There are plenty of options for delicious recipes that can be completed days or even weeks before your holiday gathering. There are plenty of appetizers as well as soups and stews that can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to focus on more important things the day of.
Deck the Halls
When your guests arrive, you want them to feel the Christmas spirit upon entering your home. If you’re a really creative person this is where you can shine. Choose a color theme or stick with a traditional approach, but decorate your home to the nines. Scatter Christmas ornaments throughout your home in bowls or vases. Hang garlands or unique decorations in unexpected places. Bring out your holiday glassware. You only get to use these decorations for one month out of the year, so make sure you take full-advantage of the opportunity.
Finding a Home in Orange County During the Holiday Season
Serious buyers are still in the market during the holidays. If that’s you, and you’re not only looking for a home in Orange County this holiday season but for fantastic representation as well, look no further. With more than 18 years working in Orange County, I know the ins and outs of this community and the market. If you’re looking to purchase a home before the new year ends, contact me today. I can help you find your perfect home.