Make a list, check it twice and plan your perfect Christmas party

The holidays are stressful, but party planning doesn’t have to be. These two party pros give you their best and brightest tips.

Event planner SJ Campbell has organized everything from an intimate wedding in Italy to an imaginative Santa’s Workshop party. And Yulunda Gladney has overseen countless soirées as senior marketing manager at Flight Club Las Vegas, a popular holiday party venue. Here you will find tips on how to make your celebration shine.

Determine how much Money and time you want spend in advance.

Whether your mood is one of opulent winter wonderland (cue fake snow) or a cozy pajama potluck, decide early how much you need to give this season. If the budget is tight, consider a smaller guest list, opt for a cocktail hour with appetizers over a sit-down dinner, or even host a cookie exchange where guests are encouraged to bake and bring their favorite recipe to share. “You don’t have to have a grandiose party for it to be special,” says Campbell. “Christmas celebrations are about creating a sense of love and community.”

Be creative when choosing a party theme.

“A theme helps you make decisions,” says Gladney. From invitations to food and decorations, have fun creating an experience for your guests. A party theme also offers guests the opportunity to get to know each other. Encourage your guests to share a few “My Favorite Things” (like the classic). The sound of music song) or invite friends to decorate a gingerbread house and have them share the inspiration behind their edible home. Providing a common ground gives everyone an access point to connect.

Keep the good Times flow with AvVariety of dishes and drinks.

“It’s really important to understand your guests’ dietary restrictions,” says Campbell. Consider including space in your invitations for guests to specify their dietary needs so that all friends who are gluten-free, lactose intolerant or vegan can come together. And while variety is important to making guests feel welcome, “you don’t have to overdo it. Keep it simple,” says Campbell.

If you’re hosting at home, offer food that’s easy to prepare in advance so you too can enjoy the day. “Food brings people together,” says Gladney. When it’s time to raise the glass, don’t overcomplicate it: you can serve familiar cocktails with quirky names, have beer and wine on board, and offer fun non-alcoholic drinks.

Don’t forget the decor and ambience.

Do you remember the topic you chose? Bring it to life with special details. For her Santa’s Workshop party, Campbell wanted guests to feel transported to childhood nostalgia. “We had that Home alone played on the screen during the party,” she says. “It felt like being at Grandma’s.”

Think of small ways you can implement the theme during your event. (See page 18 for DIY centerpieces.) “Props get people out of their zone and help them have fun,” says Gladney. “Party favors help people remember your party.”

Remember that the The goal of your Christmas party is to have fun.

“Plan your event’s schedule, but be prepared to adapt,” says Gladney. “If you see people having a great time dancing but the itinerary dictates that they should carry on – be flexible. It’s a party!”

Program yours event with enchanting entertainment.

For past clients, Campbell has hired carolers, musicians and even a horse-drawn carriage to set the mood for a holiday soiree. If live entertainment isn’t possible, put together a playlist of Christmas songs to deck your halls with cheer. “Take the extra time to listen to the songs and decide where to place them throughout the evening,” says Campbell. (You know it’s time to dance when “All I Want For Christmas Is You” comes on.) Gladney reminds us that entertainment also includes activities. Is it a white elephant gift exchange, a holiday quiz, or some sort of karaoke shindig?

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