When it comes to holiday decorating, there are a few crucial steps to follow in order to host the best kind of party in the holidays! We know exactly how it feels to become overwhelmed with the prospect of an upcoming holiday event, that something as simple as decorating can feel like too much. That’s exactly why we’re here to lend a helping hand to all of holiday hosting ladies and outline the basics on how holiday decorating effectively can transform your event!
So, without further ado, here’s our beginner’s guide to holiday decorating – and hosting! Grab a cup of something hot and snuggle in with a blanket to take in all of our tips and tricks for the best possible outcome for your event this holiday season…
Preparations For Holiday Decorating:
Plan Ahead
It may sound obvious, but planning ahead is THE number one thing you need to do in preparation for any event you’ll be hosting – let alone during the holidays! Choose one of these printable party planners and suddenly, everything feels back in control.
This is especially important for your holiday decorating plans as there may be some items you’d like to order online versus finding them in your local store, so this gives you more time to plan everything out. There is absolutely nothing wrong with pre-planning your event, and it’s guaranteed to save you a huge amount of stress in the long run. Who doesn’t love a win-win?
Budget Accordingly
Budgeting kind of goes hand-in-hand with planning ahead, and there’s no wonder! How can you possibly plan a kick-ass holiday party without the need for a budget? It’s impossible, really! We know that sometimes numbers can be a little intimidating, but it’s paramount to ensure your holiday decorating (and hosting!) plans go exactly as you wish them to.
There’s nothing worse than just rolling with the punches and coming across a huge whack in your finances because you didn’t budget accordingly. Our advice: Give yourself a little ‘wiggle room’ in case anything comes up last minute. This way you’ll have a buffer if anything goes wrong – and if it doesn’t, spend it on yourself for being the amazing hostess you are!
Send Invitations
The next most important thing when it comes to holiday decorating (and hosting is on this occasion) is, of course, sending out the party invitations to match! Before you can do this, however, you’ll need to compile a list of your intended guests. First come up with a number in your head you think is realistic for the space you’ll be hosting in, and work from there.
Remember, these times are little tough, what with a global pandemic and the rise of social distancing, so it’s imperative that you focus and prioritize on those guests you’d REALLY like to be at your event. Rather start small and add if necessary, as again, this gives you more wiggle room to work with if you need it. Once you’ve decided on your guest list, find some stunning invitations online and get them sent off – well in advance!
Prep The Food
As we’re approaching the big day, it’s time to think about all that glorious holiday food you’ll be serving. Yep! What food will you serve at your holiday event this year? Will it be some of Martha’s traditional turkey? Or something a little more avant-garde to entertain your guests with to tie in with your stunning holiday decorating skills? Whatever you decide, make sure you’re working with food you’ve cooked before and can handle well under pressure.
Another golden tip is prep beforehand. Not on the morning of the event; the day (or two!) before. Have all your groceries delivered a few days in advance and work from there until the date of your holiday party. This way you’ll feel on top of all the food preparations and will avoid any last-minute panics about forgetting that cranberry jelly again!
Build The Bar
Now, it’s time for the real fun to begin: Building your bar cart! Do so with some stunning holiday decorating styles in mind, and watch the magic come to life in your holiday party’s space! Decide on the type of drinks you’d like to serve at your party and plan accordingly (yep!) for the correct mixers, glasses and garnishes to compliment each and every drink you serve.
We recommend this Mimosa Bar Kit to help ease the pressure off serving endless cocktails for your guests. It comes with a range of paper straws, name tags, party punting and signage to really draw attention to your party bar – without the need for you to stand there all night long serving! Guests are welcome to help themselves to your pre-made cocktail (or mocktail!) jugs and garnish as they please. Phew! What a relief, right?
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On The Day Of Your Holiday Hosting:
Style The House
This is where the bulk of your actual holiday decorating comes in, as now you’ve planned, budgeted and invited your guests to come through, you’ll need to get the house ready! We’re a huge fan of holiday decorating (can you tell?!) and we want to share our love for it with you.
In most instances, less is more. Rather opt for something small and sophisticated like these silver snowflakes to complement your entertaining space, instead of going full out with every bell and whistle you can think of! Your guests will want into a cosy, yet cool holiday event, with subtly brilliant decorations dotted around, thoughtfully.
Start Some Tunes
Music is such an underrated tool for setting the atmosphere at any event, which is exactly why holiday parties are filled with them! It’s a wonderful way to break the ice with new guests meeting each other – and fills any momentary silences… Just kidding – we know everyone loosens up after an egg-nog or two!
If possible, plan a playlist to run through the night so you don’t have the annoyance of Youtube ads or a guest who loves to hog the music speaker! Start with slower, more relaxed festive tunes and work your way into the well-known classics; to be played nice and loud after dinner. Tie this in with your holiday decorating and hosting expertise and you really will be remembered as the hostess with the mostest!
Set The Vibe
Now it’s time to accessorize with your holiday decorating skills! Grab a bunch of tealight candles, endless streams of white fairylights and hang some lanterns outside to compliment each space. Lighting is hugely important for setting the vibe at any event, but most important for anything to do with the holidays.
Perhaps you’re part of a household that loves to decorate with lights during the holidays all over the house – inside and out! – or you prefer things a little more subtle. Either way, be sure to tastefully light the space you’ll be entertaining your guests to bring in that festive spirit and all the joy that comes with!
Play Some Games
Your party’s underway, your guests won’t stop complimenting your decorations and the drinks are flowing… What’s left to do other than to play some games? Not much! Take a look at some of these festive games suggestions and take your pick.
We especially love our very own Convokins. They’re a real conversation starter (excuse the pun!) and know exactly how to bring a vibe to the dinner table! Think of them as the quintessential party game – combining gold-lined napkins with thought-provoking questions has never been a better idea, hey!
Looking for more holiday games inspiration? Check out these
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Last but most certainly not least on our beginner’s guide to holiday decorating and hosting is, of course… The time to eat, drink and be merry! Kick off your hosting shoes (or not – depending on the type of party you’re hosting!), pour yourself a lovely glass of bubbly and take in all the hard work you’ve done. Notice how refining your holiday decorating skills have paid off and how happy your guests are with your hosting. Revel in the festivities and spend some time with your loved ones. We all need this right now – more than ever!
Be sure to take a moment to acknowledge how amazingly you pulled off your holiday event and be proud of your talent for hosting during the holidays! Well done, girl! You did it. Enjoy this feeling as long as you can – until the next event comes up!
Until then, we want to wish you a very happy holiday and a blessed New Year! Here’s hoping the next one works out slightly better than 2020 (we can only hope!).
P.S. Send us some pictures of your party – we’d love to see how it all turned out!
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