As the holiday season rolls around again, it is time to start planning for the perfect party. Family and friends can gather together to exchange gifts, decorate the Christmas tree and bake cookies.
Here are some tips to ensure your seasonal celebrations go off without a hitch.
Create Gorgeous Invites
Whether you are hosting a small or large event, you can make it memorable through beautiful invitations. You need to get an accurate headcount to prepare food and gifts for your event. While you can send handwritten invitations, consider online invitations as well so that you can easily track your guest list.
Choose the Right Venue
If you are having a holiday gathering at home, make sure there is enough seating. If you find yourself rearranging your furniture to accommodate your guests, be careful not to block your central air vents, which would disrupt airflow.
You also want to be sure that your guests remain comfortable throughout your event. Schedule an HVAC inspection and maintenance visit ahead of time to avoid last-minute issues with your furnace.
If you want a more rustic charm, consider booking an old-fashioned inn. You can also reserve a space at a trendy restaurant or bar if you are interested in a more lively environment.
Pick a Date Well in Advance
Talk to key guests to pick a date that works for everyone. Since the holidays are a hectic time of year, it can be challenging to get a date that works for all of your guests. If you plan for your event as early as possible, you may be able to snag a spot in the schedule before it is too late.
Set Up a Hot Cocoa Bar
A hot cocoa bar is a fun, festive way to add some holiday cheer to your event. Bring some peppermint sticks, whipped cream, chocolate chips, caramel sauce and other toppings for all of your guests. If you want an easy way to spice up your event, a hot cocoa bar is one of the simplest, trendiest options.
Give it a Theme
If you want your event to be memorable, try choosing a festive theme. You can do an ugly sweater, a secret Santa or tree decorating party. By picking a theme, you can give your event an additional focus and make it easier to design. You can also improve your theme party by picking menu items to match your theme.
Prepare for the Worst
The holidays happen during the coldest time of year. With your holiday party just around the corner, you cannot afford to have a sudden heating or electrical malfunction. If your furnace dies on the day of your big event, you will end up spending hundreds of dollars on an emergency repair. Instead of leaving your party’s success to chance, have your annual maintenance tasks done before your big event.
Cook Your Dishes in Advance
As the host, you end up spending hours in the kitchen and do not get to spend enough time with your guests. This year, you can adopt an entirely different approach. Prepare your dishes in advance so that you are completely ready before the party begins. You can also use popular dishes like ham and casseroles for a simple option. If you plan on hosting a bar for the adults, consider making large-batch cocktails. By preparing holiday cocktails in large punch bowls, you can spend less time making each individual drink.
Bottom line: Plan for your event’s location, menu and decorations in advance. You should also make sure your home’s HVAC system is operating at peak efficiency, ensuring comfort for all. If you want help as the holidays roll around, Thermo Direct is available for consultations and repairs.
