Holiday Parties at
Home
It can be very satisfying to cater to friends,
families and loved ones
during the Christmas holidays. Taking the time to
share food, fun and laughter in a happy, jovial
manner truly embraces the spirit of Christmas.
In deciding to have a party at home, one of the
first things to consider
is whether it will be formal or informal. Among the
key things that need to be considered are the number
of people to attend, the menu, the preparation of
food and arrangement of decoration that is
attractive and has themes for the holidays. It's
also important to make a note of how much, if any,
help will be available from friends or family
members.
A formal Christmas party likely would include a
small number of people - not more than 12 and likely
fewer - who would be seated at a table for the
duration of the meal. It means that place settings
and seating have to be done and a decision made on
whether the meal will be a three- or four-course
dinner.
The advantage of a formal dinner is that it is very
organized, it has a
known content and everyone around the table usually
engages in pleasant conversation. It also usually
provides a good opportunity to get to know and hear
from everyone present without having to initiate any
small talk, which some people are not comfortable
doing.
As the host of a formal dinner, you will also have
the responsibility of
keeping the meal flowing smoothly by having each
course brought out at the perfect timing and to also
be aware of any special needs that a guest may have.
In contrast, an informal Christmas party at home is
organized in a
different manner and does not have the
predictability of a formal one. The fun and festive
spirit of an informal holiday party comes from
groups of people who mill around, move about freely
to have conversations, laugh and enjoy munching on
Christmas treats, goodies and other foods.
Despite the easy, fun-filled atmosphere, it is
necessary to plan the use of space and to think
about the area that people will use or wander
around. Making such a plan will facilitate contact
between partygoers so that the party spirit will
pervade everywhere and put participants in a
livelier mood.
Another consideration to make for an informal
Christmas party among friends and family is if
children will be present and about their ages, if
they are allowed to attend. Children, even older
ones, always need careful supervision. If children
are going to attend a holiday party at home,
arrangements should be made for adequate supervision
of them and special activities should also be
provided that can occupy their attention.
An important feature that must be a part of a
festive Christmas party at home is the right mix of
music. In selecting Christmas music, consideration
should be given to what will be played at the start
of the party as guests are welcomed and introduced
to each other, the songs that can be played later to
inject or enhance liveliness and later to create the
right mood as the partygoers bid farewell with
'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Holidays.'
Along with the music, Christmas decorations and even
the food can also help to enliven a Christmas party
at home. Food that is interesting because it looks
'pretty' due to the color palette of items, infuses
a mellow feeling among guests and adds an intangible
element to the level of enjoyment and excitement of
the partygoers.
Christmas parties at home can also be personalized
with special cookies, treats and dishes that are
ethnic. The presence of some ethnic food, but not an
overwhelming quantity, which isn't frequently
enjoyed by guests will be different and will add
something that is unique to the host. And that is a
part of what a Christmas or holiday party at home is
about. It's to entertain family, friends and
acquaintances with a personal style while all enjoy
some merriment
in the season of goodwill and good cheer.