For many, the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year. It can reach even greater levels of merriment when you have the opportunity to host a festive party with your family and/or friends in your new home. In order to ensure that your home is party-ready and that you’ll be able to enjoy the bash without too much stress, we’ve put together a few of our favorite holiday hosting tips.
Make your list, check it twice – even better start planning early
Sorry, we couldn’t help giving a bit of a nod to the jolly old fellow that visits in December, and really, it’s a smart idea to make a list. If you’ve recently moved in, there’s a good chance that you’re still setting in and establishing routines – in other words, you have a lot going on. Starting a to-do list sooner than later will help you keep everything straight and ensure those minute details don’t slip through the cracks.
Create a festive background
Do you remember the scene from Home Alone when Kevin is pretending there’s a big party in progress? He had the tree, and the music, and you could almost feel the festive mood, right? Decorating the inside of your home with lights, garland, and other holiday decorations will go a long way in creating that festive vibe you want your guests to enjoy. Of course, don’t feel like you have to go overboard either.
Keep the menu easy and casual
If we’re being honest, being the host or hostess of the party is not exactly easy or without stress. You can make it easier on yourself by keeping it relatively casual. Skip the formal dinners and lay out a spread of sweet, salty, and savory snacks. Don’t forget to have plenty of drink options ready including non-alcoholic ones.
Plan some games and maybe a gift exchange
Games are an excellent way to break the ice and really there are all kinds to choose from. If your guests like to move, divide them into teams for a candy cane relay or charades. Other great holiday party games include Pictionary and Christmas movie trivia.
Another fun way to get your guests interacting and laughing is to do a gift exchange. Dirty Santa, Yankee Swap, and White Elephant gift exchanges are very popular and tend to result in some funny interactions but you can also opt for a more reserved Secret Santa if you’d rather your guests not vie for presents.
Don’t forget to check on the parking situation
Parking issues can really spoil a good time so make sure you iron out the parking details ahead of time and give your guests excellent directions on where to park.
Make sure your guest room is ready
Whether you’ve got out-of-town guests arriving or you’re concerned that a guest or two won’t be fit to drive at the end of the party, it’s a great idea to prepare your guestroom(s) a couple of days in advance. Fresh bedding, towels, and maybe a little goodie basket with a toothbrush and other accessories will make your guests feel truly welcome.
We’re not party planners, but we’d love to help you move!
If you haven’t moved yet and are on the search for a local moving company to help you transport your furniture and belongings to your new home, Changing Spaces Moving, Inc., would love to do the heavy lifting for you!
Serving Vestavia Hills and the Greater Birmingham metro as well as Madison and communities throughout the Huntsville metro, our local, top-rated moving company has been helping property owners change spaces since 2003 and have the tools, knowledge, and experience to make your upcoming move a breeze. Reach out today to learn more about our residential moving services or simply request a no-obligation moving estimate!
