Prep! Prep! Prep your to do list!

Save yourself any last-minute stress by creating a holiday party ‘must-do’ list.  Do it early: Paperless post invitations, party decorations, music playlists, new outfit. Do it later: grocery shopping, cleaning, food and drink preparation.

Choose a Theme—and Stick With It

 Whether it's a colour scheme, a seasonal fruit, or even a holiday song, choosing one design element to lead the rest will create cohesion throughout your event, explains Anita from the Olve Design team. Try not to be too matchy-matchy, but if you have two or three nods to your theme, it will look so thoughtful to your guests - like this  Après Ski Party idea  from Oprah Daily.

Don't Stretch Yourself Too Thin 

 Even if you love to cook, attempting to make everything for your party from scratch is a recipe for disaster. Whip up a couple of signature dishes from  Good Housekeeping  or Delish , but make your life easier and buy the rest. Our suggestion would be adding small bites and finger foods to your menu that you can make in advance.

Make The Bar Self-Service

Spend more of your party time mingling with your guests by setting up a self-serve beverage station. Provide pre-made signature Christmas cocktails such as a Mistle Toe Margarita from Delish or holiday punch in elegant beverage dispensers. Include glassware and a small card telling guests what they’re drinking. Additionally, save a spot for wine, beer and any other non alcoholic drinks! 

Arrange Yourself Wisely 

We love to create food stations where we want our guests to socialize. For the best flow, we place appetizers, drinks in different locations, forcing people to move around and mingle. Looking for creative ideas? We often get inspired by Chyka Keebaugh, she creates fun and customizable interactive food stations that everyone will enjoy at your holiday party.

Create a Playlist

No holiday party is complete without music, and you have endless options at your fingertips. Our favourite go-to are apps like Spotify, YouTube music or Apple for our holiday season favourites.
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That way, you don't have to think about what to play—and you'll always have melodies in the background to enhance the festive mood.
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Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Once your friends and family hear that you're hosting a holiday party, chances are they will ask how they can help. Take the help - not only will you get to share ideas, it is more fun to plan with friends. 

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At the OLVE,  we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. We are not affiliated nor do we have an advertising partnerships with the brands we may feature. 

Photo Credit: Paperless Post, Oprah Daily, Good Housekeeping, Delish, Chyka Keebaugh, Apple