As our Party Planning Week comes to a close, I thought we'd take a look at our Top 10 Reasons for not Hosting a Holiday Party again. Hopefully, I've given you a few ideas/tips that will help slay some of those reasons. :) (I've included links back to many of this week's posts that have included weapons you can use against those objections.)
1. I work full-time...no way I have time to host a party.
The secret is just starting early and doing a few things each evening and on weekends to get your home ready. It's not so overwhelming with just a little planning.
2. The furniture is looking worn and the house needs painting.
Have your party in the evening using lots of lamp light and candlelight. No one will ever notice...they will be having way too much fun. My house is far from perfect. I do my best to get it in good shape before a party, then I don't worry about the rest. I think folks actually feel more relaxed when they come to your home and notice some things aren't so perfect. It puts them at ease and they know they can invite you to their home, too. :)
3. My house is just too small, where would everyone sit?
Have a buffet style party instead of a sit down dinner. Folks will usually stand throughout most of the party talking to one another. If someone decides to sit, they can head to the family room. I find folks rarely sit down...they are too busy eating, catching up and making new friends to sit.
4. It's too expensive and the budget is tight this year.
Host a neighborhood party or a group party and ask everyone to bring a dish. Folks are usually more than happy to do that since you have provided your home for the event. Then you can just make the dessert and beverage. If you'd like to make a few dishes that's great, too.
5. I don't have enough dishes or the things you need to have a party.
Paper plates are fine....no need for actual dishes. If you'd like to start collecting some china to use for future parties, let your family/friends know what pattern and just ask that for upcoming birthday/Mother's Day/Christmas, you'd love a few plates of the china pattern you've chosen.
Or, even easier, shop the thrift stores/garage sales/flea markets/eBay. There are definitely bargains to be had! A few weeks ago, I found 8 place settings (and a few serving pieces) of Valerie Parr Hill's, 12 Days of Christmas china for $45 at a local antique shop. This is a great time of year to shop the thrift/antique shops for Christmas or holiday china. You'll be ready for a holiday party next year!
6. The kids are too young and would act up or get in the way.
As we talked about earlier in the week, hire a sitter for the night or maybe let your children spend the night with friends that night. You'll be able to relax, enjoy the party and have a little fun.
7. I don't know who to invite...everyone is so busy anyway.
The first two Fridays and Saturdays in December tend to be the busiest nights for parties. If you're concerned about folks being too busy or having other commitments, trying planning your party on a different day. Sunday afternoons are great for neighborhood get-togethers.
Invite neighbors, garden club members, your book club members, friends from church and work. You most likely know more folks than you realize. It doesn't have to be a large gathering to be a great party. :) Some of the most fun parties I've had were small groups of 6-8. You really get a chance to share and know each other with smaller gatherings.
8. I don't know how to plan it...where to even start.
Hopefully this past week's posts have helped with this. :)
9. It's just too much work, too overwhelming to think about!
The key again is just starting early...breaking it down into small doable parts. Make lists or use the lists I've created as a guide for starting early. If some things don't get done...it's no big deal. The important thing is not getting "stuck" in the details and missing out on the fun.
10. What if I fail?
What is failing? To me, failing is when you let the fear of the unknown stop you from trying new things...from enjoying and living your life as you wish. When you throw a party, things won't go perfectly. Thankfully, perfection is not the goal. The goal is simply getting together with friends to celebrate and enjoy life. Right? :)
See you this evening for Metamorphosis Monday! I'll be sharing a little "before and after" that you can use at an upcoming holiday party.
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