How to Host a Stress-Free Party

Tree: Costco similar | Coffee table: Home Sense similar | Champagne Flutes: Chapters similar here and here | Ghost Chairs: similar | Mirror: Vintage similar | Candle holders: Canadian Tire similar | Striped pillow cases: Ikea similar | Dining chairs: Custom Made similar | Dining table: Urban Barn similar

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Is anyone else in disbelief that Christmas is this weekend? I mean, where does the year go? 

When I started my blog in 2013, I shared my Christmas decor on the blog (see past decor post here) and I want to continue with that tradition again this year. Since this is the first year the hubby and I are both off for the holidays, we decided to host my family's annual Christmas Eve Party at our place. So today, along with my Christmas decor, I'm sharing how to host a stress-free holiday party. 

1. Plan Ahead. With my type A personality, I'm naturally a planner. I find that planning ahead (at least a month in advance) gives you the time you need to figure out what needs to be done in time for the party. Making lists are helpful! 

2. Prepare Over Time. This goes hand in hand with planning ahead. If you do a little each week  leading up the the party, you don't need to stress the days before trying to get everything done. When the day of the party comes, you won't have much to do as everything will have been planned and prepared well in advance. I always like to bake a few goodies throughout the month of December that I freeze and take out when I have people over. 

3. Make it a Potluck. If you're hosting a party, especially for a large group of people, a potluck is always a good option so that you are not left with all the responsibility of food planning and preparation. And who doesn't love a potluck? You end up with an arrangement of food to satisfy every taste bud! Not into the potluck idea? Catering is an alternative, but keep in mind that this can get pretty pricey!

4. Have a few activities planned. Want to actually enjoy the party? Have a few different activities or games planned for guests of all ages to enjoy. I usually have a few kids' movies set up in the basement or toys for them to play with. My filipino family is big on karaoke so we also have that playing in the background of every party. Lastly, having a few games thought up where prizes can be won really puts people into the Christmas spirit! 

I know there are probably a lot more things you can do to keep your holiday party planning stress-free but these are my top 4! Have you hosted a party before? What was it like for you?

Stay tuned for my next post where I share some of my favourite Christmas baking recipes!