As of this writing, it’s now August 2023. And you know what that means in the Philippines: the holidays are upon us! That also means it’s not too early to plan how to throw a great holiday party.
Keep reading for tips from The Bailiwick Academy to throw holiday parties that will be fun and unforgettable for family and friends!
How To Throw A Great Holiday Party: Come Up With A Guest List
Begin by taking a moment to list out your potential guests. If you’re considering hosting at home, remember to assess the capacity of your space—you might have to cut some people out if your home will not be comfortable for them. And even if you opt for an external venue, ensure it can accommodate your guest list comfortably.
How To Throw A Great Holiday Party: Set A Date
Whether you plan to throw a party ahead of time for the holidays or one set exactly during the holiday season, you need to remember a very important thing. You need to make sure the people you want to party with you are available!
And thankfully, we’re now in the digital age. So instead of having to contact people one by one via text or snail mail, just make a paperless post on Facebook. You can make a group chat or an event invite, then find out when most of the people are available.
How To Throw A Great Holiday Party: Choose A Theme
Sure, you might be throwing a gathering as an equivalent of a Christmas party, but that doesn’t mean it has to be strictly Christmas-themed. You don’t need to have a candy cane hanging on your door, serve hot chocolate, or have Christmas holiday bestselling food. Just set a theme that your guests will enjoy.
For example, if you are, indeed, having family over, then they might actually like a traditional Christmas-themed party. But if you’re just having friends over, they might enjoy deviating from the norm, like having a movie marathon and dressing up in outfits you like. Since it’s your party, after all, you can dictate what party idea you want to happen.
How To Throw A Great Holiday Party: Determine Your Budget
How to throw the best holiday party, you ask? Well, part of it is determining your budget. After all, it wouldn’t be a nice party if you did a lot of party planning but didn’t have the funds to carry out your vision, right? And thankfully, the best parties aren’t always the ones that are the most expensive!
Start by assessing what kind of party you want to have and then set a clear budget. Use a spreadsheet to keep track, and make sure to list everything. That way, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and, simultaneously, know if you have emergency money for unforeseen happenings.
How To Throw A Great Holiday Party: Make A List Of Things To Do
One thing you want to avoid during holiday party planning is to feel overwhelmed. That can actually happen, especially if you’re the only one doing all the work. To keep things manageable, create a to-do list and check off tasks as you complete them—yes, even trivial ones, such as if you already have enough garbage bags and trash cans.
Not only will you feel more accomplished when you cross an item off, you’ll also know where you currently stand regarding preparations.
How To Throw A Great Holiday Party: Get Help
While it’s your party, the guests you plan to have over would actually be eager to lend a hand, believe it or not. Struggling to find a particular supplier? Reach out to friends or family for recommendations.
Their assistance not only lightens your load but also makes them feel more invested in the celebration’s success. And when they’re involved, they’re rooting for a fantastic party just as much as you are.
How To Throw A Great Holiday Party: Prepare Some Activities
Any typical Filipino Christmas party involves a lot of eating… But after that, what happens? Do you just let people mingle? What if people want to play games or do something in general?
Well, don’t be caught with your pants down—include activities in your to-do list! For example, rent a karaoke machine so that your guest can belt out their latest tunes or prepare some standard party games. Even before the day of your event, you can make people prepare White Elephant gifts for a fun time during the actual party.
How To Throw A Great Holiday Party: Serve Good Food
Food is important in any celebration. Think about what your guests might like. It doesn’t have to be fancy; sometimes, simple and yummy food is the best.
Of course, just make sure that when guests arrive, they get offered some food right away. You can make finger foods or just prepare chips to tide them over until the main course.
Just make sure there’s enough for everyone and that it’s made with care, and you’ll have happy guests!
Oh, and of course, cooking ahead of time is the key. Doing so means you can hang out with your guests more instead of staying in the kitchen. Look for easy recipes for faster preparation.
Speaking Of Serving Good Food…
Thinking of what you should cook ahead, whether you’re throwing a lunch or dinner party? Well, here’s an idea for you: Chef Anthony Ang’s Perfect Party Food Trays class!
Enroll in this class and you’ll get to make these Pinoy party food favorites:
- Egg Drop Soup: a light broth with delicate strands of egg for a perfect starter.
- Lengua with Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Seared French Beans: a mouth-watering combination of succulent Lengua paired with creamy mashed potatoes and crunchy French beans
- Chicken Cordon Bleu: tender chicken breast filled with ham and cheese, fried to a golden perfection, and drizzled with a luxurious Special Cheese Sauce
- Garlic Scampi Pasta: spaghetti perfectly cooked al dente, tossed in a fragrant garlic sauce, and topped with juicy shrimp
Each dish has been crafted to ensure a gastronomic journey that will keep guests talking for future seasons. With offerings like these, it’s practically guaranteed that your holiday menu will be a hit with your visitors!
And if you’re in the catering business or even considering venturing into it, this class is perfect for jumpstarting your career!
So what are you waiting for? Sign up at The Bailiwick Academy, enroll in Chef Anthony’s class, and elevate your culinary skills to dazzle your guests at your party!
How To Throw A Great Holiday Party: Enjoy Your Party!
Once guest arrival has commenced, it means your party has started. Dive right into the moment! While it’s essential to ensure everything runs smoothly, don’t be anchored to the kitchen or get lost in party logistics. Instead, immerse yourself in the laughter, the conversations, and the shared memories. After all, it’s your celebration too!
Engage with your guests, dance to the music, savor the food, and most importantly, let yourself be in the heart of the revelry. The best hosts not only create wonderful experiences for their guests but also partake in the merriment themselves.
Conclusion
We hope this party planning guide has helped you solidify your vision for your event. One last thing to keep in mind is that there’s no such thing as a perfect holiday party. Things can go wrong, guests won’t arrive at the last minute, and so on.
But isn’t what truly matters the joy, laughter, and memories you create with your loved ones? Celebrations are about connection, not perfection. Embrace the imperfections, stay adaptable, and most importantly, just enjoy!
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