| The holidays are a great time to throw a | | | | holiday lighting, have a soft, homey general |
| party. Parties can also contribute to your | | | | light, augmented by sparkle from a |
| holiday stress-but they don't have to. With a | | | | chandelier, Christmas tree lights, table |
| little planning and creativity, you can throw | | | | crystal, or candles. |
| a party that's fun and relaxing both for you | | | | |
| and for your guests. If you're planning a big | | | | Creative decorations. Decorations don't have |
| holiday bash this year, here are a few tips | | | | to be complicated to make an impression-and |
| to make your party more memorable. | | | | fun, creative decorating can really set a |
| | | | lively mood for your party. Miniature |
| Pick a theme. It's often tough to negotiate | | | | Christmas trees (use a rosemary tree and |
| the political-correctness minefield when | | | | small, dollar-store decorations); colorful |
| planning a holiday event. If you're planning | | | | dreidel-shaped paper lanterns; or creative |
| an office party, you should veer toward | | | | favors relevant to your theme all make a fun |
| inclusiveness. But if you're holding a party | | | | and stylish impression. |
| in your own home, a little more leeway is | | | | |
| permissible. No matter what holiday tradition | | | | Always have enough food. Your party may be |
| you celebrate, don't be afraid to use it as a | | | | formal or casual-but you'll need the same |
| theme-even if your friends don't share the | | | | amount of food for each. Make sure there are |
| same traditions. Most people love to | | | | plenty of snacks at hand, so people can munch |
| experience new and different traditions, and | | | | before the dinner course is served. For a |
| your friends will welcome the opportunity to | | | | formal party, creative appetizers are always |
| learn more about you. With whatever theme you | | | | popular-for a less formal one, there's |
| choose, however, make sure you keep religious | | | | nothing wrong with chips and dip. If there |
| references subtle to avoid making guests of | | | | are kids at the party, be sure to have food |
| different religions uncomfortable. | | | | kids like on hand-plenty of popcorn, pasta, |
| | | | or hot dogs for picky eaters, plus sodas or |
| Plan games for the kids. If your guests have | | | | hot chocolate. |
| children, it's likely they'll want to bring | | | | |
| them. Holiday parties are much more fun and | | | | Consider catering. Food is often one of the |
| relaxing for adults if the kids are having | | | | most stressful parts of planning a party. |
| fun and occupied-so make sure to make your | | | | Hiring a caterer is often worth the |
| party fun for them, too. Set up a scavenger | | | | price-you'll be free to enjoy the party |
| hunt, delegate an older child to lead a game | | | | without worrying about cooking, and with a |
| of hide-and-seek, or set up a Christmas | | | | professional cook, you'll know people will |
| Crafts activity table-the possibilities are | | | | love the food. |
| endless. At the very least, rent some | | | | |
| holiday-related videos and set the kids up in | | | | The holidays are a great time to throw a big |
| the rec room with some popcorn and hot | | | | bash-and there's no better holiday gift than |
| chocolate. | | | | a warm house full of family and friends. But |
| | | | even a big party doesn't have to be a |
| The right lighting. Bright lights kill a | | | | stressful affair. Follow these simple tips |
| party. Soft, sophisticated mood lighting is | | | | this year, and you can be sure your party |
| definitely better for a party atmosphere. For | | | | will be fun, relaxing, and memorable. |