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