A Guide to Throwing a Memorable Holiday Party

Here are a few easy steps to make your holiday party an affair to remember.

1. Automate as much as possible. When folks are chomping meatballs and slurping drinks, they won't care if the meatballs were catered or if the quiche came from a kit. Once you've decided on a menu, find out if it's easier to make items ahead to freeze and reheat later. You might discover that you will save time and money by having part or all of the food catered. Also consider picking it up from a local grocer. Rent chafing dishes to keep things warm and organized. Buy an electric model to use for future holiday parties.

2. Focus on the guests and their needs. Don't hide yourself away in the kitchen or den all evening. You're the host! A few days before the party make sure you have enough bottled water, containers to group beverages, seating, plates, napkins and toilet paper. If you spend time doing this, even if it's only a few days before, you can do a lot of No. 13.

3. Pick a theme. Picking a theme is great as long as you don't over do it. If you are going retro, a few board games, classic drinks and music can set the stage. Too much will seem forced and nothing strikes ire more than party-goers that decide to overthrow the host and simply leave the party early. Some great themes that I've seen at holiday parties include a snowflake ball, decorating stockings for a senior home and "name that schnapps." I attended one holiday New Year's party where we wrote down disappointing thinges that had happened and threw them in a bonfire. Brainstorm ideas, think outside of the box, go wild, pare it down to four of the best ideas and you've got yourself a great themed event.

4. Invite people. It may seem simple but just mentioning it is not enough. Texts, emails, phone messages or a combination of all will help greatly. People are involved in their own lives and will not always retain the date, time or address of your shindig. Add your special holiday party to your Outlook or Gmail calendar and share it with others.