How many holiday parties have you been to this year?
At this point in 2021 I wouldn’t be surprised if you have said quite a few. Between the boosters, return of friendsgiving, and Hanukkah already over even though we’re barely a week into December, it’s been a year to celebrate community and spread that holiday love.
But we’re still not over! You’ve still got time to make this year THE year you plan your best holiday bash ever.
But, Philip, you ask! What do I do?? Christmas feels like it’s right around the corner and then bam we’re in New Year’s!
Dear reader, to quote the biblical angelic messengers of old, Be Not Afraid. I’m here with the tips and tricks you need! All of the holiday party essentials that can turn every other party into a ghost of Christmas Past (but maybe not the one from the Muppets, I always got a weird vibe from her).
2021 Holiday Party Essentials
Always A Charcuterie
Honey, it’s truly phenomenal that with just some simple meats, cheeses, and fruits arranged on a nice board, you’ve got the ultimate party starter/icebreaker. During this time of year I always recommend using more holiday themed snacks (a fig spread or a goat cheese coated in chopped walnuts) but really the world is your oyster with this one. Experiment! Choose your favorites! Or ask your invitees to RSVP with their fav, and make a greatest hits charcuterie.
And if you’re looking for the perfect charcuterie board, we’ve got you covered at The Shop.
Crowd-Source Your Playlist
Speaking of RSVP q’s, snag your fav holiday tune from all of your guests on the invite. Build a playlist that’s inviting and has a little something that everyone will enjoy. This can also create a common ground among your guests and ensure they have something to talk about (that weather small talk will only take them through one cocktail).
The Cutest Cocktails
Google is your friend here. Want a delightful and easy spin on cocktail classics? The internet provides lists upon lists (I’m personally a fan of this one, this one, and this one).
HAVE FUN
I know that one comes off as maybe too obvious, but this is the arguably this is the most important of any holiday party essentials I could give you.
And as a wedding planner who moonlights as a drag queen, I’ve learned that if you’re not enjoying yourself as a party host, the crowd will smell your anxiety in no time flat. And they want to just as much fun as you do. So relax! Snag a cocktail! You’ve made it to the end of another year, and it’s time for you to enjoy and celebrate with the ones you love most. What else needs to be said?
