13 Easy Entertaining Ideas

Easy Entertaining......

The cookies still need icing, only half the lights on the tree are working, the bathroom hasn't been cleaned yet, your hair is still wet, and the doorbell's ringing! Does this scenario sound familiar? If you've hosted a holiday party before, it might. The holidays are the perfect time of year to invite long-time friends and family over for an evening, but for many of us, they're also the busiest, most stressful time of year. If you're planning to host a holiday party, here's how to make your event a dazzling success—and keep yourself from getting frazzled.

A month or more before the event:

1. The party planner for easy entertaining. Think carefully about what kind of party you want to have. If you don't feel like hosting the traditional holiday gathering this year, remember that you can turn everyday holiday events into a party and reap the benefits. For example, if holiday traditions such as tree trimming or cookie baking have turned into time-consuming chores, get some help by turning them into parties! Host an ornament swap with neighbors, and have a cookie baking party with friends.

2. The early bird gets the guests. Schedule a date for your party and send your invitations out early. Not only will you get better attendance (because your invitation will arrive before others'), you'll get RSVPs sooner and be better able to plan accordingly.Easy Entertaining!

3. Invitation fun. Save time and money by designing simple invitation inserts to put inside the holiday cards of those individuals you want to attend your party. You can even get family members together to create the invitations. What a way to put last year's holiday gift, the digital camera, to good use!Easy Entertaining!

4. Figuring the food. Food is oftentimes one of the most important elements to a holiday party, but it can also be the most daunting, so take some time determining how you want to present the food at your party. One way to ease stress is to get help. You could ask your guests to bring a dish by inserting specially selected recipes into invitations. Most people prefer not to show up to a party empty-handed, preferring instead to receive an "assignment." You could suggest they bring their specialty recipes by writing, "Please bring your famous hot and spicy wings or another appetizer to share." Serve all these dishes buffet-style. If you can afford it, you might consider having the party catered. The food, serving, dishes, and cleanup are all managed by a professional staff, leaving you to enjoy your party. A less-expensive alternative to professional caterers is neighborhood teenagers. Hire a reliable teenager or two (they'll be looking for some extra holiday cash) to help cook and/or serve.Easy Entertaining!

Weeks before the event:

5. Plan of attack. Several days before the party, make a to-do list of everything you need to complete before the big day (e.g., unpack holiday decorations, clean the entryway, get a dog-sitter), and check off items as you complete them. Most party planners will tell you the key to a great party is organization, and a list helps tremendously—plus you feel the sense of accomplishment as you check off items on your list. Easy Entertaining!

6. Easy cleaning. Determine the areas of your home where the guests will be occupying (e.g., bathroom, kitchen, entryway, sitting room) and clean those rooms with a heavier hand than the rest of the house. Don't worry too much about rooms guests will never or rarely enter (e.g., laundry room, master bedroom, basement). Also, clean a little bit in each room every day, and you won't feel rushed the days before the party. Easy Entertaining!

7. Leftovers made simple. Before the big day, collect colourful, festive, or interesting food containers. Keep them on hand to fill with leftovers and give to guests as they leave. Easy Entertaining!

8. Accidents will happen. Make sure to pick up some spot remover and Bounty® paper towels to keep on hand for any spills or messes. You might also want to think about moving any expensive, delicate, or special furniture pieces to another room now for safekeeping the day of the party. Easy Entertaining!

Days before and the day of the event:

9. Candle of attraction. If you don't have a holiday centrepiece, don't worry, we have a great solution: candles. They are beautiful and perfect for the season! Cluster cream-coloured candles of varying sizes in the middle of the table, or arrange votive or floating candles in a row down the centre of the table. Set and light candles around other parts of the house for a welcoming and festive glow. A scented candle in the bathroom is also a nice touch. Easy Entertaining!

10. Guest book. A guest book isn't just for weddings! Pick one up a few days before the party and encourage people to sign in as they enter the house. You can even go a step further and have everyone write a little extra. It will be a great party keepsake. Easy Entertaining!

11. Look your best. On the day of the party, wear a button-down shirt over your outfit while you put the finishing touches on your party. You won't ruin your outfit as you bustle around the house at the last minute, and you won't muss your hair when you take it off. Easy Entertaining!

12. Relaxing moment. The morning of, or a few hours before, the party, remember to take time for yourself. Relax in a bubble bath to appear cool, calm, and collected come party time. Easy Entertaining!

13. Enjoy yourself. Don't spend the whole time worrying about whether the cookies are just right or that everyone is having the time of their lives. And remember your guests came to see you, not judge your party or your home. No party is perfect, but it can be a lot of fun—particularly if the host is having a good time. Easy Entertaining!