If your spouse is happy to help with cooking for a Christmas Party, it can be fun to make it a family time of cooking but if it’s not their thing, don’t force the issue. You’re better to do it on your own.
Another way that works well and certainly cut down the cost, is to ask each person you invite to bring a small dish, nibbles, salad, dessert, etc. Put the emphasis on small or otherwise you will end up with way too much food. This is the way parties are often organized amongst our friends.
Husbands are usually happy to organize the drinks for a party or at least the alcoholic drinks. A gentle reminder that soft drinks or juice is also needed is helpful.
Don’t get so uptight about making sure the house is spotless that you drive your spouse and everyone else in the family crazy. Remember, people aren’t coming to look at the house but to have a fun time together.
Mix friends from different places. At some parties we have held at home we mixed church friends with neighbors or other friends from tennis or other groups. As people arrived we introduced friends and acquaintances from one group to those from another group. This avoids any clique. We started the conversation and later left them to chat. At each of the parties we’ve held, people got along very well and because they were casual parties with finger foods people interacted very well.
If you don’t have a dishwasher then it could be worthwhile using paper plates and serviettes etc. You don’t want to spend the night when you are tired or the next day cleaning up.
Don’t have music so loud that people can’t hear. Especially as they get older, people can be hard of hearing when there are lots of voices and music as well.
The most important thing when hosting a party is for you and your spouse to relax and have fun along with your friends.
Related blogs
Simple Tips for Hosting a Christmas Party
When You Love Someone – Part 2