Christmas Party Checklist

With Christmas just around the corner I thought why not make a bit of a checklist of some of the things to keep in mind for a good Christmas Party.

This is just a quick list of some of the thinks I do to make sure my Christmas shows go off without a hitch.

Who, what, where, when, why, how!

Clearly and briefly defining these 6 considerations can make the whole process much simpler from the start, and provided you with the info you need for your invitations and your theme and logistical considerations

Guest list

Knowing who you want to invite is key – it will set the context for all the other planning, so get this done first up.

Theme

Now that you know who is coming, decide on your theme. This will set the context for the decorations as well as help with your invitations. It can be a simple theme like “getting the family together”, right thru to something more elaborate that implies dressing up or specific decorations, like “The 12 Days of Christmas” or “Surfie Santa”

Menu

Food and drinks will often play a big part in a party so consider carefully what you would like the menu to look like – this will allow you to then organise or delegate the food delivery for the day.

Music

A little thought in this area can go a long way to improving the atmosphere at your party – even something as simple as a Christmas CD or live stream can make a big difference!

Room Set

Have a quick think about how to lay the room out to maximise the comfort of your guests. All together at one table, or some different areas for them to gather in small groups? Will they be close enough together to hear each other talk? Will they have enough shade? Will it be too hot, cool or windy? Make sure they will be comfortable!

Decorations

Once again a little effort can go a long way – even if its just some tinsel on the eaves and some crackers and a wreath on the table it will help set the tone for your day. These days most of this stuff can be sourced easily and cheaply from your local supermarket.

Fun

Have a quick thing about what fun things can be done quickly and easily. Crackers and Secret Santas are super easy fun ways to add some excitement to the day!

Documenting

Have a think about how you might document the day – it could be as simple as taking some photos with your phone and posting them up on facebook, through to asking someone to take photos or video on the day. It’s great to share the memories with those who came and those who didn’t make it alike!

Invitations

These can be as elaborate as a physical invitation, which you can now get well priced online, or as simple as an e-card, email or text, depending on how much you want to communicate the importance of the party to your guests. But make sure you invite people with a clear statement of who, what, where, when, why and how and let them know how to RSVP.

Purchasing

Now that you have you plan clear and your invitations sorted out, get all of your purchasing in order so you can make your party fit your budget. Get creative – asking people to bring certain things with them – food, drinks, decorations, cameras, music, etc, can really help with costs and make people feel involved.

Logistics delegation plan

With your event priced up, now you can delegate the jobs that need to be done before the day and on the day. Keep this plan recorded somewhere so that you can check back with people to make sure all of the elements of your party are on track.

RSVP and Follow Ups

Don’t forget to follow up with people about RSVPs and also the jobs you have delegated to them along the way – it keeps people excited and makes them feel involved.

Meet & Greet

Remember to greet people on the day or have someone specifically appointed to do this if you prefer to organise behind the scenes – settling people in and making a few introductions and getting them a drink will help them relax into your event fast.

Serving

Think about your service plan in detail before the event and keep it as simple as possible. Remember the basics – do I have enough serving bowls and spoons, plates, cutlery and cups? Seats? Is there enough space in the fridge and freezer or do I need to get some bags of ice as well?

Pack Up

Don’t be shy to ask a few of your nearest and dearest to hang out afterwards and help you pack up – it can be as fun as the party itself!

Follow Up

Send out some photos of the day and a thank you note, by email, text, facebook or mail. Your guests will appreciate the sentiment!

I hope this list has jogged your mind with a few things that will make your Christmas party just that little bit better. I hope your Christmas party this year is the best you’ve ever thrown!