10 Tips to Keep Calm and Party On – Hosting for Holiday with or without Thermomix

It might be too early to plan for hosting holiday parties, considering Halloween just finished, but before you know it, it’s Thanksgiving, and a few sleeps later, it’s Christmas! Goodness me, where has time gone? Exactly! It would be a disservice if we had not learned anything about hosting many parties for children and adults, so we are doing this now.

Planning breaks down our thought process so it stays manageable closer to the date. This does not necessarily mean you must dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s immediately; for example, you could start on the date and ask your invitees to save it. Then, have a rough draft of what you want to do. What kind of party is it going to be? For example, is there a theme or a signature drink? Are you cooking from scratch or ordering some? Are you hiring help or asking everyone to chip in?

Here are 10 tips  you might want to consider if you plan to host or attend a party this holiday – it’s always nice to be the ideal guest, don’t we agree?

Of course, it’s at the top of the list. Choose your dates well in advance to avoid conflicts. It’s a holiday; people leave, have plans, or pretend to be sick if you leave it at the last minute, so you must absolutely get your dates out pronto! And, if you are feeling fancy, design an invite by hand or digitise it through a design tool like Canva. Personalised invitations, no matter the format, are always a nice touch.

Count your guests and confirm if they have a plus one or more. Cut the number of guests according to how many your space can hold to make sure everyone is comfortable and not swimming in a can like sardines.

Now that you got our dates out decide on whether you want to have a theme – a colour, a type of clothing (hello, ugly sweater, we’re all still traumatised by the evidentiary photos that followed), an era such as Great Gatsby Christmas or if you have little ones, consider themes based on their interests, you could even vote it out. The decor could also be a theme in itself. Although skipping the theme altogether is also an option, but, where is the fun in that?

We are not here to tell you what to cook for once, but food is at the heart of every holiday party! Decide early on whether you’ll cook everything from scratch, order, or do a bit of both. If you opt for homemade, a Thermomix can make meal prep a breeze, allowing you to whip up dishes effortlessly. It could all go smoothly so long as you have your recipes planned out with the help of our best friend, Cookidoo. There are plenty of recipes to choose from – start by creating a collection so you have a clear direction on what would be on your table.

Utilising the best tool for the job in your kitchen is always a smart idea. Now, if you do not have a Thermomix, use what you have or accept offers from the guests who want to help. If you have a cousin who makes the best turkey, enlist their help. Aunt Sally has a phenomenal Christmas cake she wants to bring; yes, please! Food brings everyone together, whether it’s a family-only party or friends and colleagues; that’s the beauty of holidays. So see where you can delegate whenever possible.

Determine how you want to approach drinks. Is it a relaxed evening with light refreshments, or are you throwing a full-blown celebration? Consider a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) approach or cater the bar to suit your guests’ preferences. Remember to offer a variety of non-alcoholic options for those who prefer them.

If you’re familiar with our ethos, you know that we do not like food waste, and hosting parties is a candidate for the food waste mountain. To avoid such cases, start going through your pantry inventory to use as many of the things you already have before you set out on your shopping journey. It goes without saying that with Cookidoo, shopping only for necessary ingredients is seamless; it saves time and has zero risk of forgetting anything. It is on your mobile, so you do not have to fiddle with paper at the supermarket and you are more strategic with shopping.

People congregate around food, so be mindful of where you organise them. The layout of your party can significantly impact guest interaction. If you’re hosting a sit-down dinner, your dining table will naturally be the focal point. However, if you want more movement around the house consider placing food stations in various areas of your home to encourage movement and mingling. Setting up a designated bar area can help keep drink spills contained while making it easy for guests to grab a drink. 

Are we still doing holiday games these days? Depending on your crowd, incorporating games can add a fun element to your gathering! Prepare a list of engaging games ahead of time, and assign a family member to manage this part of the evening. This takes the pressure off you and ensures everyone stays entertained. Consider offering small prizes for game winners to add an extra layer of excitement.

A well curated playlist can set the mood for your gathering. Tailor your music selection to your guests – ensure it’s appropriate for all ages and creates a festive atmosphere. If your budget allows, consider hiring a DJ to handle the music and let them take the reins, so you can focus on enjoying your party.

Don’t overlook the importance of waste management. Place discreet trash bins around your party space to encourage guests to keep things tidy. Having bins discreetly integrated into your decor will help minimise clutter and keep your home looking its best.

After all the planning and preparation, it’s essential to relax and enjoy your own party! You’ve done the hard work, so take a moment to savour the fruits of your labour. Engage with your guests, make memories, and celebrate the joy of the season. You deserve it. Cheers!

And there you have it – 10 pro tips to keep calm and party on! Wishing you a smooth and enjoyable holiday planning journey. If there’s one key takeaway, it’s this: save yourself some stress and don’t hesitate to delegate. Cheers to a successful holiday celebration!

See you on our next blog!