How to throw the perfect holiday party
We know how to throw the perfect party.
Our secret? This step-by-step guide that we execute every single time.
So much may go into perfecting a holiday gathering, but if you follow these simple steps, we can almost guarantee that everyone in attendance will have an excellent time. After years of producing events, hosting parties, throwing showers and planning weddings, we’ve seen it all. Whether your event is 10 people or 150, these pivotal steps remain the same.
The Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Edit the Guest List
This is step one because it needs to be done weeks to months in advance. A great party has a diverse guest list where every guest who is invited knows at least one other person or is invited to bring a guest. Different personalities, backgrounds, ages and careers make for great conversation.
Step 2: Invite Early and Remind
You may think that sending an invitation six weeks in advance is too early. But remember, some people have children and need to secure babysitters. Some may need to request an evening off work. Out-of-town guests may need to book travel. This is a crucial step for allowing people to plan in advance so the guest list that you meticulously edited falls into place.
If your event is a small holiday gathering or dinner party, the lead time may shorten significantly. Or, you can send a save-the-date text six weeks in advance and then a reminder invitation three weeks prior. A general rule of thumb? Give them more time than you think they’ll need and then get a confirmation. Fun people are busy people and usually appreciate reminders.
Step 3: Serve Delicious Food
Enter our secret weapon: Dierbergs. Food is arguably the most important aspect of any party. Even if your party doesn’t revolve around food—like a dinner party, for example—it’s still important to have something for folks to munch on. There’s a reason people always gather in the kitchen. It’s a comfortable icebreaker to chat around food. Food is a crucial component.
If people are drinking, in any capacity, you need to have appetizers—and at the very least we recommend chips and salsa or a pretty charcuterie board. No need to have every party catered; there are a bevy of easy light bites you can throw together for a reasonable price. If it’s a holiday party with kids or a brunch, create a donut tower or add breakfast options to your board.
Now, with Shipt or DoorDash delivering from Dierbergs locally, grabbing last-minute menu items or ordering the entire menu has never been easier. You know we love supporting local, especially when it’s easy. We threw together all of our food for this party post through Dierbergs. The delivery arrived at our door in record time, and they even offer spirits, wines, beers and catering. It’s a win-win. Use code SAVE10 for $10 off a $50 online purchase!
Step 4: Create The Perfect Playlist
While food is paramount, many people miss adding a soundtrack to a party. This will make or break your vibe. It may sound strange, but we suggest you plan your playlist for the person at the party that cares about music the least. This isn’t the time to impress your coolest musician friends. That can happen later in the party when you grab your phone and switch the song to one you’ve been chatting about.
When setting the vibe for the perfect party, the music should be loud enough that it feels like you have to raise your voice slightly but not loud enough that you can’t hear the person you’re talking to. If it’s a dinner party, the music can be slightly lower. A classic holiday mix is always great for a Christmas party, but soul music—think Sam Cooke vibes—will work for almost any party, any time.
Step 5: Set the Mood with Lighting
We can’t tell you how many parties we’ve been to where the rooms are too bright. It kills the mood. If you have additional lighting that can be utilized, always turn the overhead lights off. Turn on lamps (three to a room is best). Use candlelight, twinkling holiday lights and the dimmer switch.
Step 6: Create Something To Do
Again, if it’s a dinner party, that’s your activity. However, it may still be nice to have an activity planned just in case things get slow. This can be as simple as having a deck of cards on hand. Offer to start a game of poker; chances are someone at the party knows a card trick. Have a deck of tarot cards? Set them out. A set of dice? Strategically place it by the ice bucket.
This doesn’t need to be complicated. Setting out a board game or a set of bags on the back porch is enough. Stack up some wood in the fire pit in case folks want to venture into the cold for a late-night cocktail. A good dance playlist to press play on as the evening wears on to get people moving is always a hit.
Step 7: Tell People What to Wear
Some people will agonize over this if they aren’t instructed on a dress code. Is it a fancy cocktail party? An ugly sweater shindig? Or is it casual and relaxed? Whatever the vibe, tell them in advance. They will arrive feeling comfortable and confident, making the entire party more fun.
Step 8: Consider the Flow of the Room
In industry speak, this is called the “Run of Show.” Walk through the evening from start to finish, from the entry point to exit point, and imagine how people will move through the party. Is the food table beside the entrance to the bathroom or blocking the drinks? No good. Is the band right next to the entrance? No good. Is there clear signage of where things are and what they are? Label bathrooms, food, drinks, everything. Then no one will be asking you for the forks.
Step 9: Be a Good Host
Greet everyone as they arrive and compliment them. Thank them for coming, take their coat and thank them for the host/hostess gift, then immediately offer them a drink. Throughout the night, if you see people alone, try to introduce them to a friend they may not know. Scan your guest list beforehand and make note if anyone has had a recent birthday or celebration and make sure to mention it when they arrive.
Step 10: Plan at Least One Memorable Detail
It’s so fun to surprise people. Again, this doesn’t have to cost anything and it doesn’t have to be big. Plan something to set your party apart from the rest and people will be talking about it for weeks. This could be hiring live music, giving a heartfelt toast, having a uniquely decorated cake, giving silly party favors, setting up a photo booth, hiring a magician or tarot reader, having a live tattoo artist or serving a signature cocktail. The options are truly endless.
We can’t reiterate enough, that with a bit of planning, throwing an amazing party doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you aren’t enjoying yourself, it’s always okay to head to your nearest venue and let them do the rest. Happy holidays!
This blog post was created in collaboration with Dierbergs. Thank you for supporting the businesses and organizations that keep The St. Louisan growing.
All photography is by Rachel Brandt.