STORY:
Holiday Party Tips

Learn how to maximize the fun while minimizing the stress

Whether you're organizing an extended-family gathering or a big bash for your place of work, holiday party planning is tough work. However, there is no reason you should be stressing this holiday season. Keep party-work simple and plan in advance.

SLIMMING THE STRESS

- Go in Together. Make this holiday get "together" an all-participatory event. Suggest guests help with the cooking, the invitations, decorating, providing the entertainment, and others the cleaning-up. Create a committe either within your office, family or among friends. It gives you a great excuse to go out to lunch to touch base!

- Hire someone. Believe it or not, you could leave the preparation to a professional. Hire a caterer, or hold your party at a restaurant or banquet facility.

- Create the mood. Decorate the room in seasonal deep reds and forest greens. Use candles and a fireplace to set the mood of serenity. Pick background music that is soothing and sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit.

- Get a massage. You deserve it! Treat yourself to a relaxing 1/2 or full body massage the day before your guests arrive. Relieve those toxins that cause high strung emotions so you'll be in the party mood in no time.

MAXIMIZE THE FUN

- Plan a party theme. Instead of a generic affair, organize the decorations, invitations, entertainment, and food around one main idea. How about a Victorian Christmas, or Charlie Brown Christmas? A space-age Christmas with drinks served in lab beakers and chocolate truffles created into "food capsules."

- Dress the part. As part of your party theme, encourage guests to come dressed up. Host a 1920's theme and welcome flappers and gangsters. Maybe guests could dress like characters in the Nutcracker ballet. You could also invite guests to come dressed in Red and Green, or fFor a unique spin, invite guests to dress as Santa and Mrs. Clause. For extra giggles, require guests to dress up as an elf.

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- Require guests bring something. Host a buffet or potluck meal; or encourage everyone to contribute a few treats or beverages. Those who can't (or don't want to) cook can lend a centerpiece or other decorative item.

- Make your guests DO something. Stage ice-breaking games or singalongs. Plan to go caroling about the neighborhood. Invite people who can play guitar or piano, or who would be willing to read a passage from "A Christmas Carol."

- Think when you drink. Make sure to plan ahead of time if you or your guests will need designated drivers. Be safe this holiday season and do all that you can to prevent any liability on your behalf.