by Pamela Kay

Created on: December 13, 2008   Last Updated: January 28, 2012

Knowing how to plan a memorable Christmas party, means knowing what makes your guests happy and providing good food, good music and a welcoming ambiance. Fun games and festive decorations add an air of holiday joy and happiness to create an event your guests will long remember.

Ideas and tips for party games, party food, party favors and decorating for a party theme follow the article.

*Know Your Limitations

We'd all love to have every friend and family member together at one time to celebrate Christmas but down sizing is smart for several reasons. First, is cost and space and second is that not all of your family and friends may get along as well with each other as they do with you.

Check your guest list to make sure that you have room to entertain that number of guests, comfortably. You can rent a place larger than your home, but that will put a big dent in your budget and too, your home is already decorated for the holidays.

There are many events and parties during the holidays, so plan early and send out festive invitations the first week in December. Include information about any theme, the beginning and ending time, directions, whether it is casual dress, party attire or formal wear and if it is to be a BYOB. Always make it RSVP.

*Planning Your Menu

Setting up a buffet is the ideal way to serve more people, more food. A buffet also allows your guests to mix and mingle as they eat. Make out your menu, gather your recipes and from this make out a shopping list. Select the recipes that can be prepared ahead of time and frozen such as cookies, nut breads and cakes and get them in your freezer the week before the party.

Decide if you will use Christmas themed disposable paper goods and utensils or china. Make a list of items you will need such as extra chairs, ice chests, tablecloths, chaffing dishes, serving dishes, glasses and silverware. Decide whether to rent, borrow or buy and add these to your To Do List.

*Choose A Few Helpers

Invite several of those on your guest list to come early and help. Then plan a tentative schedule, starting several days before the party; shopping, cleaning, extra decorating, cooking and prep times, set-up time, who's in charge of music, games and helping replenish the buffet.

*Greet Each Guest At the Door

Make each guest feel welcome and special by greeting them at the door with a heartfelt "Merry Christmas!" Take their coats and any food or gifts they bring. Usher them into the party area and if they are strangers

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