by Lynette Thrasher

Created on: December 15, 2008

For a great many of us, some of our favorite holiday memories are of great holiday parties we attended. If you are planning a holiday party this year that thought can shivers down your spine that are unrelated to the chill outside! But have no fear. By following these five tips, you'll throw a memorable party that will leave all of your guests feeling the warmth of the season.

1. Know who your guests are

Before you begin to elaborately plan your party, take some time to consider the guests you will invite. A party thrown for intimate family may call for a different atmosphere than one for your friends or co-workers. The nature of your guest relationships to each other may dictate more of your party's theme than you may realize. For example, an intimate family gathering will require less work of the host in making introductions and ice breaking activities. This party will also require less planning to encourage mingling as all of the guests know each other well. On the other hand, if you are throwing a party for friends, not all of your guests will know each other and this should be taken into account when planning activities and what the guests comfort level may be.

2. Accommodate your guests

When it comes to memorable holiday parties, most of us remember how the party affected us. So keep in mind how your party is affecting your guests. Is your location convenient for the majority of your guests? Even if you are hosting the party in your home, keep in mind the distance that guests will have to travel and adjust your time accordingly to make it easiest on your guests. If your guests will consist of a large number of children, be sure to have adequate space and activities to keep them occupied. This will not only ensure the children enjoy the party, but will make it easier for the parents to enjoy themselves as well.
If you will have older guests, be sure there is adequate seating for them and consider any dietary restrictions they may have (have a sugar free dessert option and low sodium snacks, for example).

3. Menu

No party is complete without some type of food and drink. When you are planning your menu keep the type of party you are hoping to achieve in mind. If you are planning a small intimate gathering, an elegant sit down dinner might to appropriate. If you are planning a long afternoon of visiting with guests, a buffet of snack foods and finger foods may be more appropriate. Keep in mind what will be most comfortable for your guests. Whichever method of

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