24 Jul Christmas in July: Planning Your Holiday Party in Advance
The sun is shining, the days are long, and while it might seem a bit early to be thinking about the winter holidays, there’s no better time to get a jump start on planning your end-of-year parties than now. Welcome to Christmas in July, where we embrace the festive spirit ahead of time for a spectacular celebration when December rolls around. Here’s a comprehensive guide to getting ahead of the rush for the perfect holiday party.
1. Choose a Theme
Selecting a theme early on sets the tone for your holiday party and makes other planning aspects, such as decorations and invitations, much easier. Here are a few ideas:
- Classic Christmas: Think red and green, Santa Claus, and a beautifully decorated tree.
- Winter Wonderland: White, silver, and blue decor with snowflakes and icicles.
- Ugly Sweater Party: Encourage guests to wear their most festive, over-the-top holiday sweaters.
- Christmas Around the World: Celebrate global holiday traditions with diverse decorations and foods.
Gathering together to create lasting holiday memories is the heart and soul of the festive season.
2. Secure Your Venue
Popular venues book up fast during the holiday season. By planning in July, you increase your chances of securing the perfect spot. Consider the size of your guest list and any special requirements your chosen venue might need to accommodate, such as a dance floor, stage, or kitchen.
3. Send Save-the-Dates
People’s calendars fill up quickly towards the end of the year. Sending save-the-date cards or emails in advance ensures your guests mark your event on their schedules. A simple “Christmas in July” themed card can add a fun twist to your early invitation.
4. Plan Your Menu
Whether you’re hosting a sit-down dinner, a buffet, or a cocktail party with appetisers, planning your menu early can alleviate stress. Consider these tips:
- Catering: Book your caterer early to ensure availability.
- DIY: If you’re cooking yourself, start testing recipes now to perfect them by December.
- Dietary Restrictions: Make sure to include options for guests with dietary restrictions.
Embrace the festive spirit with a fun-filled karaoke night.
5. Entertainment and Activities
Great entertainment can make your party memorable. Here are some ideas:
- Live Music, DJ, or Karaoke: Book early to ensure you get your preferred choice.
- Games and Contests: Plan activities like Christmas trivia, a cookie decorating contest, or a Secret Santa gift exchange.
- Photo Booth: Set up a festive photo booth with props for guests to enjoy.
6. Decorations
Start gathering decorations now. This way, you can take advantage of sales and avoid the last-minute rush. Consider:
- DIY Projects: Create homemade decorations with a personal touch.
- Thrift Stores: Find unique and affordable items.
- Online Shopping: Buy in bulk for larger events.
7. Gift Planning
If your holiday party includes gift-giving, start planning now:
- Secret Santa: Organise a Secret Santa exchange and draw names early.
- Party Favours: Decide on and purchase party favours for your guests.
- Prizes: Get creative with prizes for any contests or games.
8. Create a Timeline
Having a timeline helps keep you organised. Include key milestones such as:
- Booking Venue: Done by end of July
- Sending Save-the-Dates: By August
- Finalising Menu: By September
- Sending Invitations: By October
- Confirming RSVPs: By November
- Final Preparations: Early December
Deck the halls in preparation for a magical holiday season!
9. Budgeting
Budgeting in advance prevents overspending. Allocate funds for each aspect of the party, such as venue, food, entertainment, and decorations. Track your expenses to stay on budget.
10. Stay Flexible
Despite the best planning, sometimes things don’t go as expected. Stay flexible and have backup plans for key elements like outdoor venues in case of bad weather.
Planning your holiday parties in July allows you to enjoy the festive season stress-free and ensures your event is the highlight of the year. By choosing a theme, securing your venue, planning your menu, and organising entertainment and decorations well in advance, you’ll be ready to celebrate the holidays with style and ease. Cheers to a merry and well-planned Christmas!