How to Make a Family Holiday Party More Enjoyable for All

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The holiday season is a time to bring together close and extended family members. Whether your loved ones are traveling a short distance to your home or have a long plane trip planned, you want everyone to have an amazing time when they arrive. The ideal holiday party varies by family and traditions. However, food, festivities, and catching up are almost universal. How can you plan an incredible family holiday party that all will enjoy?

Create Separate Zones in Your Home

If your family is like many others, you will be entertaining a wide range of ages. While everyone wants to spend at least some time chatting with everyone else, the kids may prefer to play with their siblings and cousins while the older adults have a drink or smoke cigars. While the living or family room may be a top gathering spot, you can also set up activities or seating spaces in the garage, basement, kids’ playroom, dining room, and other areas that are ideal for gathering.

Prepare Your Meals in Advance

The holidays are a time to eat, drink, and be merry, which inevitably means spending a lot of time in the kitchen. However, you do not need to spend the entire party cooking while your guests have fun. Well before your guests arrive, start planning meals, snacks, and sweet treats. Remember to include items for those with special dietary restrictions. Many things can be cooked in advance and served cold, and others may taste just as good if you cook them the day before and heat them up. For the dishes that need to be served hot and fresh, do the prep work at least a few hours before guests arrive. You can then pop them in the oven as needed. You could even have family members bring their favorite dishes to share at the holiday party.

Decorate for the Event

A holiday party simply would not be complete without creating a gorgeous backdrop with seasonal decorations. If your family has special heirlooms or mementos that only come out for the holidays, incorporate them into the décor. Include plenty of warm or twinkling lights. In addition, think about seasonal smells. These include pine, baked cookies, peppermint, ginger, cinnamon, and others. Some of these smells will be created as you cook holiday dishes and treats. For others, light scented candles, use plug-ins, or hide scented satchels in discreet locations.

Plan Memory-Making Activities

When your extended family comes together, memories are inevitably made. However, you don’t have to leave things to chance. By planning activities for younger and older guests as well as for all ages, you can inspire fun and encourage good times that will be remembered long after the season ends. These activities may include a White Elephant gift exchange, Secret Santa, cookie decorating contests, gingerbread house decorating competitions, card and board games, karaoke, and more.

The ideal family holiday party that will be enjoyed by all includes something for everyone. This ranges from activities and gathering spaces to meals, snacks, décor, and more. Pulling together all of these essential points takes time and planning, so start preparing for your family holiday party today.

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