Tips for holiday parties at home

As November draws to a close, calendars start to fill up with social engagements celebrating the holiday season. The holiday season certainly is a time for merrymaking, as a 2023 survey of 2,000 Americans conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Chinet found the average person would attend five different gatherings during this celebratory time of year.

Parties are a festive component of the holiday season, and dates and venues fill up fast. Because of that popularity, individuals looking to host holiday parties may opt to do so at home. There are several advantages to hosting at home. However, hosting at home requires planning and some extra concessions.

· Shop around to save money. Quite often home parties are more cost-effective than having an event at a venue. You can shop around for the best prices on items, and tailor the menu to your budget rather than paying a set "head price" at a party hall or restaurant.

· Move out furniture. Spaces in a home may not be as open or extensive as reception halls or restaurants, so it might be a smart idea to move some furniture to create additional space for guests. Temporarily remove bulky sofas and chairs, replacing them with smaller chairs and cocktail tables.

· Address safety concerns. Hosts planning to host at home should make a list of safety concerns and put plans in place to reduce risk for accidents or injuries. For example, there may be ordinances about parking too many cars on a residential street, so arrangements may need to be made with a church or nearby business to use their lot and then shuttle guests. Have plans for ride-shares or taxis so that no guest will leave the party and drive if they are intoxicated. It's also a courtesy to alert neighbors about the party so they will be aware of the extra noise and traffic.

· Hire support staff. Hire some helping hands for home parties with extensive guest lists. A bartender can serve drinks and make sure that guests are not over-served. Wait staff can help clean up dishes and plates and be sure that the food is stocked and ready to go.

· Arrange for pets to be safe. Pets may not appreciate the extra crowds or elevated noise levels in a home during the party. Make arrangements to board pets or at least confine them to a quiet room away from the hustle and bustle.

· Blend catering with homemade treats. Cooking for guests requires getting an accurate headcount. To help, let caterers do some of the more labor-intensive dishes and then you can offer some of your signature dishes that are easier to prepare.

Hosting a holiday party at home requires some extra planning and safety measures to ensure everyone has a fun and safe night.