Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1511329
6-8 Weeks Out CHOOSE A THEME. Take your celebration to the next level with a theme. The more focused, the better. It'll make the event memorable and easier to plan, and give guests something to look forward to. Popular holiday themes include: • Ugly sweater party • Friendsgiving • Cookie swap • Masquerade ball • White elephant gift exchange • Gingerbread house decorating contest • Movie marathon SELECT A DATE & TIME. The rule of thumb is to host your event a week or two before a major holiday so it doesn't compete with family gatherings and other commitments. And while Friday and Saturday nights are usually the ideal time to host a party, there are only a handful of those throughout the holiday season. To get optimal attendance, consider hosting on a weeknight or weekend afternoon instead. SET YOUR BUDGET. First, settle on an amount you're willing to spend on the party. Next, record your expenses with a price estimate. Finally, calculate the total and adjust as needed. The quickest way to reduce costs is to invite fewer guests, host at home, have a potluck, or just stick to drinks and appetizers. Remember the purpose of the event, prioritize the essentials, and come up with alternatives for items that may fall outside your budget—you can cut costs without cutting fun. MAKE A GUEST LIST. Make a list of every person you want to invite (don't forget kids and plus-ones), then narrow it down to who you can actually accommodate and what's appropriate for the gathering. Determine how many people you can comfortably host by dividing the square footage of your home by five. Regardless of the location, invite 10–20% more than the number you'd like to attend—people are busy! 16 COMING HOME MAGAZINE