5 Tips for a Successful Holiday Party

Before you turn your attention to all the holiday cheer, cross these five things off your to-do list and ensure your home is party-ready and in perfect shape before all your guests arrive.

One of the best parts of the holiday season is being able to bring friends and family together under one roof for an evening of great conversations and delicious food and drink. But the success of a party comes down to much more than what happens after the guests walk through the door, as there are some very important tasks a host must do beforehand to ensure everyone leaves with big smiles at the end of the night.

So before your next holiday party, look out for the safety of your friends and family by following these simple tips.

 

Light the Way

Outdoor lighting can create the ambience that takes your party from nice to wow. Not only does lighting your outdoor steps and walkway set the perfect mood, it offers safety for all guests walking from their cars to your doorstep. Well-lit pathways will help prevent one of your guests from slipping on wet cement or a patch of ice.

 

Keep it Tidy

Clearing the hallways in your home provides a great first impression but it can also prevent a serious injury. With lots of people in tight spaces, any small object not cleared from the hallway quickly becomes a tripping hazard — especially with young children around. Also, make sure you’ve got a dedicated spot for everyone’s shoes, purses and umbrellas so that these items aren’t scattered all over the floor.

 

Handle With Care

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned chef, it’s important to take precautions when cooking. Always warn your guests when something is in the oven or when something is cooking on the stove. Once all the cooking is done, make sure everything is turned off before you step out of the kitchen to join everyone for dinner. Lastly, if you’ve lit some candles for the table centerpiece, remember to ensure you properly extinguish all the candles at the end of the night and leave nothing to chance.

 

Plan Your Menu Carefully

Every host wants to impress their guests with some mouth-watering dishes but before you set your menu for the party, don’t forget to inquire about any food allergies your friends and family may have. The last thing you want is for a guest to feel unwell during the meal, or even worse, be rushed off to the hospital due to an allergic reaction. And make sure the person you leave in charge with the cooking duties is diligent about preparing and cooking the food properly. By taking all of this into consideration, the only thing anyone will be concerned about is when to go for seconds.

 

Serve Responsibly

If you’re serving wine to your guests during dinner, make sure you monitor how much alcohol you offer and how much is being consumed. By doing so, you’ll ultimately make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. It’s also a good idea to assign some designated drivers, arrange for cabs to be available at the end of the night, or invite some guests to stay so they can head home in the morning. Keep in mind, a host can be held accountable for their guests’ actions even after they’ve left the party. So ensuring everyone is in good shape when they walk out your door and gets home safely is extremely important.

 

As a host, it’s your responsibility to make sure your guests have a good time, but even more importantly, to put their well-being ahead of everything else. Don’t forget to plan ahead and ensure your home is safe and ready for your guests. For added peace of mind, whether you own or rent, ensure you have home insurance that will provide you with liability protection, as well as coverage for your home and possessions.

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