My Proven Timeline for a Perfectly Planned Christmas Party
Big events, such as your Annual Christmas party, should be planned about a month in advance. This gives you plenty of time to hash out all of the details, but most importantly, it gives your guests plenty of notice. This will help insure you get your event on everyone’s calendar before someone else does!
Be sure to note that many people are traveling during the holidays, so hosting parties earlier in the month are often easier for guests to attend than those closer to Christmas. It also helps to get everyone in the spirit early on! For reference, it is the first week of November as I write this post and I will be sending out my invitations next week. We planned our party for the 2nd weekend of December. Not too early, but well before people start traveling or getting overly busy before the holiday.
4 Weeks Before
Your Christmas Party
- Make your guest list
- Pick a theme
- Choose the activities
- Plan the menu
- Send invitations
This is your planning week! As stated earlier, your Christmas party invitations should be sent out well in advance. But before you send them, there are a few details you should plan out.
The Guest List
The first thing you want to do is determine your guest list. Think of the type of party you wish to have. Is this an adult only event? Or is the whole family invited? Is this for couples? Or perhaps it’s a singles party? Knowing what type of crowd you plan on entertaining will help you when planning out the rest of the details.
The Theme
Next, decide if you wish to have a set theme for your event. A theme will not only determine the party décor and food, but it will affect how you design your invitations. Is this a more formal event where guests should wear cocktail attire? Or are you hosting an Ugly Sweater Party? Be sure to reflect the theme, as well as any requested attire, on the invitation itself.
The Activities
The activities you plan are important to note as well. Will you be playing games where you are providing all of the supplies? Or are you going to have your guests contribute? For example, if you are having a gingerbread house decorating contest, are you wanting them to bring their own gingerbread house or maybe some candy to decorate it with? Be sure to check out this post if you are looking for some more Fun Christmas Party Activities!
The Menu
The menu should also be planned (at least roughly) before you send out the invitations. Will this be a potluck? Are you providing a full meal? Just serving appetizers or desserts? What will you have to drink? (You can find a list of everything you need to Stock Your Holiday Bar here.) Figure out what you are providing and if your guests will be asked to contribute. Lastly, if you are planning to cater, schedule this now!
The Invitations
Once you have set your guest list, decided on a theme, activities, and menu, then you are ready to create and send out those invitations!
What Your Invitations Should Include:
- Event title
- “You’re invited to…” or “please join us for…”, etc.
- Date of event
- Time of the event
- Where the event is being held
- Who is hosting
- Address of event
- R.S.V.P. date (include name & number, if needed)
- What will be supplied
- If you are providing dinner, drinks, appetizers, etc.
- What your guests should bring
- Food, games supplies, etc.
- Any requested attire
- Cocktail, ugly sweaters, etc.
You can download an editable version of the invitation template above for your own party at this link here! (Please note that you will have to create a free Canva account to access this template).
3 Weeks Before
Your Christmas Party
- Make a checklist that includes:
- Any necessary decorations
- Dishware/party supplies
- Game/activity supplies
- Purchase your supplies!
You party supplies checklist should include everything you need for games and activities, as well as decorations you will need to purchase. Be sure to include any additional dishware you will need, such as plates, cups, napkins, utensils, serving ware, etc. Buy these items now.
2 Weeks Before
Your Christmas Party
- Create a playlist
- Make a complete grocery list
Every Christmas party should have a playlist! Build your own or pick out your favorites now.
Your grocery list should include everything you need for the party. The meal, appetizers, dessert, and beverage ingredients. Go through your recipes to be sure you didn’t leave out anything out.
1 Week Before
Your Christmas Party
- Thoroughly clean your house
- Decorate the house
- Send out reminders to guests
- Get your groceries
This is the time to prep your house for the party. Put up the decorations, clean, and get those groceries (if you have the space to store ice, get it now). It’s also a good idea to send out a reminder to your guests, noting once more anything they should bring or any specific attire. This will also help you to get a final headcount for the event.
The Day Before
Your Christmas Party
- Prep any food you can ahead of time
- Final cleaning and setup
- Check your list
Today is the day where you cook and prep any food that can set overnight. Any work you can do here will help to lighten your load the day of! You will also want to do some of the final cleaning tasks, such as vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning the bathroom. Go through your checklist once more to be sure you have everything you need for tomorrow.
The Day Of
Your Christmas Party
- Prepare your food
- Tidy up
- Setup time sensitive décor
- Get Ice
- Relax!
It’s party time! Let’s set up any last-minute decorations (like creating a balloon arch), and do any day of purchases you couldn’t do earlier (such as stocking up on ice). Be sure to make any remaining food items from your menu.
Lastly, you’ll need to do a final tidy of the house. If you find yourself pressed for time to clean, I love referring to this post from Kelley Nan’s Blog for a 30-Minute Quick Clean for Holiday Guests.
That’s it, you did it! Now take a bit of time to relax, mix up the punch, and get yourself ready with one of these simple holiday makeup looks before your guests arrive.
