Holiday Party Happiness | 5 things to help you have a happy holiday
That time of year is right around the corner. The holiday madness of Thanksgiving then swiftly behind, Christmas. A time of joy and love and being together with the ones we care about most. Makes everything worth while and lets us appreciate the little things that we so longingly have pushed aside. So it is no surprise that we want things to be joyous and go as smoothly as possible. The stress that comes with holidays may only be exasterbated by the holiday and event planning. We've all been there; feeling like a mad person when it's all said and done with. And sometimes we don't even get to enjoy those special moments that we've worked so hard to make into a reality. That being said, I want to spread some wisdom to hopefully help others not become the "crazy" person we never wanted to become in the first place. A chance to enjoy our accomplishments instead of dread them.
GIVE YOURSELF TIME
Whether you are planning an intimate party with family and friends or a corporate office party, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to plan and prepare. There is nothing worse than rushing at last minute to get all the details crammed into a very short period of time, don't do that to yourself. Get a plan together; day, time, location, invites, guest list and menu in place. Know what you want to see accomplished on a realistic level instead of a Pinterest based vision. Know your limitations and what you are capable of.
MAKE A PLAN
This can be a spread sheet of ideas or if you are more of a jot it down kind of person, by all means do what you feel comfortable with doing. As long as you have your ideas written down and you can visually see what you want to get done; nothing wrong with making a list of thing to do. Things you want on your list are some of the things already listed: know when you want this event to take place; are you wanting it to be on the actual holiday or is it in celebration of? Whichever you decide, make it clear to your guests when you plan on having this incredible celebration. Also, have a location in place; is it in your home or a venue that requires time and money to have secured for your event? If it's a rented location, be sure to secure the venue before sending out invitations. It will save you the hastle of changing it later if the venue is not available when you want to have your event. Know how many people you are wanting or anticipating to attend. This way you have plenty of seating, supplies, and food. Make a menu of food + drink that you want to be served. Are you making it, is it being catered, is it a plated meal or is it a cocktail and hor d'ourves type of event? You want it to be appropriate to the type of event you are putting together. Lastly, and this is an important one; make a budget. You want to know what amount you are able to spend to make your event happen.
BUDGET
Have an idea of what you are able to spend for your event. Don't over extend yourself financially; it will cause you more stress and leave you making the difficult decision in cutting things out that may be key to making your event successful. Know what money you are able to spend, then make out a list of the things you need to make your event happen; starting with the most important at top working your way down to least important. After you get all of that down, put down cost or expected cost for each item. This will allow you to visually see where your money would be going and how much is needed for each item. If you are over budget, you can adjust your costs to accommidate your budget. To be more accurate on cost, call around to get quotes on costs for the items you will need on your list. Also, allow room in your budget for unexpected costs. There will always be a cost that you didn't originally anticipate. Better to prepare before than regret later. In the end, this process, though daunting; will save you aggrivation in the end.
ENLIST HELP
Whether you hire someone to assist you with the details of your event or you have a friend or family member helping you, don't be afraid to have someone help you take on some of the responsibility. Holiday's in themselves can be stressful and to add to that may be overwhelming for some. This is the time to "Be Merry" not be miserable. Even if you are asking for partial help in preparing your event, some deligating may be necessary. Though it may be hard to reliquish control and have all the credit; wouldn't it be better to enjoy your event opposed to dreading it.
MAKE SURE TO ENJOY YOURSELF
This one is tough, I know. I've hosted and planned many of events and I have found it is hard to stop and enjoy the fruits of your labor. It is key that you take the time to enjoy your company and relish in the happiness of others. You don't want to end the evening in regret of not having enough time doing what makes your heart sing. Be sure to enjoy those around you and remember why you put together the event in the first place; to bring everyone together. This includes you! The clean-up doesn't have to happen immediately, take that time instead to be around the people you enjoy. You will be thankful in the end.
