December is just around the corner but it’s never too early to start party planning, and being organised is the key to a celebration that is seamless and full of festive spirit.

Christmas parties are a chance to nurture relationships and build lasting memories with the people you care about, and provides an opportunity for family and friends to get together and have fun. If the thought of planning a Christmas party is a little intimidating and scary then this article should help you focus on how to make it a roaring success.

Step 1 – The date

You’re about to enter one of the busiest times of the year when people commit to various social events so you need to think about a date well in advance. It might be a good idea to send out a “save the date” email or text message to let people know so they don’t double book.

Step 2 – The budget

Christmas parties can be expensive so make sure you decide how much you can spend before organising anything definite. Will you be funding the entire party yourself or will you encourage others to get involved with the costs, such as asking those attending to bring a bottle or party food to share? Try to save some of your budget for any unforeseen circumstances that will inevitably occur.

Step 3 - The party invitations

You should send your invitations out approximately one month before the date of your party. Make sure you include all the relevant details such as the date, time, location and dress code. You may also wish to invite your guest to respond to let you know if they will attend and don’t forget to ask about any dietary requirements they may have. Putty Print has a huge selection of Christmas party invitations which you can personalise and order online in minutes.

Invitations need to present the theme of your party, and the service provided by Putty Print can deliver fully customised party invitations created to your personal requirements and budget.

Step 4 – The theme

The theme is the focal point of your party and should embrace every element from decorations and food to the dress code. Some popular themes include traditional Christmas, pantomime, winter wonderland and movies. It’s important to make a list of what you associate with your theme and incorporate these creatively into your overall plan.

Step 5 – The food

Food is a very important part of your party and can easily follow your theme. Will you be making all the food yourself, hiring caterers or having a pot luck buffet? Choose a style of food and presentation that will be suitable for your theme and don’t forget to cater for different dietary needs.

Step 6 – The drink

Drinks will encourage your guests to find their festive spirit. If it’s an adult only party then alcoholic beverages will probably be a great addition, and seasonal favourites such as cocktails or mulled wine are likely to be very popular. You can always ask your guests to bring their own bottle if you need to keep an eye on your budget, or substitute champagne for beer or sparkling wine to bring the costs down. Remember the designated drivers and provide soft drinks for their refreshment. If you’re having a family party, don’t forget to provide child friendly alternatives, and a hot chocolate bar is always a fun festive addition.

Step 7 – The music

A Christmas party just wouldn’t be the same without music and dancing. You could hire a DJ or live band, or put together a playlist with a smattering of Christmas music thrown in among your current favourites. If your crowd doesn’t like to dance, you can always have music playing softly in the background for added ambience and Christmas cheer.

Step 8 – The entertainment

There are so many entertainers you can choose to attend your party. From magicians to circus acts and dancers to comedians, you’re likely to find something suitable to fit in with your party theme. If you want to try something where your guests can get involved there’s always traditional party games, karaoke or cocktail making. Make sure you hire reputable professionals and agree a price with them before the party.

Step 9 – The added extras

There are a few things that you can do to bring a touch of something special to your party:

• • Don’t forget little extras like flower decorations, table centrepieces and scented candles.
• • Ensure there is good quality soap and paper towels in the bathrooms.
• • You may wish to hire a photographer to take photos during your party.
• • Don’t forget goody bags which can incorporate your theme.
• • Have a place for people to leave their coats.
• • Organise transport to ensure your guests get back home or to their hotel safely.

Step 10 – The preparation

As the date of the party approaches, you need to prepare as much as possible to make sure everything goes to plan. Ensure you have thoroughly cleaned the areas your guests will access, decorate according to your theme and make sure breakables and special sentimental items are stored somewhere safe.

The day before, prepare as much of the food as possible and store accordingly. You can also add finishing touches to your decoration, prepare the space for the food and drink and ensure you have enough crockery, cutlery and glasses.

On the day of the party, give yourself plenty of time to get ready. Make sure there are appetisers and drinks available for your guests on arrival and that everything is in place. Lastly, remember this is your party and your opportunity to connect with those you have invited, so make that a priority.