Christmas always seems to be just around the corner. That time of year seems to only get busier and busier. So much to do and so much to plan for. The tips found here are our gift to you to make planning your Christmas bash as smooth as the ice in Rockefeller Center.
First things first, pick the date. Winter is a busy season for everyone. Check online to see if there are any obvious conflicts you’ll want to avoid. Ask guests you plan to invite about when they might be free. After all, birthdays and anniversaries happen year round. For a company event, a party later in the week may give employees something to look forward to and raise morale. The sooner a date is picked the better. Send an email out to “save the date” as soon as it has been decided.
Next comes picking a Christmas theme! The options are endless. Will you have a formal black-tie event or casual and funny “ugly sweater” competition? Perhaps a come as you are get together is just the thing to soothe holiday nerves. You could take the traditional route with Christmas trees, and tinsel and time-honored decorations. You could throw tradition out the window and have a “Christmas in Hawaii” style party, with palm trees and tropical flowers. In the crowded holiday season, the right theme will set your event apart from all the rest.
Date, check. Theme, check. Now it’s time to let everyone know. Invitations! Who wants to be the one person wearing a Christmas sweater, in a sea of tuxedos and ball gowns? Well, there might be one, but don’t let that person blame their fashion choice on you! Make sure the invitation communicated the theme with both decoration, and in the actual text. Having guest RSVP ahead will help ensure the amount of guest. This will make the rest of the planning and budgeting a breeze.
Christmas isn’t really Christmas without good food, and your bash should be no exception. Will the smell of turkey and cranberry sauce fill the air or something unexpected? When choosing the menu don’t forget about the theme. Appropriate food choices will help cement the success of the whole affair. If budgeting allows, consider booking caterer. They should be able to suggest a good menu and prepare it to perfection. There’s nothing wrong is preparing the food at home to save a little money. If time becomes an issue you can order and pick up food from a restaurant or the grocery store. Well fed guest are happier guests.
Music is an integral part of Christmas and there is plenty of it to choose from. If you go with a playlist on an iPod or mp3 player, make sure the list is long and varied.
Here’s a list of Top 10 Christmas Songs
- “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” Mariah Carey
- “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” Brenda Lee
- “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You),” Nat King Cole
- “Jingle Bell Rock,” Bobby Helms
- “Feliz Navidad,” Jose Feliciano
- “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” Burl Ives
- “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” Andy Williams
- “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24),” Trans-Siberian Orchestra
- “White Christmas,” Bing Crosby
- “Last Christmas,” Wham!
Christmas Songs are great but include everyday fun music like the “Uptown Funk” or “The Cupid Shuffle” as well. A live D.J., on the other hand, can read the crowd and get the party moving. Games can also be an event highlight and lots of games have a Christmas version to go along with the season. For example, a Let’s Make A Deal game with a some “white elephant” gifts and nice prizes might make a big splash. A caricature artist can take a fun moment in time and put it down on paper forever. A caricature of each of your guests doubles as both a gift and a “thank you” for attending your Christmas event.
What you can expect from your caricature artists
We can draw up to 20 people per hour in black and white, 12 people per hour in color. We can create personalized party favors with graphics or images specific to your party and theme. We provide conversation pieces at the party as guests show off their mementos to one another.
What you will need to provide
Chairs for our artists and your guests. Tables are also suggested, so guests can set drinks and personal items down while they are being drawn. Your artists will need lighting or power outlets to bring lighting in. A quiet area away from the dance floor, but near the entrance to be found easily would be ideal.
We look forward to working with you!