Filling Your Home With Winter Cheer - Part 3 of 3

In December, the chill of the weather outside is sharply contrasted by the warmth of holiday celebrations. It's a month marked by charity, family gatherings, and traditions both old and new. In that spirit, we'll share some tips to help make your holiday season a special one.

The is the third of a 3-part series taken from our December Newsletter that was e-mailed to all registered subscribers, via our RE/MAX of New Jersey web site. We are looking at Christmas holiday season topics:

Decorating Made Easy (Part 1)
Holiday Lighting Safety (Part 2)
Tips For The Holiday Party Host (Part3)

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Tips For The Holiday Party Host
Hosting a holiday party can be a great way to spread the joy of the season. Whether planning a cozy gathering of friends or an icicle-chic cocktail party, there are far more details to consider than who to invite or which sweater to wear. Here are a few pointers that will help make your winter get-together a rousing success.

• Pick your dates early, and get those invitations out! Many people have a busy holiday season, so it's important to help your guests plan ahead. Another alternative is to host your party after Christmas but before New Year's.
  
• Don't overextend yourself with the menu. Avoid trying too many new recipes, as you can become overwhelmed. Limit yourself to one or two new recipes combined with your old stand-bys. Also, dishes that can be made well in dvance help reduce the stress you'll feel.
  
• Tailor the menu to the style of the party. If hosting a cocktail party, provide foods that can be eaten standing up. If preparing a holiday feast, remember to include a few sure-fire classics along with more adventurous fare, and of course consider the tastes of your partygoers. The spinach and red pepper soufflé that delights your co-workers may not thrill your great-uncle.
  
• Simple decorative touches can be the perfect addition to your gathering. Set elegantly printed menu sheets or recipe cards at each place setting to add a classic formality. Holly sprigs or colored ribbons can be tied to stemware.
  
• A subtle way to make guests feel at home is through their sense of smell. Poinsettias, spiced candles, or simple pine branches add welcoming scents to your event. Another aromatic solution is to have fragrant bread or cookies either fresh out of the oven or in the last minutes of baking when guests arrive.
  
• Background music can be a great way to put your guests in the holiday spirit, but make sure it doesn't drown out conversation. Piano or other instrumental versions of holiday music can add a nice understated touch.
  
• Make sure your non-drinkers and designated drivers aren't left with tap water as their only option. A delicious non-alcoholic punch will help those not imbibing feel welcome. Also serve hot favorites like cider or wassail to compliment the alcoholic hot toddies.
  
• If serving coffee, creating a "coffee bar" is a simple touch that will impress. Include various creamers, sugars, and "nudges" so that guests can concoct their own coffee drinks. Candy canes can serve as festive coffee stirrers.

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