Stress-Free Holiday Party Guide

The holiday season is here, and you are thinking you want to open your doors for a holiday party. Being an event planner is no easy task. An event planner's job description will literally run into pages! Why? Well imagine there is a function at your place, say a New Year's Eve party or an over-the-top Christmas party that you need to plan. Now think of all the phone calls you need to make - to the caterer and florist and all the guests. But does it stop there? No. You need to call, and call again to confirm their arrival. Think of all the supplies you need to buy and the trips to the market. Now don't let this get you down about planning a holiday party; here are some simple tips to help you have a stress-free holiday party.

Design on a budget

- Make it FUN (F-Fabulous U-Unique N-Naughty or Nice)

- Before buying any holiday decorations for the party, assess your personal decor to find items that fit within your chosen color scheme or theme.

- Use partyware to add color and to personalize the party. Find customized cocktail napkins and coasters for a reasonable price at several online retailers.

How to dress a table

- When dressing a table, people always think that renting from a party rental store is expensive, but I always say make your holiday party the least stressful on yourself as possible so you can enjoy it. For instance, to rent dinner service for 20 - includes china, silverware, wine and champagne flutes - will run you around $50. When you rent, you return dirty, so there are no dishes to clean, leaving you the time to enjoy your holiday party and friends.

- Also, if you are having a buffet-type holiday party, place some different-sized, sturdy boxes on the table, then drape your favorite linen over them and puddle the linen on top of the table. This gives you different heights to display your favorite holiday treats with space in between the boxes to put candles and maybe Christmas tree clippings and ornaments.

How to make a fun centerpiece

- Add greenery for a seasonal touch. Many Christmas tree vendors give away cuttings, which you can collect for affordable centerpieces.

- Finish with flowers for pops of festive color. Carnations are a chic and inexpensive choice.

How to make inexpensive crackers look like catered food

At Costco, pick up a variety pack of Carr specialty crackers. Display these on your favorite tray, putting a bowl in the middle for olives. Around that bowl place cheese cubes, then pick one of those crackers and place that one around the cheese. Then take some salami or pepperoni and go around that, then add another set of crackers, a different one of the four that come in the package and so on. You then will have this fabulous-looking, inexpensive tray. It's all about presentation.