How to Decorate and Host the BEST Holiday Party!

The holidays are here and you've decided to host a holiday party at your home.  Stressed out?  No worries.  Here is a guide with ideas to get your house prepared!

1.  Decide: Do you have everything you need?
Be sure that you have everything that you need to prepare for the party.  Depending on how many guests you are planning on having, you should decide if you need any extra chairs, tables, etc.  Do you have the decorations and items you need for the party?  These are all factors to consider.


2.  Cleaning is not just for the Spring!
It may not be "Spring cleaning" time just yet.  However, it is the holiday time and you want your house to look as fabulous as possible before your guests arrive.  Try not to save it for the last minute, it is not worth adding to your stress!  If you clean a day or two prior, it will allow you to get it out of the way and let you concentrate on the upcoming festivities!

3.  Choose a theme.
What look and vibe are you trying to achieve?  Are you stumped on the theme?  Below are some great ideas for starting your holiday party!

• Winter Wonderland:  Create a sophisticated setting of blues, whites, glitter and shine!  Hang snowflake decorations, put fuzzy snowballs in a decorative bowl, fill hurricanes with fake snow or ornaments and really set the mood.  

• Tacky Christmas Sweater Party:  Who can resist?  Have your guests pull out their tackiest Christmas sweaters and wear them to the party.  Decorate your home in a humorous and tasteless way!  Hang streamers everywhere and be sure to decorate with plenty of red and green!  

• Gift Wrapping Christmas Party:  This is a GREAT way for everyone to get together, enjoy hors d'oeuvres while productively wrapping gifts.  Have everyone bring a small dish, a role of wrapping paper and their gifts to wrap and you've got yourself a party!  Be sure to make a holiday playlist to get everyone in the gift wrapping spirit!  

• Cookie Decorating Party or Gingerbread House Decorating Party:  What could be more fun than getting together with close friends and family and decorating your own cookies or gingerbread houses?  This is wonderful for all ages and truly gets everyone in the holiday spirit.  Be sure your cookies are already prepared so that all you need to do is ice them and decorate!  If you choose to do a gingerbread house decorating party, be sure that all gingerbread houses are already assembled, or have each person bring their own!  

4.  Decorate Accordingly.

Now that you have chosen your theme, decorate to make the experience one to remember.  Break out the holiday dinnerware, lights, mistletoe, wreath, holiday doormat and other decor for this time of year.  You want your home to be both welcoming and festive for the occasion.  By doing so, you will truly set the mood and create a joyous setting for all.

If you are hosting a holiday party, be sure to make your guests feel welcome and at home.  The holidays are for celebrating, giving and sharing.  Boulevard Bazaar is wishing you all the best this season!