Dear Diane,
Having friends and family over for our annual Christmas movie marathon is a highlight of the season. My husband and I go all out with a tacky sweater competition, our favorite orange brandy hot chocolate and a gift wrapping station for friends who love to multitask. Typically, we enjoy Christmas classics into the night and send guests on their way after serving a red and white brunch the next morning.
Circumstances are different this year (I’m working long hours, and we’ve downsized our home). I’d like to keep the party tradition alive but with a few tweaks. We no longer have the space to accommodate overnight guests, and I’ll need to be off to work before brunch rolls around. What would you recommend?
Many thanks,
Michelle S.
Dear Michelle,
Your annual party sounds fun and joyous. You’ve nailed the key ingredient: thoughtfulness. I’m confident you’ll be able to keep the main elements but modify the format to fit your home and schedule this year. Here are a few ideas:
Focus On Core Offerings
This includes time with loved ones, Christmas movies, tacky sweaters and of course, food and drink. Select a couple of films to watch, or get creative by having multiple screens. For example, use the larger screen in your living room and set up your sunroom with a smaller screen (options and ingenuity). Another idea could be to take this year’s sweater competition “social” with a simple black backdrop, twinkling lights, a hashtag and photobooth props. Regarding the gift wrapping station, perhaps you’ll want to scale back or omit it this year altogether. Use your best judgment, based on how you feel your family will respond to changing traditions.
“A full belly and a happy heart.”
Although brunch may be off the table this season, as long as guests don’t feel sad to miss your famous fudge and aren’t still hungry, they’ll be happy. Your signature drink sounds divine, and you may be able to expand the beverage list since you won’t have to bother with french toast for 15. An assortment of simple but delicious finger foods will do the trick. A themed potluck dinner may be a fun alternative.
Brainstorm The Best Party Timeline
Last year’s event may have kicked off at 7 p.m. with some guests leaving at noon the next day. What works best for you this December? It could mean something closer to a 5 p.m. start and a 10 p.m. send-off. Relieve your worries by creating a party timeline for yourself. Be sure you and your husband are in agreement and cover the date, time, budget, setup and guestlist. Adjust as needed; there’s still room for a little extra sparkle.
Festive But Short
You can pack a lot of punch in a shorter celebration. An open house with a designated start and end time is a good way to see people you want to celebrate but also get to bed at a decent hour. You aren’t the only one feeling the pinch of a busy holiday season. I’m certain your friends may even be relieved to get an early start to a good night’s sleep.
Simple Is Tasteful
We live in an age where we often feel the need to go bigger and better. Scaling back and concentrating on what is most important, strengthening relationships and creating memories, doesn’t require a lavish spread or expensive gifts. Find a few tried and true favorite recipes, light the fire, pull out some old photo albums (before cell phones were common) and settle in to take a walk down memory lane. Enjoy a few bottles of sparkling water or wine and enjoy the moment. People seldom remember the pomp and circumstance. They will remember how they felt to be surrounded by family and friends over the holiday season. Enjoy one another’s company while keeping the holiday tradition going strong!
Michelle, I admire your dedication to your family and friends and your willingness to go the extra mile. I bet this year’s celebration will, in many ways, be better and more memorable because of your sincere efforts.
Happy holidays,
Diane
