I’ll be the first to admit that I am not ready at all for the holidays! eek! I can’t be the only one right??? I always start off in November with really good intentions and then things just get a little out of control when I get caught up in all the fun holiday festivities! Next thing you know, I’m sitting here today knowing that my shopping isn’t done, so the gifts aren’t wrapped, treats are only half complete and we are just days away from the big event! ack!
Metro has some really great stress-free tips to share for Party Planning this Holiday Season!
1. Creative serving – Instead of communal bowls of nuts, try a more eye catching and hygienic presentation by putting snacks in clear-glass, narrow-necked decanters. Guests can pour nut and trail mixes themselves, and it looks great, too!
2. Stagger serving times – If all food is served at the start of the night, guests are likely to gorge and go home early. Keep your party hopping by serving your tasty hors d’oeuvres all night long.
3. Impress with a signature cocktail – Channel your inner mixologist and offer guests a unique signature cocktail for your holiday party. Be sure to have other non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages to offer alongside this cocktail.
4. Prep in advance – The ‘day of’ for the party planner is always hectic! Between set up, last minute errands, and wrangling the kids – stress is high. Try prepping what you can a few days before. Things like fruit trays, cheese and cracker platters and Swedish meatballs can all be put together a day or two in advance.
5. Presentation is everything – When preparing food trays and hors d’oeuvres platters, have fun! Use the Canadian winter landscape as inspiration by placing pinecones and frosted pine needles in your tray display.
6. Fast and fancy – Limited time? Solicit the help of the frozen food aisle! Metro’s private label line,Irresistibles, offers delicious appetizers perfect for party planners, with selection and creativity covered.
7. Tidy as you go – No one likes waking up to a mess, by tidying bit by bit during your party, the house will be kept clean for your guests, too!
8. Set the ambiance – A beautiful candle display can never go wrong at a holiday party
9. Provide plenty of options – Be sure to provide an assortment of appetizer options at your holiday bash to keep all types of appetites full and happy!
10. Enjoy yourself – This is your party, too! You’ve worked hard and it’s important to enjoy the environment, interact with your guests and taste your delicious treats!
Luckily, Metro’s private label line, Irresistibles, offers an array of easy party planning solutions without sacrificing taste! From seafood to international cuisine and delicious desserts, Metro has you covered. Looking for a quick and easy gift for the hard to shop for person on your list? Stop by Metro to pick up some special treats and a gift card, wrap them all up together in a special basket and you are good to go!
Oh great tips. I really like the reminder to clean as you go because it gets SO overwhelming after the party.
Thanks for sharing!
so true, it sucks waking up to a destroyed house!
Well this sounds great. I like the idea of creative serving and I am interested in the long neck containers. I will seek some out. Thanks!
It’s sad to say, but Enjoy Yourself really does need to be in there! It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget that Christmas is about having fun! LOVE these tips!
so true, entertaining is so stressful for me, it’s hard to relax and have fun!
Preparation is key!! Because if you are last minute, you may be exhausted and you may not enjoy yourself
I think #10 is the most important! You got together with this group of people to be able to visit with them, so make sure you take the time to enjoy yourself too!
These are really great tips! I especially love the tall decanter tip for nuts etc. Genius!!
My mom was the queen of prepping in advance. She always made sure that some or most of the meal was made the day before the big celebration so that she could enjoy the day more when visitors arrived. Plus, it lessens the stress of everything.
These are wonderful tips and so useful during the holidays! 🙂 My mom is better prepared than I am most times lol