25 tips for an easy holiday party

Our top secrets and shortcuts for a family get-together that's high on fun but low on stress

Dana Dougherty Reinke,

Originally published in Today's Parent December 2010

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1. Timing is everything Set a 3:30 start time — after lunch and (most) naps. This will give you all day to prepare for your guests and give the little ones enough energy to handle all the excitement.

2. Keep it simple Food doesn’t have to be fancy to have the wow factor. Pretzels dipped in melted chocolate and sprinkles take only a few minutes, but look divine.

3. Make it Have a recipe that you’re famous for? Great! Make it.

4. Buy it Go ahead, make your specialty. But buy the rest of the food and glam it up (use fresh herbs; top hummus with a drizzle of olive oil and some paprika; dust mini-cheesecakes with icing sugar).

5. Presentation points Remove plastic containers and put everything on a pretty plate or in
a lovely bowl.

6. The heat is on Warm up baked goods, such as pie and two-bite brownies, in the oven for a few minutes for instant oomph.

7. Veg out Prepared veggie and fruit trays are an easy way to get some healthy nibbles into the kids.

8. Jiggle bells Kids will go gaga for red and green Jell-O Jigglers cut into holiday shapes. Go to kraftrecipes.com and click on Holidays & Entertaining for more serving ideas.

9. Kids can help Give every family member a job. Little ones can be in charge of gathering coats and throwing them on a bed. (Ask a close friend to play bartender for the day.)

10. A room of their own Set up a kid-friendly space with shareable toys; big kids can help supervise.

11. That’s a wrap Use beautiful ribbons to decorate your tree, and fancy up the buffet table with gorgeous gift wrap. When spills happen — and they will — it’s out (to the recycling) with the old and on with the new.

12. Show your colours Rather than using every decoration, edit your stuff: Choose two colours and one metallic for maximum decor impact.

13. Punch in Create a yummy kid’s punch. Try mixing up two options, such as grape, apple and ginger ale or cranberry, orange and Sprite.

14. Get crafty Set up sparkles, paint, pipe cleaners and Styrofoam balls, and create dazzling decorations for the tree.