Warm up for the season with a pre-holiday celebration

October 14, 2009

As soon as Halloween's over, we all tend to fall victim to the hectic schedules and long to-do lists of the holiday season. If the office parties, family get-togethers and shopping trips will cut into your time with friends, consider hosting a pre-holiday party to squeeze in one last shindig before the madness hits.

Plan the party for early November. You provide the main course and ask each of your guests to bring their favorite holiday side dish. That way there isn't too much pressure on you to provide a perfect meal and all of your guests can get a taste of home.

We're in a recession, so don't feel the need to go overboard. Keep the party cheap and chic. If you don't have fancy china, don't sweat it. Pick up some over-the-top holiday dining wear at your local dollar store.

Get into the holiday mood with some inexpensive and festive party decorations. Use spray-frost to give your windows a wintry vibe, and tea lights or tinted light bulbs to create a relaxing party atmosphere.

For party favors, keep it light and fun by providing guests with red, white and green glow sticks.

Throw on some holiday music and enjoy the official start of the season.