• Be sure to set your date early. The holidays offer a challenging time for everyone’s schedules including venues, caterers, rentals, florists and more importantly guests. The rule of thumb is “the sooner the better” if you want the most options and the best turnout of your guest list.

• No holiday party would be complete without sweets. But be sure to also offer lighter desserts, dips and condiments to help out those who are trying to watch their holiday intake. Another idea is to serve up your deserts in bit-size portions that allow guests to have just a delectable taste.

• When choosing a location for your party, be sure there will be enough space to accommodate all the guests after adding the serving tables, holiday trees and other space consuming decorations. Keep table tops and end tables clear for a place where guests can set their food and drinks without disturbing your breakable treasures. Spread around plenty of holiday coasters to protect your wood and stainable surfaces.

• Although a holiday gift exchange can be fun – keep in mind other forms of sharing holiday cheer. Think about sponsoring a low-income family holiday, donating to a local charity or hospital, or planning a group trip to a nursing or senior citizen home. Sharing money, necessities, or even time with those who are less fortunate can be a wonderful gift to yourself and your community.

• Keep your holiday party safe. If you are planning on spiking the punch, offer your guests options for getting home without being behind the wheel. You can also offer special rewards and refreshments to guests who volunteer as designated drivers. Don’t let your guest become a holiday statistic.

• If your guest list includes children, provide a childproof space for them to share toys, activities and even food for a younger palate. Think about hiring a baby sitter for the designated party time. Everyone would be well impressed with dress up, story time or other coordinated activities that allowed children and parents to enjoy your event.

• A great addition to any holiday party is to add staff to help with serving and cleanup. This simple addition to your party will allow the host and hostess to participate in their own party and enjoy their guests without scurrying about and missing all the fun.