Whether you’re planning your holiday shindig weeks in advance or tossing together a bash last minute, our Glade®-sponsored to-do list will keep you on track! Follow the timeline if you’re organizing in advance, or just proceed down the list of steps as quickly as you can to pull off an eleventh-hour holiday soiree with style. Be sure to check out our printable shopping list and coordinating party-planning quick guide for our complete trifecta of tools to make holiday entertaining easier.
Three to Four Weeks Ahead:
Create your guest list. The size of your party will determine the details, so put together your list of invitees to see if a blowout or intimate gathering is in the cards.
Get your invites out. People are extra busy this time of year; the sooner your party gets on their calendar, the better.
Place any online orders. Purchases can take extra time to arrive amid the holiday crush, so it’s a good idea to order early or pony up for express delivery for any party-related products you’re buying online.
Two Weeks Ahead:
Plan your menu. Get specific about what you’ll be serving and place any orders that need to be made.
Tally your serveware. A buffet requires a bevy of platters, trays, and cake stands (plus serving spoons and cake/pie servers). If you don’t have enough to cover your menu, start reaching out to borrow or decide what to buy.
Strategize sound. It’s a good idea to get a handle on a music plan in advance so you’re prepared on party day: Make a playlist or use an existing holiday-themed one.
Buy your party supplies and nonperishables. Pick up decor elements, disposable dinnerware, and any crafting supplies you’ll need. Also, stocking up on drinks, nuts, and other storable items ahead of time will help you avoid panic buys.
Consider your space. Do you have enough chairs? Are you short on floor space? Start thinking about how you’ll need to arrange (or borrow) furniture for maximum comfort and flow within your main party space.
Plot your scent design. Assign a holiday scent to each guest-accessible room. We like Glade® PlugIns® scented oil warmers for infusing a party with delectable fragrances (for example, Apple Cinnamon Cheer™, Sparkling Spruce™ and Hot Cocoa & Mint, which is available exclusively at Walmart).
One Week Ahead:
Buy and decorate your tree. Getting the main decorating task out of the way early will free you up for everything else, plus it will put you in the holiday spirit.
Contact people who haven’t RSVP’d. You’ll want to get your final guest count before you lay down cash for food and drinks.
Test your electronics. Make sure your speakers, DVD(s), camera, etc., are all in working order and that you have plenty of battery power to get you through the party.
The Day Before:
Tackle cleaning. Stash clutter, scrub down rooms, and make sure the coat closet looks presentable. You’ll also want to wipe down and clear out the refrigerator to make room for party food/
Finish decorating. Hang lights, set out candles (we recommend jar candles by Glade®), and make any adjustments to your tree so you’re not rushing on the day-of.
Plug in scents. Get your diffusers going so the scents have time to permeate.
Plan your buffet setup. Break out your serveware and give your food table a dry run without the risk of spilling food while you find the perfect arrangement. Set out plates, utensils, and napkins as well.
Plot drink stations. Place punchbowls and nonrefrigerated beverages where they will be most convenient for guests to access and set out napkins.
Confirm pick-ups and deliveries. If you’ve ordered any food, make sure everything’s on track before you swing by to pick it up, and/or make sure arrival times for any deliveries (including rentals) are set in stone.
Purchase perishables. Round up remaining fresh menu items.
The Day of:
Chill drinks. If the refrigerator is full, tap the freezer – 20 to 30 minutes should do it, but be sure to set a timer so drinks don’t freeze, as they’ll expand and break their containers.
Arrange the food. Carefully transfer food items.
Set up drink areas. Add ice to your punchbowls and set out alcohol and mixers. Make sure cocktail napkins are also on hand.
Start the music. Make any sound adjustments and make sure your seating isn’t too close to the speakers.
Hit the lights. Dim the lights (or turn them off completely), turn on your tree and decorative lights, and light those candles.
Have fun! Enjoy your guests, indulge in food and drink, and take plenty of pictures to record this fantastic event – you’ve earned it!
Start inviting your guests to your holiday soiree with the free invitation below or others from our holiday invitation gallery.
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