School is back in session, football has taken back the television on Monday night and the holidays are going to be here before we know it. Holiday party planning can be overwhelming, especially during seemingly hectic months. Where should you begin?

Here are some helpful hints to make your planning go a little smoother and help you shine as the host:

*SET YOUR BUDGET

Decide on how much you can spend for your event. Try to think of ways to keep costs down if your budget is small.  For instance, plan a brunch instead of an evening party where you will have to have heavier food and most likely alcoholic beverages.

*SET YOUR DATE

Check with other family members, the school and community calendars before you begin. There are a lot of holiday activities and just a few weekend days to schedule them all in. Try not to be in conflict with any real big events.

*DECIDE ON YOUR THEME

Should it be Traditional Christmas or maybe a Winter Wonderland Holiday Party?  The key is that not everyone celebrates Christmas the same way and you don’t want to offend any of your guests.

*CREATE YOUR GUEST LIST

It is important to know how many people you are planning for. How else can you maintain your budget?

*FINE TUNE YOUR MENU

No matter if you decide to prepare the food ahead or pick up party platters form your local deli, try to create a menu that keeps you out of the kitchen during party time. Many caterers even have a pick-up menu that they will prepare and costs much less than their regular menus. This may be time to hire someone to be there to pick-up discarded plates and glasses and keep a continual “clean-up” going on throughout the party.

Here is a simple checklist:

• Date:

• Theme:

• Venue:

• Food & Beverage:

• Number of Attendees:

• Invitations:

• Maintain RSVPs:

• Entertainment :

• Gifts for clients:

• Table decorations:

• Other:

Your holiday party should be hassle free so that you can enjoy it just as your guests will. If your budget allows outsourcing for the event planning, I strongly recommend that you use a professional event planner. Then you can really enjoy the party without the pressure. You can do what you do best as the host.. There is enough stress during the holidays. Your parties don’t have to be.