Holiday Party Planning: 10 Tips for Festive Fun!

Did you know Canada..  From decking the halls to trimming the tree and preparing your feast, holiday party planning can be exhausting! Metro has some stress-free tips to make your party the talk of the town! They've done the research and put together a list of need-to-know tips and techniques for an effortlessly unforgettable get-together.

Creative serving – Instead of communal bowls of nuts, try a more eye catching and hygienic presentation by putting snacks in clear-glass, narrow-necked decanters. Guests can pour nut and trail mixes themselves, and it looks great, too!
I love this idea!!!

Stagger serving times – If all food is served at the start of the night, guests are likely to gorge and go home early. Keep your party hopping by serving your tasty hors d’oeuvres all night long.
Impress with a signature cocktail - Channel your inner mixologist and offer guests a unique signature cocktail for your holiday party. Be sure to have other non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages to offer alongside this cocktail.
I know I get sleepy if I eat too much at once, especially if kids are joining in too, they stay happy if they keep eating :-)

Prep in advance – The ‘day of’ for the party planner is always hectic! Between set up, last minute errands, and wrangling the kids – stress is high. Try prepping what you can a few days before. Things like fruit trays, cheese and cracker platters and Swedish meatballs can all be put together a day or two in advance.
The problem with this one for me is I always run out of fridge space!

Presentation is everything – When preparing food trays and hors d’oeuvres platters, have fun! Use the Canadian winter landscape as inspiration by placing pinecones and frosted pine needles in your tray display.
LOVE this idea!

Fast and fancy – Limited time? Solicit the help of the frozen food aisle! Metro’s private label line, Irresistibles, offers delicious appetizers perfect for party planners, with selection and creativity covered.
So many great options for apps, chocolates and more!  We LOVE their Irresistibles European Biscuits, and Irresistibles Vegetable Spring Rolls, great to set out on any Holiday table!

Tidy as you go – No one likes waking up to a mess, by tidying bit by bit during your party, the house will be kept clean for your guests, too!
This one I always try to do!

Set the ambiance – A beautiful candle display can never go wrong at a holiday party
Provide plenty of options – Be sure to provide an assortment of appetizer options at your holiday bash to keep all types of appetites full and happy!
Love having a homey holiday setting :-)

Enjoy yourself – This is your party, too! You’ve worked hard and it’s important to enjoy the environment, interact with your guests and taste your delicious treats!
The hardest part, isn't it :-)

With two little ones and being eight months pregnant, I need all the Holiday tips I can get to make it an enjoyable, easy-going time!  Thanks so much to Metro for this great tips, what are your best Holiday Party tips?