Throwing a Great Holiday Party from Home

Many people find that one of the most enjoyable parts of the holiday seasons is all of the wonderful parties that they attend. This year, it's time to host that party yourself, from the comfort of your own home. This may seem overwhelming at first, but when you take a moment to do the proper planning, you'll find that it's not as crazy as it seems. You can throw a memorable, entertaining party that everyone will enjoy.

Your first step is to decide how many people you will be able to comfortably accommodate in your home, and then select the people you will be inviting. This may include:

• Family

• Friends

• Co-workers

Your next step is to distribute the invitations. To save money, design your invitations on your home computer and simply print them out. Handwritten invitations give that extra special touch. Or, feel welcome to take advantage of technology and save money by sending e-card invitations! Be sure to send them out early, at least five weeks in advance.

Next, you will want to choose and coordinate your party theme. This means selecting a theme - for example, snowmen - and then buying decorations, paper plates, and other accessories that reflect this theme. Some inexpensive, yet fun decorating ideas include:

• Using three main colors for all of your decorations for consistency throughout.

• Decorating a tree.

• Make your own kissing ball using a round styro-foam form and pine branches.

• Arrange pine boughs and holly in a basket and use it as your table's centerpiece.

• Use candles (making sure that they're secure, not in places where they'll be knocked over, and away from flammable objects) that are unscented so that you don't irritate sensitive guests.

• Arrange unscented floating candles in a pretty cut glass bowl filled with water.

For music, assemble your own favorites but invite your guests to bring their own preferences as well. This will help to make everybody happy and will mix up the style.

Encourage your guests to dress in comfortable, casual clothes.

Always have a variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available. Have an assortment of soft drinks, juices, wines, beers and liquors ready. Don't forget some of the holiday favorites such as eggnog and hot mulled cider.

Appetizers are great for getting a party started and they can be served either hot or cold. Serve them before the main course along with the beverages. Try to choose appetizers that:

• Are easy to grasp, or that have toothpicks in them

• Aren't messy or too greasy

• Are varied enough that there is an option for vegetarian and vegan guests, or guests with allergies or religious requirements

Be ready to refill the dishes of raw veggies, cheeses, crackers, hummus, dates, nuts and of course chips and dip.

Your main course should be ample. Keep in mind those guests who have special dietary needs. The desert that follows should be quick and easy to prepare - preferably one that may be prepared in advance. This allows you to spend as much time with your guests as possible.