at least 4 weeks out

• Set a date for your party and email save-the-dates - December’s calendar fills up fast!
• Decide on a menu of easy hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
• Customize our printable Holiday Open House invitations.
• Gather names, addresses and phone numbers, and mail or email invitations.

3 weeks out

• Take inventory of your glassware and serveware. Make sure you have plenty of mugs - for kids and adults alike - plus pitchers and platters for serving ice water and snacks.
• Order hors d’oeuvres from Williams-Sonoma.
• Order holiday decorations like tablecloths, napkins, ornaments, wreaths and garlands.
• Consider Pottery Barn Kids for decorations designed just for children; visit potterybarnkids.com.

2 weeks out

• Plan ahead for prep work you can do in advance, and all that you’ll do the day of the party.
• Begin planning a music playlist for the event - or, borrow from ours. A mix of both traditional and contemporary holiday music will keep guests of all ages in the spirit.

1 week out

• Decorate your entryway with wreaths, garlands, lanterns and little white lights.
• Set up your tree just one week prior to the party so it’s as fresh as possible. Fill the base with a mixture of several quarts of water and a cup of brown sugar to feed the tree.
• Follow up with anyone who hasn’t RSVP’d.
• Shop for ingredients, craft supplies like butcher paper, hole reinforcers (for snowflakes), twine, holiday-themed rubber stamps, etc.
• Gather serveware.
• Rent any tables or chairs necessary.

3 days out

• Shop for any perishable food items for your hors d’oeuvres menu.

day before

• Set up for the party, decorating each room in the house - even the baths - to feel a little festive.
• Prep the craft areas with scissors, glue, paint, tape, twine, etc. Place garbage and recycling bins next to the craft table to keep the area neat.

day of

• Prep last-minute hors d’oeuvres.
• Buy ice.
• Set out candles.
• Set up water stations with pitchers and glasses.
• Turn on music, relax and get in the spirit of celebrating!