How to throw a fabulous holiday party this Christmas

Throwing celebrations during the holidays is always a challenge for some—planning what to serve, what to drink, how to make the gathering more fun, and what gifts to give out.

We want these parties to be unforgettable, creative, over the top, stylish and, most of all, within budget.

This article may be a little late, but I’m assuming that most of the fun celebrations will happen this weekend and run through the New Year, so it should still come in handy.

Have a theme

Create your invites, be it custom or digital. The theme will set the tone for everything: the excitement, the food, the people, the outfits, the setting, the displays, the table setup, the gifts, and even the personalities. This has to be well thought out.

You can go beyond a traditional Christmas theme—from an alien starship party to a Garden of Eden parade for something different. Set guidelines for costumes and turn it into a contest to make the celebration more fun and competitive.

Create a color palette

This should be based on your theme, which will carry through the entire party, from the edibles to the décor.

Be your own photographer

Part of my wishlist is the HP Sprocket photo booth machine. This is a mini photo booth with a touchscreen and ring light that instantly prints photos—definitely a must-have for any gathering.

Another item on my wishlist is the Charmera, a mini keychain digital camera blind box by Kodak. It can be given to guests as a giveaway, and you can even ask them to take photos throughout the party and upload them to a shared drive.

Crinkle machine

This is a lifesaver for making crinkled stuffing for gifts and table décor. Hang the shredded pieces or use them to fill Christmas giveaways.

Bar cart

If your place doesn’t have a bar, a bar cart is the best solution—no explanation needed!

Create layered lighting

Get rechargeable table lamps. These are so versatile that you can place them anywhere and instantly set the mood for the party.

Create nameplates

Do your own seating plan if you like. This works well for larger celebrations. If the gathering is small and intimate, a sit-anywhere rule may be a better option.

Set up food stations in multiple areas

This creates a banquet layer, which makes the dinner party more interesting—ham station, roast beef or turkey carving station, chicken galantina station, bar cart, hot chocolate bar, candy kiosk, corn dog station, energy drink station, mini sandwiches, and petit fours.

I like setting up celebrations like a smorgasbord of kiddie food kiosks mixed with food for adults.

Create games and activity stations

You can add stations for cookie decorating, gingerbread house making, and Christmas wreath decorating.

Set the mood

Provide scenting to match the theme, create drama with lighting, and appeal to all five senses.

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I interviewed my good friend Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, a well-known restaurateur and fine-dining caterer extraordinaire. She always makes it a point to engage all five senses when creating a memorable dining setup—flavorful food for taste, the aroma of dishes being prepared for smell, glamorous arrangements for sight, good music for hearing, and beautiful dinnerware that guests can hold and feel for touch.

Believe me, guests can tell the difference.

Create the most fantabulous decor

Capture the theme of the party. It goes without saying that we take care of the plates, serving dishes, flatware, and serving utensils. Pay attention to the details—coasters, the trays servers use, tablecloths, candleholders, flowers, other centerpieces, chairs, pillows, and more.

You can use pieces that are out of the ordinary.

Use vegetables instead of flowers for centerpieces. Give your guests bags or bayongs so they can take the vegetables home after the party so that nothing is wasted.

Use your decorative mirrors as trays under your centerpieces. This will enhance your centerpieces and give your table a boost.

Use your platitos as wreath decor. Hang tassels on your chandelier over your dining table to add layer and depth. Everyday fruits in your kitchen can be used to decorate your vases as well. Lemons, apples, and oranges can be stuck together using barbecue sticks.