Let me just say, planning a holiday party as an adult is so different than how it used to be when we were younger and single. In our early 20’s, music, alcohol, and some food were enough to kick off a party or to attract a crowd of people. Heck, if I’m totally being honest, maybe alcohol alone was enough, LOL.

But something changed between or 20’s and 30’s. Maybe it’s homeownership. Maybe it’s the multiple weddings we’ve gone to and our own wedding that we’ve planned. Maybe it’s the fact that #adulting is a thing and we need to take conscious effort towards mastering it. Hosting a holiday as a 30-something takes on a different level of planning and foresight. Not only do I want our guests to feel the holiday joy, enjoy great food and drinks, I’d love for our guests to leave our Holiday Friendsmas Party feeling a bit uplifted and inspired! So here’s how I planned our Holiday Friendsmas Party that’s coming up this weekend…

Start with a Holiday Party Invitation

This may be a result of having too much fun from planning our wedding back in March, but I LOVE getting personalized invitations designed and printed! When Basic Invite reached out to me to try out their customization service for holiday party cards, I knew I had to say yes!

Unique from other customized card printing service companies, Basic Invite provides customized card samples (with other companies you only receive standard/non-customized samples), over 180 colors in their card stocks, and 40 colors for envelope paper. For this holiday, Basic Invite is offering a 30% discount code holi30 for Cubicle Chic readers and their holiday card designing needs! They have other Christmas party invites and printed Christmas cards available if you are interested!

Plan & Prep the Menu in Advance

Once you’ve set your guest list and checked the holiday party invitation box, you’re ready to take the next step! I consulted with my most trusted homemaking friend, Martha Stewart and good ole Pinterest.

Prepping the main course for a 16 people party is hard work but looking online for menu options is actually quite enjoyable! Martha Stewart never disappoints with her suggestions:

Photo credit: Martha Stewart

Like we already mentioned above, alcoholic beverages (that look pretty) are key as well:

Photo credit: Such the Spot, Bunsen Burner Bakery, and Half Baked Harvest 

If you’re one of my 16 guests reading this, I hope you’re getting excited!

Keeping Your Guests Entertained

//Music//

This part of the planning is more for after the guests have arrived at your house. What music playlist are you using for this holiday season? My usual is Michael Bublé. But this year I’ve discovered a new artist whose Christmas songs I absolutely adore – Broadway musician Leslie Odom Jr. and his Simply Christmas album. If you like jazz, you will LOVE this album.

//Games for Kids//

Another unique thing about hosting holiday parties in your 30’s, is that more often than not you have little people on your invite list. I have the plan on keeping them entertained (more like occupied LOL). Pinterest offers lots of ideas on this front:

Photo credit: Play Party Plan, Playground Parkbench, Housing a Forest

Delegate If you Need To

Remember to keep the planning process fun for yourself too. No one wants a grumpy and exhausted host when they ring your doorbell! I have been playing Leslie Odom Jr.’s Simply Christmas album as I wrote this, it puts me in the holiday spirit and definitely made the writing process even more fun! Keep these tips in mind as you flesh out your plan:

• Have a potluck if you’d rather not cook for such a large group
• If you anticipate left-overs, remind guests to bring their own Tupperware
• If there are little things like paper plates, napkins, beers, and wine that you don’t have just yet, why not ask some of your guests to bring them?
• Email/phone everyone a week before to remind your guests of the party

That’s it! Tune into Instagram to see how my Holiday Friendsmas Party goes. I can’t wait!!

Disclaimer: This post is kindly sponsored by Basic Invite through compensation and provided me with the samples above at a very low cost to me. All review is based my experience and opinion.