11 Steps to Planning a Christmas Dinner Party: From theme, invitation, food, & music
A new homeowner's guide to throwing your first festive year-end party.
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Organising your first gathering in a new abode can be a memorable and challenging task. As you settle into your new apartment home, it’s time to celebrate and share your joy with friends and loved ones.
11 Steps to Plan a Christmas Party
Hosting a festive year-end party is the perfect way to showcase your new space and create lasting memories. But where do you begin? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive checklist for throwing your first home party.
Let’s dive in and make your soirée a memorable bash!
1. Set the Date and Theme
The first step in planning your festive year-end party is to set a date that works for you and your guests. Consider the holiday season and any potential conflicts, ensuring you choose a day that allows everyone to attend.
Once you have your date, it’s time to decide on a theme. Whether it’s a glamorous winter wonderland or a cosy holiday movie night, a theme adds a touch of magic to your party and helps guide your decor choices.
2. Create a Guest List
Next, compile a guest list of friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers you’d like to invite. Consider the size of your space and aim for a balanced mix of personalities to ensure a lively atmosphere.
If you’re open to expanding your guest list, encourage your trusted friends to bring a friend, adding a touch of diversity and excitement to the party. Remember to consider any potential clashes between guests and strive for a harmonious gathering.
3. Design Invitation Cards Online
Once you have your guest list finalised, it’s time to send out invitations. Embrace the digital age with beautifully designed e-invites or opt for traditional paper invitations if you prefer a more personal touch.
Make sure to include all the essential details such as the date, time, venue address, theme, and any special instructions or requests. If you’re feeling creative, add a hint of mystery to pique your guests’ curiosity and build anticipation.
For designing invitation cards for your festive year-end party, here are some online options:
Canva
Canva offers a wide range of customisable e-invitation templates, including festive and year-end party themes. You can add your own text, images, and decorations to make the invite unique to your event.
Evite
Evite allows you to create and customise digital invitations for various occasions, including year- end parties. It offers features like RSVP tracking, guest messaging, and the option to include event details and directions.
Photo Pexels
Paperless Post
Paperless Post provides a stylish and customisable platform for creating digital invitations. You can choose from a variety of festive designs and personalize the invitation with your own text and event details.
Adobe Express
Adobe Express offers a user-friendly interface for creating stunning e-invitations. You can select from a range of templates and customise them with your own images, text, and colors to match your festive party theme.
4. Plan Your Christmas Decor Theme
Transform your new apartment home into a festive wonderland with carefully chosen decor. Consider your theme and select decorations that reflect the ambiance you want to create. From twinkling lights and garlands to elegant centerpieces and seasonal accents, let your personal style shine through.
Don’t forget to adorn your entrance to make a memorable first impression. And for a touch of whimsy, consider creating a photo booth area with props for your guests to enjoy.
Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, these party decoration shops are perfect for finding all your festive decoration needs. Here’s where to find them and why they’re worth a visit.
Party City
Party City is a one-stop shop for all party supplies. They offer a wide range of decorations for different themes and occasions, making it easy to find everything you need in one place.
Party City is located at 277 Orchard Road, #B2-30 Orchard Gateway, Singapore 238858.
The Party Stuff
Known for their vast collection of balloons and themed party decorations, The Party Stuff caters to a variety of tastes and party themes.
The Party Stuff is located at 3 Temasek Boulevard, #03-359 Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983.
SKP
SKP is your go-to for affordable party supplies. From disposable tableware to festive decorations, they have a wide selection that won’t break the bank.
SKP is at multiple locations including 23 Serangoon Central, #04- 03 Nex, Singapore 556083.
Give Fun
Specialising in balloons and unique party essentials, Give Fun offers a range of stylish and modern decorations, perfect for a contemporary celebration.
Give Fun is located at Oxley Bizhub, 61 Ubi Road 1, #03-08, Singapore 408727.
Misty Daydream
Known for their custom-made party decorations and wide range of balloon designs, Misty Daydream adds a personal touch to your celebrations.
Misty Daydream is located at Ang Mo Kio Street 62, #08-25, Singapore 569139.
Party Wholesale Centre
They offer a comprehensive range of party supplies at wholesale prices, making it ideal for large-scale events or parties on a budget.
Party Wholesale Centre is located at 81 Frankel Avenue, Singapore 458209.
Hsen Global Pte Ltd
Hsen Global is a hidden gem for unique and affordable party supplies, with a variety of themes and decorations to choose from.
Hsen Global 605A MacPherson Road, #01-19 Citimac Industrial Complex, Singapore 368240.
Party & Gifts
This store is known for its extensive range of fun and quirky party supplies. Whether it’s for a birthday bash or a festive celebration, they have something to suit every occasion.
Party & Gifts is located at 63 Kaki Bukit Avenue 1, #05-02, Shun Li Industrial Park, Singapore 417943.
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5. Prepare Christmas Your Menu
The menu is a crucial aspect of any successful party. Consider your guests’ dietary preferences and any allergies or restrictions when planning your menu.
If you’re feeling ambitious, prepare a selection of homemade dishes that can be made in advance.
Alternatively, you can opt for a catered spread or a potluck-style gathering, where each guest brings a dish to share. Don’t forget to include festive cocktails, mocktails, and a variety of beverages to keep your guests refreshed throughout the night.
No time to cook? Help is just a click away. Consider these catering services so you can devote more time to spend with your guests.
Grain Catering
Grain brings healthy and guilt-free Christmas Party Sets, including smoked mesquite whole roast chicken and triple citrus salmon parcel.
Chilli Manis
Known for blending traditional flavors with modern splendor, Chilli Manis offers a range of Christmas classics and Peranakan favorites, including garlic rosemary rotisserie chicken and creamy Tuscan roasted dory fish.
Chico Loco
Offering a Mexican-themed Christmas, Chico Loco’s menu includes traditional herb-marinated turkey with gravy and smoked maple agave gammon ham.
Green Common
For a plant-based twist, Green Common offers options like butternut pumpkin soup and Omni luncheon Aglio olio.
Fairmont
Fairmont’s festive menu includes a range of winter roasts, savory sides, and delectable desserts, perfect for a hassle-free holiday party.
1-Group
1-Group provides options like traditional roast turkey, honey and mustard glazed bone-in ham, and rosemary-marinated leg of lamb.
Paul
Paul offers a Christmas menu with canapes like smoked duck breast with hoisin sauce and main courses featuring roasted turkey and baked ham.
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
Their menu includes Guinness malt- beer whole roast turkey with sage and walnut stuffing and slow-smoked beef striploin.
Stamford Catering
They offer a Christmas feast option serving 10-12 people, including a traditional roast turkey with chicken chestnut stuffing and cranberry compote.
Park Royal Collection Marina Bay
Park Royal Collection Marina Bay features festive takeaways like roasted turkey with rosemary and cajun spices, and glazed boneless ham with gingerbread spices.
Photo Pexels
6. Prepare Your Christmas Home Decor
In the days leading up to your party, give your new apartment Pay extra attention to the areas where guests will gather, such as the living room, dining area, and bathrooms.
Declutter and create ample space for mingling and conversation.
Set up additional seating if necessary and ensure your space is well-lit and inviting. Don’t forget to designate an area for your guests’ bags and belongings.
7. Create the Christmas Ambience
Lighting and ambiance play a crucial role in creating a memorable party atmosphere. Consider using a combination of warm string lights, candles, and soft overhead lighting to create a cozy and enchanting ambiance.
Dim the lights for a more intimate feel during dinner or turn up the brightness for lively dancing later in the evening. Experiment with different lighting options to find the perfect balance for your festive year-end party.
8. Welcome Your Christmas Guests
As your guests arrive, greet them warmly and make them feel at home in your new space. Offer them a festive drink or a signature cocktail to kick-start the celebration. Provide a brief tour of your apartment home, highlighting any unique features or decorations.
Encourage your guests to mingle and introduce themselves, creating a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Remember, as the host, your energy and enthusiasm will set the tone for the entire evening.
9. Capture Photographs at Photo Booth
A festive year-end party is an occasion worth remembering. Set up a designated area for photos where your guests can capture fun and candid moments throughout the night.
Consider creating a DIY photo booth with props and a backdrop or provide disposable cameras for a nostalgic touch. Encourage your guests to share their photos on social media using a custom hashtag, allowing everyone to relive the memories long after the party is over.
10. Enjoy the Christmas Celebration
Once all the preparations are complete, it’s time to relax and enjoy the festivities. Take a moment to appreciate the joyous atmosphere you’ve created and the company of your loved ones.
Remember, the most important part of any party is the connection and laughter shared among friends. Embrace the spirit of the festive season and celebrate the start of a new chapter in your new apartment home.
11. Set up a party playlist
Music sets the mood and keeps the energy flowing at your festive year-end party. Create a playlist that complements your theme and caters to the tastes of your guests. Include a mix of holiday classics, popular hits, and songs that encourage dancing and merriment.
If you’re not sure where to start, there are numerous online platforms that offer curated playlists for every occasion. Remember to test the playlist in advance to ensure a seamless flow throughout the night.
Here’s a mix of classic hits, current chart-toppers, and feel-good tunes to keep your guests entertained and the energy high:
Levitating by Dua Lipa
A modern pop hit with an infectious beat.
Dancing Queen by Abba
A disco favorite that never fails to fill the dance floor.
24K Magic by Bruno Mars
A funky, fresh song with a throwback feel.
Shape of You by Ed Sheeran
A contemporary hit with a rhythm that’s hard to resist.
Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO
An electronic dance hit that livens up the mood.
Billie Jillie Jean by Michael Jackson
A timeless pop classic with an unforgettable beat.
Sugar by Maroon 5
A sweet, upbeat track that adds a touch of romance.
Fireworks by Katy Perry
An empowering and vibrant song to end the night on a high note.
Can't Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake
An uplifting song perfect for a joyous celebration.
September Earth, Wind & Fire
A classic that brings a feel-good vibe.
12. Reflect and Plan for Future Parties
After your festive year-end party comes to an end, take some time to reflect on the experience. Note what worked well and what could be improved for future gatherings.