PLAN NOW, PARTY LATER — YOUR GUIDE TO STRESS-FREE CELEBRATIONS

Holiday Hosting Tip #1 — Plan now, party later! Stress-free planning, realistic menus, and the must-have checklist from AK Events’ Chaos Coordinator.

The holidays are coming fast — and so is the chaos. Between family schedules, menu planning, and remembering where you stored your good serving spoons, it’s easy to feel like your to-do list is running the show.

Here’s the secret to actually enjoying your own holiday gathering: start early, plan smart, and let go of perfect.

🗓️ Start With the Guest List

Before you pick a menu or even a date, figure out who’s coming. The size of your guest list determines everything — space, food, seating, and even your drink budget.

• Create a quick spreadsheet or note in your phone with guest names and dietary needs.

• Ask early about allergies or restrictions (your cousin’s new vegan phase deserves a little respect).

🍽️ Build Your Menu Around Reality

Yes, you could roast three meats, bake from scratch, and craft cocktails to rival a speakeasy … but should you?

• Choose one wow dish and let the rest be simple, delicious, and easy to prep ahead.

• Accept that store-bought is still served with love.

• Plan at least one dish you can make the day before — future you will be grateful.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Delegate Like a Boss

Hosting doesn’t mean doing it alone.

• Let guests bring an appetizer, dessert, or bottle of wine.

• Hand off small tasks — someone can take coats, refill ice, or light candles.

• Remember: your job is to host, not hover.

🕯️ Think Beyond the Menu

The vibe matters as much as the food. Start sketching out your decor theme, playlist, and lighting early. A cozy candle glow and good music can make even boxed potatoes feel fancy.

📝 Make a Master List

You don’t need a fancy planner — just a solid checklist.

Include:

• Groceries (and what can be bought early)

• Serving ware and decor

• Cleaning tasks (be realistic, not heroic)

• A “day of” schedule so you can actually sit down and eat hot food for once

🧘 Embrace Imperfect Perfection

Your guests won’t remember if the napkins matched. They’ll remember how they felt.When the unexpected happens — and it will — laugh it off. That’s the holiday magic.

From the Clipboard of a Chaos Coordinator:

“Don’t try to be Martha Stewart and Santa Claus at the same time. Be the host who actually eats dinner and enjoys the night.”

FAQs:

• How far in advance should I start planning? 3–4 weeks before your event.

• What’s the first thing I should check off? Guest list and date — everything else follows.

• How do I plan if I don’t know who’s coming yet? Work from a “core list” and leave room for maybes.