I love hosting parties at Christmas time, since I shared last week some secrets for Christmas cocktails to wow your friends I wanted to share some tips I've discovered and use for my annual Christmas party with my girlfriends. I've hosted this party every December since we all started our freshman year of college. It began with the intent to get everyone from high school back together during the Christmas break and now is something I always look forward to. This year will be fun since it is the first time having our girls party at my newly renovated home.

My tips for hosting Christmas gatherings:

1) I like to set up champagne as people walk in the door, it's a good greeting! Cheers!

2) Now for the reverse, I saw this leaving a Christmas party this weekend. A bucket of water at the door for people to take as they leave. I loved this idea!

3) EVERYONE always gathers in the kitchen, keep that in mind when you are placing food stations and desserts. It can get crowded in the kitchen area so use your space wisely. For instance, you could set up the bar in a different room.

4) Small bottles of water on hand or pitcher of water. I love a water pitcher filled with lemons, limes, or oranges.

5) I love the idea of a sit down dinner, but unless you have called in a caterer/chef to stay for the duration of the party then that is just too much for the host to handle. Handheld food and chafing dishes are my go tos. If you host parties often I would recommend investing in nice chafing dishes so you can keep food warm.

6) Buy a veggie tray! As much as you don't like veggies every other day of the year, they are always a hit at a party...don't ask me why but even I'll dip a carrot in ranch and continue mingling.

7) Play music in the background! Bose makes a great speaker that will work.

8) I always have candles lit, ps: candles are my favorite so I've linked some great candles below!

9) My favorite things to have at Christmas parties are make ahead appetizers and finger foods; meat and cheese tray, veggie tray, shrimp cocktail, cake balls for dessert, cold dips and chips, mini quiches, tomatoe/mozzarella skewer with drizzled balsamic glaze & basil, and much more!

9) Have fun, if you are stressed your guests will know it.