Pt 2 Holiday Parties: Invitations

To make sure they show up and they know what kind of party it is, invite your guests at least three times:

1. Consult your guests and family find out when is the right time for a party, find out what kind of party they would like. This relates to Part 1 – Consulting.

Have a general idea of what kind of party you are having, will it be formal, casual, all ages or just adults, sit down dinner or buffet. Will you have a theme? Will you be having games for children or adults? Will it be a sing a long or a potluck or come over and bake.

Once you have decided all this you can start sending out invitations.

2. Sometimes simply phoning works but often people say they’ll come or say they’ll write it down but don’t. For large parties you might consider written mailed invitations. The invitation should reflect the kind of party you are having whether it is fun and casual or elegant and formal. The invitations should also indicate which holiday - St. Nicholas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Boxing Day or New Years or just general Winter celebration. Unless you know your guests frequently use, read and reply to their email, don’t rely on it. Its easy to delete emails.

3. About a week before the event phone everyone to remind them. This is important especially if you are going to have party favors or organize a game.

Don’t pester, don’t persuade or nag. If they can't make it, be polite. Don't sound desparate. Three times should be enough.

See Survival Guide to Holiday Parties for more ideas.

Also read Part 1 – Holiday Parties – Consulting.

Part 2 - Lists

Part 4 - Help

Part 5 - Decorations

Part 6 - Food