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In 2005, my husband and I decided to throw a white elephant party.
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We have kept the tradition and are celebrating our 20th White Elephant Festival this year.
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I think planning ahead is the one big secret to throwing a party.
In December 2005, the Boxing Day that my husband and I got married, we thought it would be fun to have some friends over. white elephant festival. The idea was classic and the atmosphere was as simple as you’d expect from a bunch of 22-year-old newlywed hosts.
About a dozen of our friends gathered at our apartment for an exchange ridiculous presentsa pan of boxed brownies and a couple of liters of soda (complete with the requisite red Solo cups).
We all ended up laughing so hard at the gifts that the next year we decided to do it again, and again, and again. This December will be our 20the white elephant festival.
We meet with 50 people
What started as a handful of recent college graduates coming of age has grown into a 50-person dinner that people tell us they look forward to all year long. Although we’ve pared things down to a fancy menu and a larger, more tastefully decorated home, our gift rule remains the same: bring the worst, funniest gift you can find. I’ve been picking out this year’s gift for months, and no, I’m not telling you what it is.
Putting on such big holiday gathering over twenty years has taught me a thing or two about gracious hosting. My goal every year is to create a white elephant party that is fun and memorable, but doesn’t take up my entire December. Although I’m still a little tense on the day of the event, I always end the evening feeling like my emotional cup is full. Here are some of my top tips for holiday entertaining with less stress.
I always plan ahead
It’s a dead horse to beat, but I’m convinced plan ahead is the key to successful entertainment. If you want to host a party during the holidays, set a date early and let the invitees know. I’m mailing paper invitations sometime in mid-November for a party in mid-to-late December.
Planning is also critical for details like food and party activities. Put together a menu a few weeks in advance or contact a caterer to do this for you. Then use the weeks leading up to a party to make and freeze food give potluck assignments. I also feel like some planned activity always enhances a party. Eating and chatting is all well and good, but group games or giving crazy gifts really make an event stand out.
I try not to do it all myself
I’m a nutritionist and, admittedly, a bit of a perfectionist. In other words, it is difficult for me to hand over control of cooking to others. But I notice that I am much less stressed when I don’t do it all myself. My secret to feeding 50 people is a combination of homemade and purchased items. I pick up a neat tray of Middle Eastern or Italian dishes from a local restaurant and then supplement it with additional homemade sides and desserts.
I like mixing groups of friends
Are you afraid that people won’t get along because of their politics or personality? That’s okay. Your friends are adults. Trust them to be polite to each other. And especially this year, don’t be afraid to make a statement at the start of a party to the effect of ‘no politics tonight’.
I have personally witnessed that bringing different types together in a social setting often helps humanize those “on the other side.” Friends from different corners of my life have become real friends thanks to our annual white elephant. Make your home a space where people come together and have fun despite their differences. Everyone will be better off for it.
I enjoy what I have created
My favorite thing about our 20 years of white elephant celebrations isn’t the decadent cheesecake I always make or even the hilarious gifts that are almost legendary.
It is knowing that my husband and I have created memories of joy and friendship for those we love. Our party is the Christmas gift I give to our friends every year.
It delights me as much as I hope it delights them. During your own holiday entertainment, take a moment to enjoy the beauty of bringing people together to celebrate the season. I promise it’s worth it.
Read the original article Business insider