So this may be silly to a lot of you, but I am kind of freaking out. We are having an Ugly Sweater Christmas party tomorrow night. I have wanted to host a party for awhile, just never got around to it. So we invited some people from husbands work, parents of our kids friends and our own friends. Children will be at the party too. To my surprise, most people RSVP'd yes and we have about 35 adults and 10+ kids coming. Their are a few groups of people and while everyone will know someone, they won't know everyone. Is this typically how parties go? I guess I am just worried that people will not have fun and not mingle with one another. We will have a fire-pit in the backyard and marshmallow roasting for the kids and of course our kids have their toys, videos games, etc. Will the adults be OK just having a few cocktails and eating lots of food?
It sounds great. Normal party. If you want to have a good laugh with everyone -- have a bowl and some pieces of paper for people to vote on the ugliest sweater. :-) Then offer a crazy tie or hair bow (depending on gender) Or a beer.
Sounds like lots of fun to me..
Make sure you have some music going on.. That adds a nice touch also not every light in your house has to be turned on bright.. A nice glow of lights helps set a calmer mood for everyone and helps them to relax.
Remember even your guests can be nervous about you.. So just be natural and enjoy yourself. Take time to just stand aside and look at peoples faces and listen to the great sounds of people just enjoying each other. Merry Christmas!
Yes, this is normal! Don't worry. Sounds lovely.
You make me feel better - I tend to NOT even have parties b/c I have the same anxiety!! I try to look at it this way - you're providing a gathering place. You're not there to entertain everyone. I went to a party a few years ago with the same kind of mix of people that you're describing. The hostess had name tags at the front door. People were instructed to write their name and then 2 true things about themselves and 1 false thing. Then you start meeting people and trying to figure out what their true/false things are. It was a GREAT icebreakers, and started lots of fun conversations. I think I wrote something like 1) I swam in college, 2) My brother is a surgeon, 3) I was arrested once for using a fake ID. That gave people something to talk about. It was fun. I've actually never had that much fun meeting people :)
Oh wait a minute - I must not have written all 3 of those things, since they're ALL true! Duh. It's hard to come up with a false one that one be too obvious!! Haha. Have a good time.
I have this kind of anxiety, too (I just posted about worrying about food!). When we are invited to parties, I am always glad if I know someone, but we never expect to know everyone, and feel like it's our job as guests to mingle and meet people. It's nice when the host tries to find common ground ("did you meet Bob, their kids play basketball too") to get the ball rolling, but I never expect it.
People will mingle to their comfort level. Some people are just quiet and keep more to themselves, and some completely work the room. And kids, well, they just have a ball. Everyone will be fine and have a great time! Sounds like fun, enjoy!
I was going to suggest name tags too!
We hosted a Halloween party with 10 families. 3 were joining us for the first time. So I had everyone, including kids wear name tags. Everyone thought it was great because then you don't have the 'what's your name' moment.
I also had people put something else on there to help with connections.
'Chris
(Carson's dad)'
'M.
(Sarah's mom)'
Awesome theme -- I may have to steal that one! I think the best parties have a good mix of people. Don't worry, everyone will loosen up after a cocktail or two. And yes, mood is so important, like Laurie A said. Have Christmas tunes on, lamps and dimmers in appropriate spots, and lots of munchies and you'll be fine. I also love the idea of the "best ugly sweater" contest -- yes!
I just went to a neighbor's Christmas ornament exchange party last night. The neighbor is someone I don't know very well or many of the other guests either. It seemed to me as though this was a general feeling all around. However, after an hour or so things started warming up - more people came, people were getting introduced/familiar with others and the ice broke. It ended up being fun! The same thing will happen here.
That is not silly at all. They will all have a fun, cocktails and food are the best. Enjoy your party and Merry Christmas.
I think it sounds like a lot of fun!! Enjoy your party :)
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I love Katie L's idea about the name tags!! Most of all have fun!!
Blessings!
D.
Don't stress! I freak out about hosting parties too! I actually have one tonight after work and unfortunately most people RSVP'd no :( I was pretty last minute with invites but I'm trying not to stress about it plus it's one of those Lia Sophia jewelry parties SOO I don't have to do too much...but I found a really awesome party planning guide that I will definitely use before planning my next party :) GOOD LUCK sweetie! Ohhh and it'll be fine! A lot of parties people know only a few others there...it'll be fine and as long as you have food drinks and music you are good :)
Here's the party planning guide > http://www.skinnyscoop.com/list/claudia/the-ultimate-holi...
As long as there are cocktails involved, it should be grand!
I went to a similar party for Halloween, and had a blast! I met some new friends, and caught up with old ones. I'm sure everyone will be very appreciative that you are willing to host!
