Host The Perfect Holiday Party

Open any glossy magazine cover this month and you’ll notice no shortage of party planning advice- Seven Simple Steps to a Perfect Holiday Party!, Party Planning on a Budget!, This Holiday’s Hottest Party Playlists!, Perfect Party Dresses! Oh my!

Today, we present to you party planning advice from a muddy-sneakered, wide-grinned, sun-soaked Rockbrook Girl.

If a summer camp camper or Rockbrook counselor were to take the lead on a holiday party advice article, here’s what she might say….

Dear Rockbrook Girl,
Let’s talk food. What should I serve? Hors D’oeuvres? Scallops wrapped in bacon? Artichoke dip? I need advice on menu planning.
Yours,
Munchies

Dear Munchies,

Keep things simple and fun! Old standbys like s’mores, GORP, puppy chow, and drippy ice cream cones are great. It’s always a good idea to roast your party food over an open fire- hotdogs, banana boats, tin-foil pancakes. Of course, milk and cookies are a huge hit!

Yours,
Rockbrook Girl

Dear Rockbrook Girl,
I’m looking for good conversations starters for my holiday party. Any suggestions?
Yours,
Chatty Kathy

Dear Chatty,

Great question! It’s a wonderful idea to ask your guests about themselves. It will make everyone at your party feel comfortable and supported. Make sure to listen actively and the conversation will get rolling in no time. Here are a few of my favorites:

Tell me about the last book you read?

I heard you can divide two three-digit numbers in your head! How do you do that?

What makes you laugh?

If you couldn’t watch television, how would you spend your time?

Do you have any pets?

Yours,
Rockbrook Girl

Dear Rockbrook Girl,
What should I wear at my party? I hear so much about holiday fashion these days, I just don’t know what’s trendy.
Yours,
Trendy Wendy

Dear Trendy,

Well, red and white are always in fashion! My advise is this, dress for function. Ensure that you are warm, cozy and comfortable while hosting for the holidays. Anything that you can jump, swim, roll, giggle, zoom, run, swing, stretch, and dance in is a must. It’s not at all about how you look, it’s all about how you feel!

Yours,
Rockbrook Girl

Dear Rockbrook Girl,
I’m wondering about presents. Should I ask my guests to bring gifts to my party?
Yours,
Wrapped Up

Dear Wrapped,

I love this question! By inviting guests to your party, you’ve automatically asked them to bring gifts to share with everyone! Each and every one of your guests has something beautiful to share with the world; they have their own unique set of talents and traits that are- are you ready?- GIFTS! At your party, instead of requesting that your guests offer up something synthetic just ask them to bring themselves- perfect and priceless.

Yours,
Rockbrook Girl