A Few Simple Tips To Help Save Your Holiday Party

By Suzanne Monaghan

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — ‘Tis the season for entertaining. And one local event planner has some tips on how to plan a holiday party everyone will enjoy, including the host.

Most importantly — know your audience.

“If you have small children, engage the children,” says Sheila Corbett, owner of Elegant Events. “Let them do some small DIY projects.”

Remember the menu for a party needs to be different than a sit down dinner.

“A lot of times people just pick their favorite recipes,” Corbett says, “and don’t realize that it is something that’s a little difficult to eat standing.”

Corbett says the biggest mistake people make is taking on too much.

“Design a menu that’s easy to prepare,” she says, “and easy to serve.”

And consider getting some help from the elves.

“Bring in staffing to set up, serve and clean up,” Corbett suggests.

Because having a stressed out host is about as much fun as getting coal in your stocking.