How to Throw a Christmas Party As a Teenager

Steps

Carefully consider the benefits and risks. You will probably have to shoulder the responsibility of cleaning, inviting, and preparing, so make sure you're ready.

Gather your options. Before you go to ask your parents for permission or help, make a list of menu options (such as homemade, catering, bring-your-own-side-dish, etc.), activity options (board games? Holiday movies?), date and time possibilities, and special-case plans (such as what to do with young children, etc.).

Approach your parents. Calmly and respectfully, present your ideas to them and offer them the different options.

Compile a guest list once you have your green light. Be careful to consider friendships, rivalries, space constraints, and personal issues (such as extreme shyness or alcoholism).

Decide on a theme. It will make it much easier to purchase or make decorations if you already have your theme in mind.

Decide on a time and date. Depending on your theme, you may wish to host your party earlier or later in the day. Be sure to schedule it before people leave for vacations, and remember work and school hours.

Decide on a location. The best idea may be to host at your home, where you and everyone else will be familiar with the surroundings. However, you may wish to look into renting a small banquet hall or room at a restaurant.

Purchase/make and fill out invitations. Be sure to provide a phone number that you can be reached on, and give clear directions. Write neatly!

Purchase/make decorations. See Tips for some lovely ideas.

The day or night before the party:

Begin to prepare the food. Make things like dips and other cold things first and store them in the refrigerator.

Prepare the house (if you are hosting it there). This means vacuuming, cleaning the bathrooms to be used by guests, and dusting.

The day of the party:

Put together your drinks and main courses a few hours before the start of the party.

Set out the food about five or ten minutes before the guests start to arrive.