Hurrah! You've managed to lock down a date for your Christmas party 2019 with your loved ones! That alone is no mean feat, but what's next? A successful party lives on in everyone's memory long after the last glass of wine has been sipped. Getting organised is the best way to ensure you and your guests will have an amazing time. This Christmas party checklist covers menu-planning, grocery shopping, home décor and more to keep your party planning well on track! This means no multiple mad dashes to the supermarket, no last-minute pizza delivery, no surprises. Get ready for a Christmas celebration to remember!

In this article:

1. How to plan a Christmas party menu
2. Go grocery shopping with intention
3. Easy cooking & prepping
4. How to prep your home for parties
5. Plan entertainment

1. How to plan a Christmas party menu

Note dietary restrictions
With diet fads out there, it's important to stay on top of your guests' dietary restrictions and plan the menu accordingly. Paleo? Keto? Vegetarian? Vegan? Pescatarian? Chances are, someone in your guestlist has a dietary preference. We've all been in that awkward situation where a friend brings a partner to a party and no one remembered he's vegan! Be a great host and ensure all your guests feel at ease with the party menu.

Get inspiration from Giant's Christmas recipes
A crucial part of hosting a great Christmas party is deciding which recipes to go with. Before you roll up your sleeves and take on more than you can handle to impress your guests, consider your skill level and time limitations, or risk feeling stressed and overwhelmed. If you're having difficulty figuring out what to include in your Christmas spread, check out recipes and tips on Giant's website for inspiration!

Write an ultimate grocery list
Once the full menu has been finalised, the next step is to write a master grocery list. To avoid food waste, be sure to check your existing supplies and list down exactly what you need to buy. With a master grocery list, you can go straight for what you need, no distractions.

2. Go grocery shopping with intention

Buy non-perishables in advance
When you're planning a large party, it is unlikely that one trip to the grocery store will cover all your needs. Pick up non-perishables such as partyware, alcohol, and other pantry staples well in advance so you won't have to worry about them when the date draws near.

Buy perishables
The festive period is when refrigerator real-estate becomes the most sought-after. Clear out your refrigerator before making this grocery trip to ensure that there's room for fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and dessert. Christmas season also means crowded grocery stores and long queues. If you want to be extra efficient, order online and schedule your delivery 2 to 3 days before your party.

Order festive staples through Giant's Christmas Order Program
If you want to organise a sensational party but don't want to slave away in the kitchen, let Giant do the hard work for you. Easily feed a large group of people with the Hearty Christmas Feast which comprises a generous combination of roast chicken, smoked sausages, ham and roast beef.

Not planning a huge party? No problem. A la carte options are also available. Ordering the main components of your Christmas meal helps to minimise prep time, reduce stress, and leave more room for merry-making!

What's more, spend a minimum of $50 on a single receipt at Giant and stand the chance to win your dream holiday! More details here.

Buy Christmas gifts
Maximise your time by picking out gifts while grocery shopping! We've all had to buy last-minute gifts and you'll be happy to know that Giant also offers gift ideas that are perfect whether you're buying for family members, friends or colleagues.

3. Easy cooking and prepping

Start prepping in advance
Don't leave the prep work to the last minute. Study your menu and consider what you can do in advance. This can mean defrosting and brining poultry the day before or preparing a chocolate mousse the morning of your party. The aim is to be fresh and ready to party by the time your guests arrive.

Use handy home appliances to ease the process
For the amateur home-cook, cooking for a large group might conjure images of a messy kitchen and burnt food. However, with a few handy home appliances, cooking for your friends and family might not be such a daunting task. A hand mixer can help you whip up the perfect meringue, while an air fryer can take the grease and mess out of deep-frying a large amount of finger food. Let our trusty electronic assistants help you cook with ease.

Serve buffet-style
Unless you have an entourage of butlers to assist you, a sit-down dinner is something you'd want to avoid. A casual buffet spread where guests can help themselves to the food is the way to go. Set up a drinks dispenser or throw canned drinks and ice into a cooler box so you won't have to worry about refilling glasses. Delegate tasks such as turkey carving and ham slicing to your guests so that you won't need to juggle too many things at once.

4. How to prep your home for parties

Clean your home
Before welcoming guests into your home, do a thorough cleaning of all common areas. For bathrooms in particular, ensure that fresh towels are on display, hand soap is refilled, and ample rolls of toilet paper are provided. Before your guests arrive, light an aromatic candle or two to keep the bathrooms smelling fresh.

Set up some tunes
Nothing sets the festive mood more than Christmas music. If you're a music maestro, impress your guests with your own curated playlist. Short of time? No problem. Spotify also offers a host of Christmas playlists that are sure to delight your guests. If all else fails, Michael Bublé’s Christmas album is a safe bet.

Put up Christmas decorations
A Christmas tree with twinkling lights, decorations and lined with wrapped-up presents is a warm and welcoming sight. First, retrieve any old decorations stashed away in storage. Give them a good dusting and throw away those that do not spark joy anymore. Shop for whatever you need and spend an afternoon with your family setting up the tree and putting up decorations

5. Plan entertainment

Plan games and activities
Sometimes the party vibe dips after everyone's had their fill of the food. This is the time to whip out the games! Divide your guests into groups and play a round of Pictionary or Charades. If you have different groups of friends coming together, engaging in a game is a sure way to encourage interaction and enliven the party.

Set up a photobooth
Everyone loves a good photo, especially one that can be shared on social media. Set up a simple photobooth with a backdrop and props and watch your friends go wild with the photos.

Pulling off a Christmas celebration need not be a stressful affair. Follow this party checklist and you'll be well on your way to making beautiful memories with your friends and family. While gearing up for the Christmas party season this year, check out the wide range of promotions and activities happening at Giant!