Maybe you're sick of visiting your embarrassing aunt and uncle every year, or the person who usually hosts Christmas moved to the Bahamas — whatever the reason, this could be the year for you to step up to the plate and host the annual Christmas party.

Having your whole family or all your friends over can seem like a burden at first, but when the day comes and you finally look around the room and see everyone talking and laughing while enjoying the food you prepared, it will be worth it.

Now it's time to start planning. Planning ahead will save you a lot of time and stress later, so start early to ensure party perfection.

Make A List Check It Twice!)
You don't want to invite too few people or it could get really awkward really fast, but you also don't want your house to be so overcrowded that no one can mingle without needing to shout.

When contacting the people on your guest list, be sure to give them enough time to make arrangements and clear their calendars. You should invite them at least one week before the event.

Keep in mind that the more time you give your invitees, the greater the chances are that they will be free to attend your event, especially at this busy time of year.

Prepare Your Place
Assuming that this party will take place at your own house, put away all of your valuables and be sure to lock doors to rooms you don't want people to enter.

It's the holiday season, so decorate your house accordingly: if it's a Christmas party, you probably want a Christmas tree!

Some other ways you can make your house fit the part: hang lights around doorways, light candles, wrap boxes to look like gifts, tie bows around lamps or chairs, have holiday music playing in the background at all times, and if you have a fireplace, use it.

The smallest details can improve your party by a lot.

Munchies & Mocktails
The next thing you should focus your attention on is food. Depending on the amount of people at your event, you will need to make enough food to feed everyone... and then some.

Not having enough food is a major flaw in your party planning. Find recipes that are easy to make and are holiday-related. Having a big turkey or ham is a great idea, but make sure you start cooking it soon enough in the day — plan ahead!

During the day before your party, and the day of, you will probably need to spend most of the day cooking and preparing before your guests arrive. People may offer to bring food, so in this case be sure not to have too many similar food dishes.

One cute idea is to create a themed cocktail or mocktail (non-alcoholic drink) to serve to your guests — check the recipe card (on the right) for one idea that's sure to make a splash!

Have a variety of appetizers, salads and desserts to suit a variety of tastes, and keep your guests' allergies and food preferences in mind. If someone is a vegetarian, make sure that not every dish contains meat.

Don't Stress
On the day of the party, be sure to have everything ready (including yourself) an hour before the party begins. This will give you some time to relax and collect yourself before your house is full of your family and friends. Don't stress yourself out too much; welcome your guests with a warm smile at the door, and enjoy your evening!

Recipe Card

Cherry Bomb
Cocktail/Mocktail
Recipe from marthastewart.com

Ingredients
- 1 cup grenadine
- 1 litre clear citrus soda or seltzer
- 18 maraschino cherries

Directions
1. Place two cups water in a medium saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add grenadine; stir to combine. (Boiling blends the water with the grenadine and ensures your ice cubes will be clear, not cloudy). Pour mixture into two ice-cube trays. Freeze until solid, two hours or overnight.

2. Fill six glasses with grenadine ice cubes. Top with soda — add 1 ounce vodka for a cocktail. Garnish with cherries and serve.