Parties are a highlight of the holidays. It's fun to get together with family and friends to celebrate this festive season. If you're planning a gathering, you know there is much preparation — from food and drink to decorations and music. The last thing on your mind at this happy and bustling time of year is your homeowner's or tenant's insurance policy. But, you'll be thankful you have it should something go wrong.
Holiday Party Planning Checklist
When planning your party, this checklist can help you have fun and stay safe.
- Be sure your front walk, steps, driveway and sidewalk are cleared of snow and ice.
- Make sure your property is well lit so guests can see where they're stepping.
- Place your valuables safely out of sight so they can’t be damaged or broken, and close doors to bedrooms and private areas.
- Serve plenty of food throughout the evening, but avoid serving too many salty foods, as these tend to make people thirsty and encourage them to drink more.
- If you'll be serving warm appetizers and bites, remember to never leave stove top cooking unattended and keep the cooking area clear of combustibles—potholders, towels, and the like.
- Make sure your fire alarms work and have an extinguisher ready.
- Minimize the candles. While candles add to the festive atmosphere they can be dangerous if not placed strategically away from the activity and away from other flammables.
- Have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages on hand.
- Stay sober. As the host, you are responsible for your guests, and the only way to accurately assess whether a guest has had too much to drink is to avoid drinking yourself.
- Stop serving alcohol altogether about an hour before you expect the party to end. Switch to coffee and tea served alongside some nibbles.
- Should guests partake too much in the holiday cheer, be sure to have options available for getting them home, such as the number for a local taxi service, as well as cash on hand for the fare. Alternately, make sure you have plenty of extra blankets and pillows on hand and invite guests to stay the night.
Let The Festivities Begin
It’s a magical time of year, and a good host provides more than fun and refreshments; providing a safe place for guests to celebrate the holidays and ensuring everyone gets home safely are necessities as well. Take the time to accident-proof your home and your party, and head into the holidays ready to relax and enjoy all of the good times they bring.
