subject: Common Sense Etiquette For Christmas Party Invitations [print this page] Avoid hurt feelingsAvoid hurt feelings. The number of people youre able to invite to your party depends upon your goal (a cozy or rousing gathering) as well as space available. However, you should still take steps to ensure there are no hurt feelings. Dont invite some family members but not others (especially if they talk to each other). Dont invite some co-workers but not others (again, they may talk). If space is a big issue, consider an open house over the space of several hours.
Avoid BYOB. Potluck Christmas parties can be a lot of fun, especially if you build them around a theme (such as red and green dishes, or 70s holiday favorites). However, its generally frowned upon to request that guests bring their own alcohol (and you dont want to look cheap). If youre concerned about the cost of refreshments, limit the selection to one wine, one beer and one easy mixed drink.
Avoid children. Okay, you dont have to avoid them but its certainly acceptable to plan an adults-only party. You shouldnt state No KIDS! in 20-point font on your Christmas party invitations; addressing them accordingly should get the message across. For example, instead of addressing the card to Bob Jones and Family, you would address it to Mr. and Mrs. Jones or to Bob and Mary Jones.
Avoid a mob scene. You have chicken for 20 and 40 guests show up (or vice versa). This is easily avoided with an RSVP on your Christmas party invitation. Make saying oui or non easy for your guests by including an email address and phone number to contact. If theyre all pretty tech-savvy, include a QR Code and link it to your Facebook event page. You can even state RSVP regrets only, meaning they only need to contact you if they do not plan to attend.
Avoid an empty house. The holidays are busy for everyone. The longer you wait to send your invitations, the more likely it will become that your guests already have other plans. If this is your intent, then by all means wait until the last minute. However, if youd actually like to have guests at your Christmas party, send invitations no later than four weeks in advance.
