You’re past the stage where you just throw a bag of chips into a bowl and have everyone bring their own beer. Maybe you own your own home or just rented a cool downtown condo that you’re ready to show off. What better way to do it than to throw a sophisticated holiday party?

We’ve got some tips on how to successfully throw a great (and safe) holiday party.

Send out invites in advance. The holidays are one of the busiest times of the year, so be sure to send out your invites well in advance. Do it the old-fashioned way with paper invites sent via snail mail or use an online service like evite.

Set the stage. A holiday wreath on the door, twinkling lights and a touch of garland can help add that holiday feeling. Make your place smell like the season by having a simmer pot going on the stove with half an orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves and a dash of vanilla.

Tip: If you’ve got candles burning, be sure they’re in a safe location where they can’t be tipped over (even better, use flameless LED candles).

Have lots of good eats on hand. Be sure to have plenty of appetizers or other snacks (cheese, crackers, nuts etc.) throughout the evening. Why not try something unique like a bruschetta bar? Just be sure to do as much food and drink prep ahead of time so you’re not scrambling while guests are arriving.

Tip: Having lots to snack on will help keep your guests from over-indulging on the alcohol.

Prep your place. Clear any extra clutter from your kitchen and entryway and consider re-arranging your furniture to make way for mingling. Keep the party flowing by setting up separate self-serve food and drink stations.

Tip: We recommend moving expensive or irreplaceable items that might get damaged to a safer spot in your home for the party – accidents happen!

It’s not a party without music! Create your own holiday playlist or find an existing playlist on your favourite music streaming site.

Tip: Check out the Sonnet holiday playlist on Spotify!

Go full-on grown-up. Want to add an extra level of sophistication? Turn your party into a black tie or cocktail dress affair.

Tip: If one of your guests shouldn’t be driving home, ask them for their car keys and arrange for another ride home. Be sure to walk them out to the taxi (or whatever you’ve arranged).