Party planners recommend the following strategies:

Step 1: Determine a budget.

Create a budget that takes into account decorations, invitations, food and drink. If your budget gets too bloated, Foxman suggests asking friends or guests to bring some food or having beer and wine, which is less expensive than a full bar.

Step 2: Decide the number of guests.

Make a wish list of whom you plan to invite and make sure you have the room or can rent a space to accommodate everyone. Then, send out invitations early and show off your creativity, Foxman says, because you’re likely competing with many other holiday parties.

Step 3: Develop a party plan.

What foods will you serve? Are you cooking or catering in? Are you holding a holiday open house, a sit-down dinner, potluck or a buffet? Consider such questions to come up with a detailed plan. If you’re baking, make up a schedule to coordinate all the work and time involved. If you’re ordering any specialty items, do so in advance so you’re not left with starving guests. Also, a theme — such as candyland or winter wonderland — can help tie a party together.

“Coming up with something to break the ice, especially if a lot of your guests have never met, is essential,” Foxman adds. Some activities may include decorating cookies, caroling or a gift exchange.

Step 4: Prepare.

Don’t wait until the day-of to tackle your to-do list. Make a list of what needs to be done and do as much as you can beforehand, such as decorating, assembling tableware and most of the baking.

Step 5: Enjoy.

Don’t get lost in the details during the party. For example, Foxman recalls the party host who walked around with a Dustbuster cleaning up potato chip crumbs.

As host, you should be making introductions and refilling the food and bar.

“Make everyone comfortable,” says Foxman, adding that you might want to have at least one person in the kitchen helping so you have more time to mingle.