As any experienced party giver knows, the holidays are about more than a well-cooked turkey and a cherished family recipe for stuffing. It’s about friends and family making a point to gather and reconnect at least once a year.

Consider all the songs on the subject: “There’s No Place like Home for the Holidays,” “Over the River and Through the Woods (to grandmother’s house we go)” and “I’ll be Home for Christmas.” It’s no wonder that the winter holidays have been so romanticized by our culture.

“The holiday season is one where people want to have fun,” says Michel Malecot, owner of The French Gourmet, a full-service catering company. “Especially in December, people love to party hop.”

A gathering, however, also denotes that someone is the host of this event. Whether it’s a holiday party for friends or a family dinner, planning is essential for a successful occasion. Ultimately a social holiday party begins with one major decision.

To Go Out…

Whether it’s for a family Thanksgiving dinner or a club holiday bash, many partygoers find that going out saves them the trouble of cooking and cleaning up. “When you’re the host of a party, it can be nerve-wracking,” says Lesley Cohn, CEO of the Cohn Restaurant Group. “You relax more if the event is in someone else’s hands.”

When deciding to go out, consider a few of these options first.

Your Guests: Think about the preferences of your guests. “What are their likes and dislikes when it comes to food?” asks Lauryn Hudson, director of sales for the House of Blues. “Also, if each person is paying at a restaurant, you need to consider their budgets.”

Timing: Brooke Migdall, catering sales manager for the Hotel Del Coronado, advises booking a place several weeks in advance. If the preferred date is not available, consider a time other than a weekend, such as a weeknight or day. This is especially beneficial if children are involved.

Location: The size of the party often determines the location. It’s always fun to try something new, such as a cruise. “When our company was small, we had a party at a bowling alley and it was a lot of fun,” says Cohn.

Many restaurants and hotels have private and semi-private rooms that can be used. For a Thanksgiving meal or New Year’s Eve celebration, shop around for the many packages being offered. “For a lot of people, it’s a tradition to come here for Thanksgiving dinner,” says Migdall. “We have a full dinner and entertainment.”

Ultimately, going out offers one huge advantage. “We get a lot of large parties for Thanksgiving,’ says Cohn. “It’s mostly just people who don’t want to cook.”

…Or to Stay In

Welcoming friends and family into a home makes a party special right away. “There are still many people who prefer to be home for the holidays,” says Cohn. Before opening the door, consider a few options.

Décor: “It’s easy to make a room festive,” notes Migdall. “For example, you can get a red table runner and candles to dress the table up a little and that makes a huge difference. The table is already the natural focus of the room. I’ve seen people put ficus trees with Christmas lights around the room and it’s so festive and so easy.”

Menu: If the event includes a sit-down dinner, consider a slight twist with the menu. “We had one party where it was an old fashioned Christmas theme,” recalls Malécot. “So instead of turkey, we served goose.” For more casual parties, finger food may be the best option, or even just a dessert bar.

Logistics: It’s important to consider the logistics of a party. Will there be enough seating? “Think about parking,” advises Malécot. “And remember that it’s darker in the winter, so be sure to have enough light.”

Catering: There is so much involved in putting together a home-based gathering that many party givers choose to delegate the cooking and the ensuing kitchen cleanup. Hiring a caterer allows the host to focus on other aspects of the event. Malécot advises checking that a caterer is licensed and insured, as well as speaking to a few references.

Even when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, a caterer may be the way to go. “That way, families can enjoy the meal without the work involved,” Malecot says. “Just heat up the meal and enjoy.”

A caterer may not be as costly as most people think. “We shop and do things in the most efficient manner,” he says. “So the cost isn’t that prohibitive in the end.”

A host doesn’t have to have the entire meal catered. “Fifty percent of our business during the holidays is the trimmings, such as dressing,” Malécot says. “That way, when they cook the main dish, the rest is already done.”

Whether the party stays at home or ventures out, it’s still all about friends and family sharing time and memories. “It’s about having fun,” says Migdall. “It’s about people enjoying themselves.”

— Patricia Morris Buckley