Want to ensure everyone can make it? According to Shutterfly, the perfect window for sending party invitations for almost any event, including dinner parties, is about three weeks before the day of the event. But for holidays especially, you can err on the side of four to five weeks to ensure that your guests can arrange any travel and balance other seasonal commitments.

Keep your outfit understated and easygoing. You're going to be working this party, so you want to be able to move comfortably. Some tailored chinos and a relaxed workshirt should do it—a chunky knit cardigan and some loafers add just enough festive flair to ensure you look well-dressed for your guests.

Prepare some healthy options and indulgent options, meaty recipes and vegetarian recipes, a mix of sweet and savory bites, and maybe even a few gluten-free options if some of your guests are gluten-sensitive. (Pro tip: hard cider and popcorn snacks are (generally) gluten-free options that everyone will enjoy). Finally, remember that bite-sized food is always less awkward.

It's not required to serve a signature drink at a party, but it's encouraged. We recommend having a pre-made option, like a punch, ready and waiting for guests to help themselves to. But you could also offer up an of-the-moment drink, like an espresso martini.

Of course, you could take the time to curate your own party playlist of personal holiday favorites. But in the effort of time management, rely on some well-vetted collections that are ready to stream.

The editors of Pitchfork compiled their list of what they say are the “50 Best Holiday Songs of All Time,” featuring everyone from Sufjan Stevens to Bing Crosby with David Bowie.

Available on Spotify and Apple Music

For something a little more modern, the team at Apple Music curated a “Holiday Hits” playlist, focusing on newer interpretations of the classics and more recent pop hits to keep you and your guests in the spirit of the season.

Available on Apple Music