The holidays are a wonderful time full of cheer, celebration, and joy and holiday parties are a staple of the season. However, for the hosts of large events and parties, the holidays can come with a bit of added stress. It's a big job to plan and host large events on one’s own. A great way to share the work of hosting while also being able to join in the fun is to have a neighborhood progressive party.
Progressive parties are an emerging trend in the holiday party scene, and they take the pressure off of one person to host a party while allowing neighbors to meet and mingle with others in their area. Rather than one person being in charge of everything from drinks to dessert, the responsibilities and joys of hosting are divided among many.
Friends and neighbors are invited to start at one house for drinks and maybe even an icebreaker game to get everybody talking or getting to know each other if some of the neighbors are new. You could meet a wonderful new friend bonding over a game of Scattergories. The group, then, ventures to another home for delicious appetizers that keep everyone satisfied until mealtime. This is a great opportunity to show off your holiday charcuterie board skills with a festive display of meats, cheeses, holiday candies, and nuts (see The Grazing Gouda article for ideas). Progressive parties can be great for showing off your hosting or cooking skills, but also for getting to know your neighbors on a deeper level. It's nice to know the kids that go to school with your kids, or that you and a neighbor, you hadn't met before, love to garden or go for morning walks.
The main event is the holiday dinner house. Depending on the weather, this can be hosted inside or outside. You might need a few neighbors to help host this part of the evening. Depending on the size of the group, you can do a buffet or sit-down dinner. Include the kids in the hosting responsibilities by helping greet, seat, or serve the food. Laughter and cheery voices surround you while you pour a glass of wine, help yourself to some turkey and potatoes, and watch everyone enjoy themselves. There’s a special joy to be found in providing people a space to get to know each other better and contributing to the unique party experience of a neighborhood progressive party.
The final house serves dessert and evening beverages. Aromas of cinnamon and vanilla greet you at the door. This is a great time to share family recipes or holiday traditions of snickerdoodles, peppermint bark candy, or your grandma's recipe for Dutch apple pie. Winding down the party can be fun by including a white elephant gift or ornament exchange while serving hot toddies or a lovely local Port. You smile, knowing that whoever ends up with your gift will be walking home with a handwritten note and a beautifully scented citrus candle. You receive a pair of soft, warm slippers that were given by the neighbors across the street, and they will keep you comfortable throughout the winter.
After an amazing night full of old and new friends, delicious food, thoughtful gifts, and endless laughter you can say with absolute certainty: that your neighborhood progressive party was a success.
On a final note, the concept of progressive parties can be done at the office, going from cube to cube or floor to floor. Add in some Christmas carols or karaoke for stress-free fun. For the adults-only crowd, you could to progressive bars and restaurants. Picture starting with wine tasting at Crystal Basin, moving up to The Vine for tapas, having a buffet bbq at J.Wilds, then walking it off a bit on your way down to enjoy coffee and creme brulee at Scott's Seafood while watching the ice skaters under the holiday lights at the Roundhouse.
There’s a special joy to be found in providing people a space to get to know each other better and contributing to the unique party experience of a neighborhood progressive party.