Cover image via lovespace.co.uk
You know that Christmas is here when every weekend you're booked for a Christmas party
We have Christmas parties for our church group, offices, school, bike group and any other group we're involved with.
Have you ever thrown your own party for your bestfriends? It's the most festive and fun activity! If it's your first time, here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Invite your barkada
Form a group on facebook to discuss all the aspects. Communication is key. If you guys are really close, it won't be a problem since you know each other well!
Image via Pamela Mejia
2. Set a date
When is everyone available? Is it better on a weekday night after work since most of you work in the same area or is it better during the weekend?
Image via Nikki Gil Instagram
3. Generate Secret Santa online!
It won't be a Christmas Party without "Secret Santa"!
Did you guys know you can pick your monitos and monitas online? There are a bunch of websites that allow you to. I personally use this. Just add the email addresses of your barkada. Once everyone joins the invite via email, you can do a draw already! Bonus is that you can make a "wishlist" so that your secret santa will know what you want! You may set a budget as well.
Image via Face Media Group
4. Look for a venue
Ask your friends where they would like to hold the Christmas party. Is it an out of town pool party or a staycation in the city?
We recommend you look at Airbnb as it is the most budget-friendly option. Just search for the location you'd prefer and filter your amenities to "suitable for events" as some hosts do not allow parties. This will filter your search to places that are okay for parties.
There are a lot of out-of-town party destinations for you to try in Tagaytay, Antipolo, Pampanga and Laguna. These places are really meant for events such as these.
5. Once you guys know what you want, set a budget
Set a budget and remember to be considerate to your other barkada members. Not everyone makes the same numbers a month. You need to tackle budget for: food, venue and gifts. Give a low number and ask your friends if they're comfortable shelling out P 500 for a gift or P 300 for a venue.
Image via Money Crashers
6. What about the food?
You can have a potluck. Each would bring a food or drink to share. But if you don't trust your barkada to bring something edible, have it catered. Catering isn't always bongga. There are a couple of catering services that are okay with a small number like 10 or 15 pax. We recommend
7. Schedule games and activities for the night
Here are some suggestions for games:
– Board and card games like Uno or Cards Against Humanity. We have a Filipino version called Crap About Filipinos and they are selling it! Buy a pack and support local witty-ness!
– Murder Mystery games; You can concoct your own mystery that they have to solve or find others online
– DIY Spa; You can have DIY stations with face masks, scrubs or even hire a professional to do your nails!
8. Assign responsibilities to your other barkadas
You don't have to do everything on your own. Assign some responsibilities to your other barkadas so they can organize that side of the party. You need one to coordinate with food, the venue and games.
