The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by hosting a party with family and friends? Before the chaos of the season kicks in, a little planning and preparation can go a long way… because, let’s be real, hosting 50 people is stressful no matter how you slice it (and we’re not talking about the turkey).
To help you avoid any last-minute errands, we’ve put together a checklist to guide you through the frenzy, complete with some not-so-subtle suggestions for how Newair’s compact appliances can make your holiday hosting experience easier—because who wants to run to the store mid-party for ice? Not us!
1. Pick a Theme and Location
The first step in planning your holiday party is deciding on a theme and location. Your theme will dictate everything—from decor and attire to what food and drinks you'll serve. Whether you’re going for a classic holiday vibe with ugly sweaters or throwing an over-the-top New Year’s bash with champagne towers, your theme will set the mood for the night (no pressure, right?).
As for location, are you hosting at home or renting a venue? Indoors or outdoors? Each option comes with its own set of considerations. If you’re staying home, make sure your space is cozy enough to fit everyone comfortably.
Solution: Newair's portable fans and heaters are perfect for keeping things comfy in every room. No need to worry about freezing or roasting your guests—just let the weather do its thing outside while your party stays just right inside.
2. Plan the Menu
A holiday party isn’t really a party without a delicious spread of food and drinks. When planning your menu, make sure to offer a variety of options that will please everyone.
Solution: Looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare? Try serving artisan-style pizzas! With an electric pizza oven, you can whip up pizzas in just 20 minutes. Prepare a few different topping combinations before the party, then let your guests enjoy each creation hot and fresh out of the oven. Plus, with a pizza oven, you’re not tied to the kitchen; simply set the timer, and the oven does the work, leaving you free to enjoy your own party.
And of course, don’t forget about the drinks! A festive cocktail, wine, or mocktail selection pairs perfectly with your food offerings.
Solution: For keeping beverages chilled, Newair’s wine and beverage fridges are a game-changer. With sleek, modern designs and plenty of space for your guests' favorite drinks, these fridges keep everything organized and easy to access. No more frantically digging through a crowded fridge! You can even get ahead of the game and have everything chilled long before your guests arrive.
These fridges maintain the perfect serving temperature, and with a dual-zone beverage fridge, you can set two separate temperature zones—one for wine and another for beer—ensuring everything is served just the way your guests like it.
You might be surprised to learn that your regular fridge isn’t always the best place for beer or wine. Did you know that different types of beer and wine have recommended temperatures that can enhance their flavor and shelf life? Check out this chart to make sure you’re serving your drinks at their prime.
| Beverage | Ideal Storage Temperature | Ideal Serving Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Light-Bodied White Wines | 45-55 Degrees Fahrenheit | 45-55 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Full-Bodied White Wines | 45-55 Degrees Fahrenheit | 50-60 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Sparkling White Wines | 50-55 Degrees Fahrenheit | 45-50 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Sweet Red Wines | 55 Degrees Fahrenheit | 40-60 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Light and Medium Red Wines | 55-60 Degrees Fahrenheit | 55-60 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Full-Bodied Red Wines | 65 Degrees Fahrenheit | 60-65 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Rosé Wines | 45-55 Degrees Fahrenheit | 45-55 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Light Lager Beers | 40-45 Degrees Fahrenheit | 40-45 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| IPAs and Most Ales | 40-45 Degrees Fahrenheit | 45-50 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Brown Ales, Porters, and Stouts | 40-45 Degrees Fahrenheit | 50-55 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Wheat Beers | 40-45 Degrees Fahrenheit | 40-50 Degrees Fahrenheit |
3. Organize Your Shopping List
Once your theme and menu are locked down, it’s time to get serious by organizing your shopping list. Make sure to include everything from ingredients for the food and drinks you plan to serve to extras like napkins, plates, utensils, and serving trays. When you have a clear idea of what you need, it’s time to shop.
Solution: Nothing ruins holiday cheer faster than warm drinks and a panicked dash to the store for more ice. Plus, who doesn’t love a specialty cocktail? With an ice maker, you can make fresh batches of ice cubes, nuggets, or bullets every 15 minutes. No more scrambling to keep drinks cold. Your ice will always be ready, and you can focus on enjoying the celebration, not running errands.
Bonus: Do you and your guests like whiskey? If so, we’ve got just the thing to elevate your holiday party. Our whiskey ice ball maker is capable of producing up to 32 ice spheres every 24 hours. Not only does it chill your drink to the perfect temperature, but those large, slow-melting ice spheres also help keep your whiskey undiluted, so every sip stays just as smooth as the first. Consider setting up a whiskey tasting station with a selection of different whiskeys for guests to sample and enjoy.
4. Prepare Ahead of Time
One of the keys to a successful holiday party is preparation. The more you can do in advance, the less stress you’ll experience on the day of the event. So go ahead, prep everything you can ahead of time: cook the food, chill the drinks, and even get the playlist set.
Solution: When it comes to storing extra food, Newair's chest freezers are a total lifesaver. They provide ample space for appetizers, desserts, and basically anything else you need to stash before the big day. And if you're not quite convinced on the ice maker, don’t worry—a chest freezer can double as your ice storage solution.
5. Enjoy!
On the day of the party, it’s all about putting the finishing touches on your space and making sure everything is set for your guests to arrive. Take some time to freshen up the decor, set up your drink and food stations, and give your space a quick clean. Then, sit back, relax, and let the celebration begin.
Make Your Holiday Hosting Effortless with Newair
Ready to take your holiday parties to the next level? With Newair’s range of compact appliances, you can make hosting easier and more enjoyable than ever. Whether you need a beverage fridge to keep drinks perfectly chilled, an ice maker to ensure you never run out, or a pizza oven to create delicious quick bites, we’ve got you covered. No stress, no last-minute runs to the store—just everything you need to enjoy the celebration. Explore our selection and get your home holiday-ready.
