ERIE, Pa., Dec. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether you're
planning a multi-course meal or just a small get-together with
friends, it takes time and effort to throw a party. Whatever the
size of your shindig, Erie Insurance has seven tips to help
with your holiday gathering.
- Plan the menu. If you plan on having others bring a dish
to share, ask around the time you invite them. That way your guests
have plenty of notice to shop and cook. As for your grocery list:
Do an initial shop two weeks out and save one last trip for fresh
items (like produce or cheese) a few days prior. From traditional
to potluck, you'll want to make sure you have enough food and
beverages for your holiday guests. If you're serving
alcoholic beverages, keep in mind your host liquor
liability.
- Schedule your oven. It's a good idea to have your
temperature and cooking/baking times handy, so you don't have to
look up recipes at the last minute. As you get busy, make sure to
keep a watchful eye on your stove and oven. December is a common
month for home fires.
- Consider the kids. If you know kids are coming,
it's good to have a few activities or age-appropriate toys to keep
them busy. You might even want to queue up a family-friendly
movie.
- Space out your cleaning tasks. Instead of
rushing around an hour before guests arrive, do a little bit each
day on the week leading up to your event. Maybe it's dusting on
Monday, clearing the clutter Tuesday, bathrooms Wednesday, changing
towels and setting up the drink station on Thursday and doing a
final sweep on the Friday before your party.
- Give a warm welcome. It might be obvious, but make sure
to greet your guests as close to the time of their arrival as
possible. Sometimes you might not be at the door when they walk in,
but make sure you welcome them – especially if they are new guests
to your home. Also, it's polite to share where a close bathroom is
so they don't need to ask.
- Provide a coat check. Designate an area for coats
and/or purses. You could clear out space in your closet or
designate a guest bedroom to place coats.
- Don't forget the finishing touches. Lighting
candles, turning on your party playlist and making sure the ice
bucket is filled are all things that can be done right before
guests arrive. Also, make sure there is enough toilet paper in the
bathroom and the hand soap and towels are freshly stocked.
![A stress-free holiday party is possible. A stress-free holiday party is possible.](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/801244/Erie_Insurance_Holiday_Party.jpg)
While you're in party-planning mode, don't forget to check
your homeowners insurance to ensure you're covered in
case of the unexpected. If you have questions, you can
always contact an Erie Insurance agent to learn more and
get a free quote. For more holiday must-have advice, check out
our guide to hazard-free holidays.
Erie Insurance Group
According to A.M. Best
Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie,
Pennsylvania, is the
9th largest homeowners insurer and 11th
largest automobile insurer in the United States based on
direct premiums written and the 16th largest
property/casualty insurer in the United States based on
total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+
(Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has more than 5 million
policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District
of Columbia. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500
company.
News releases and more information about Erie Insurance
Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com.
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SOURCE Erie Insurance