This the season to be jolly! So says the now-famous song, the lyrics of which are often quoted this time of year. And, one of the “jolly” parts of the season is the giving and going to parties. Ah, you say,” going” to is jolly, but the giving can be anything but jolly. It is a lot of work to plan, set up, and clean up for a Holiday Party in your home or office. But there are helpful hints to make party giving easier This article will focus on the home party, and part two will focus on the office party.

Before we get started on Holiday party giving, there needs to be a special note for this year of 2020. No matter what your personal feelings are, the pandemic guidelines in your community for COVID will need to be taken into consideration. In most locals, COVID restrictions will determine the number of people allowed in an area and will mandate the wearing of masks and keeping seating and activities at the proper social distance, usually six feet apart. Guest masks, hand sanitizer, and paper towels should be available in several spots in the home. Once you have determined how many people you will invite and how you will arrange your home for adequate social distancing, you can begin to plan your party. Planning ahead is very important, so when the big day arrives to set up, you will be prepared. Here are some hints to make the set up easier:

• Plan to use as many paper products as reasonable. Paper will make for an easier clean-up and will not spread germs as such items as cups and eating utensils will be thrown away.
• Clean your home carefully, making sure to take extra care in the kitchen, and any bathrooms guests will use. Use paper towels in places where hands will be washed; seasonally decorated ones are fun. Provide anti-bacterial soap for washing.
• Place chairs and furniture that will be used for sitting six feet apart.
• Decorate the theme of your holiday celebration. If there are children in the home, let them help with the decorating. They even enjoy making decorations such as paper chains, popcorn chains, and pinecone sparkle trees.
• Plan your food preparation to coincide with guest arrival and eating times. Simple menus are often best with lots of emphasis on vege snacks and holiday cookies.
• Have plenty to drink but try to avoid drinks with artificial food coloring, especially red, as when spilled, these drinks can permanently stain a carpet.
• Remember the napkins
• It is usually a nice touch to have holiday music playing in the background.

The party is over. Time to clean up. Here are some helpful hints to make this job easier too:

• Hopefully, you have been able to use paper products for most eating needs. And, hopefully, you have a dishwasher for non-paper items. Hand-wash items, when needed, using hot water with a small amount of bleach.
• Return chairs and furniture to their proper places. However, it might be wise to vacuum first as it will be easier not to move items twice—Wipe-down arms and areas where people sat or leaned.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect the kitchen, bathrooms, and any area where there has been food.
• Sweep floors and vacuum rugs.
• Wipe counters, tabletops, and exposed surfaces
• Spray all rooms with a disinfectant spray

Yes, it’s the season to be jolly, and hopefully, having a holiday party will bring out the jolly. On a side note, if you can use a professional cleaning service to do the set-up and clean-up for your party, it will really make for “jolly.” And, if you live in Ocala, Florida, and surrounding areas, including Gainsville, Orlando, and The Villages, you can call on Cassie’s Meticulous Touch. She and her team have been helping folks have a jolly holiday party for over 20 years. Call her office at (352)216-0513 to learn how Cassie’s Meticulous Touch can help you have a wonderful, jolly holiday party in your home.