From office parties to family dinners, the holidays come with a seemingly long list of parties and get-togethers all season long. When you've been enlisted to host a Christmas dinner or even this New Year's Eve bash, you can end up overwhelmed and stressed with a long to-do list that can spiral out of control. Planning out your holiday party ahead of time is essential for you to be prepared for your day off and actually be able to partake in the festivities. Follow these tips, and you're sure to be at a great party that everyone (including you) can enjoy.

Depending on the type of party you'll be throwing, decide on your theme before you begin any other arrangements. Whether it's a fun holiday sweater party or a classy New Years' Eve party, choosing your theme will make it easier to decide on decorations, foods, snacks, party favors, recommended attire, and more.  

The best way to host a holiday party stress-free is to create a to-do list to ensure you don't leave anything out. Planning ahead will help you prioritize the things you need to do, allowing you to plan it out on a calendar. With strategic planning, you won't end up with too much to do in one day. 

Are you hosting a Christmas dinner? Or a party where people can mingle? Depending on the party theme and type, decide whether or not you want to dedicate a full meal. Or plan on having appetizers and finger foods for guests to munch on as they celebrate and enjoy each other's company. No matter which route you go, try to cater to diverse palettes and preferences and be aware of any allergies or sensitivities of your guests.

Once you have a meal plan decided, cook whatever you can in advance. Many great party foods or side dishes can be made ahead and frozen for weeks before you're ready to serve. Cooking ahead will allow you to spend more time with your guests instead of in the kitchen on the day of your party. 

When purchasing food and drinks for your party, it's always better to have too much than too little. You don't want to have to worry about running out of food and drinks in the middle of your party, leaving your guests hungry and thirsty. While you might end up with some leftovers, there are some creative ways you can use the food to make meals, or you can donate to a local shelter or food bank. 

Try to keep your home clean and tidy on the days leading up to the party. Not every host has a perfectly clean home, so don't stress too much about the areas you don't anticipate your guests entering. Focus on the primary living spaces where the party will be held. If you have a little clutter you aren't sure what to do, grab a basket, place all the clutter in it, and set it in a room out of sight. You can manage and put the clutter away when you have free time. With this, you at least have it out of sight and don't have to stress about putting it away beforehand. 

You can have a little fun with this tip and sit down, relax, and choose some music you think will set the tone for the background of your party. Choose a mix of your favorite holiday tunes or some light, easy background music. The music adds ambient noise in the background your guests will enjoy without overtaking the conversation. 

Planning out a party on your own can be a big task. There are a lot of elements involved, and it can lead to a lot of unnecessary stress. Once you send out the invites, your friends and family might offer to lend a hand. If not, don't worry. Asking guests to help with a party allows them to feel more involved, and they are usually more than happy to take a task off your plate.

Hosting a party can take a lot of time, effort, and stress. By starting early, planning ahead, and asking for help, you can set up a great party everyone will love without having to work too hard on the day of.