Christmas and New Year are favourite festivals Down Under and if it is your turn to be the host this year, there is much to do as we are only a couple of months from the end of the year. Time waits for no man and with that in mind, here are a few event planning tips for Xmas and New Year.

• Create a guest list – The first thing to do is decide who you are going to invite; sit down with your partner and whittle the list down to an agreed number. Only when you give guest numbers can you set a budget, which determines the scope of the event.

• Setting a budget – Of course, you could forget about a budget and just tally it all up at the end, but this is usually a fast way to overspending. Think ‘per person’ and you should be able to come up with a number that doesn’t break the bank.
• Choose a theme – Giving the party a theme makes things much easier and guests are always happy to play along. If you require guests to dress up, make sure you give adequate time in which to prepare. It might be country & western or a beach party, themes make the party that extra bit special!
• Create a show timeline – If you are acting as the MC, you need to create a show timeline; line up acts, activities and music tracks with an approximate duration for each. You will either have a DJ or live band, with perhaps a comedian during the interval.
• Ordering online – From tables and chairs to stubby holders and everything in between can be sourced from a single Australian supplier. A single delivery is all you need for essential party items and that would probably be free. 
• Think about transportation – The last thing you want is for a guest to have to drive home after a few drinks, see how many people you can put up with; sleeping bags are fine, along with sofas. If there is a small hotel nearby, talk to them about vacancies over the festive period and you could include their contact details in the invites, so people can make their bookings.
• Get creative with your countdown – The highlight of the evening is definitely the countdown to midnight and prepare lots of streamers and party hats, plus a few bottles of bubbly. Coloured LED lights are a great idea and choose a song that everyone knows for the final song of the year.
• Plan your layout - Think about where to locate the bar area and make sure there is adequate space; people like to hang around near the bar so make the necessary plans. You need a plan B if rain decides to visit; you could hire a marquis or prepare one room in the house. You might want to have your roof inspected before the party.

Make sure you have any required permits and invite your immediate neighbours, which is a smart way to avoid conflict.