This will also give you more freedom to mingle with your guests on the day of the party. Prepare an all-vegetarian menu with a holiday flair. Think pumpkin ravioli, roasted winter vegetables, corn chowder, grilled portabello mushrooms or veggie lasagna. Have your party later in the evening and serve only appetizers or desserts. Assign dishes to friends and family in advance and make it a potluck, or co-host the party with a friend and share the cost.
Decorations Make decorations from items found in nature.
Use hollowed-out pumpkins as tureens for soups, make table arrangements from leaves, holly and evergreen branches or fill a clear glass vase with pine cones you've collected in the woods. Get your kids into the act. Have them draw holiday pictures, make construction paper garlands or work on seasonal art projects while you're taking care of the party preparations.