While holiday get-togethers can bring immense joy, the anticipation can also sometimes trigger stress.

However, with a simple game plan, you can stay well organized, ensuring that you can relax and enjoy time with your guests.

Curate your invite list

Be sure to do this as far in advance as possible, especially if you’re inviting out-of-towners. Whether you send online invites (which are great for a last-minute party) or printed ones, set a reasonable RSVP date that allows plenty of time for a response.

Decide on your menu

Soon after determining your invitees, make your menu choices—even if it means having to tweak a few things later. If you plan to prepare soups, stews, and desserts, most can be easily done so ahead of time and frozen until the day of.

Determine your decor

Embrace the festive spirit by including some seasonal decor in your home. From woodsy candles to vibrant poinsettias, there are numerous options you can use to craft an inviting ambience. Then put a few of these items on your checklist of things to buy.

Account for ancillary items

One of the best ways to avoid unneeded stress is to address simpler tasks days or weeks ahead. These may include polishing the silver, rinsing wine and beverage glasses, and ensuring that your tablecloth and napkins are clean and pressed.

Create a 24-hour task list

There’s always a handful of duties that can’t be done until the last minute, making it easy to forget some. However, you can easily stay on top of them by putting together a checklist. A few to consider are:

• Remove previously prepared food from the freezer to defrost and reheat.
• Set the table, making sure that each setting has a chair to go with it.
• Put out serving platters and utensils, affixing a sticky note to indicate their use.
• Place drinks and trash cans in easy-to-find locations.

Implementing some thoughtful planning can lead to a celebration that runs seamlessly, transforming your party into an enjoyable experience for everyone—yourself included.