Have you been put in charge of holiday party plans for your company, organization, or family?

Don’t stress out: A memorable event is within your reach.

Many of the successful holiday parties we see are a feast for the senses: Think about surrounding your guests with tantalizing aromas, a gorgeous venue decked out in glowing lights, and classic holiday music. By setting the right mood, you’ll be able to put your guests in the holiday spirit.

Not sure where to start? These tips and ideas might help.

Start planning the party now.

If possible, we encourage you to start your planning early—ideally in the summer. That gives you enough time to create a budget, develop your ideas, and make all of your arrangements. The more time you give yourself, the less stressful the planning process will be.

Put a twinkle in your guests’ eyes.

Have you noticed that in recent years, more and more houses are being decked out in lights well before Thanksgiving? While some may grumble when they see decorations go up “early,” we understand what drives people to put them up. Few things evoke the holiday season like the glow of lights. They help set the mood. They’re like comfort food for the eyes.

And when you’re holding a holiday party, lighting will be one of the most effective tools you have to get people in the spirit of the celebration. Here are a few tips:

-Consider soft lighting—which as a bonus, will make guests look even better in photos—for a warm, intimate setting, and complement them with twinkling strings of light in strategic locations.

-Candles, possibly as table centerpieces, can add to the overall effect. But don’t put them in high-traffic areas, like buffet tables, where there’s a risk of lit candles getting bumped or knocked down.

-Weave in other decorative touches, from traditional garlands and winter elements to more personal items like photos of guests or shared memories from the last year.

-Add some extra sparkle. Glitter and glam are in this year, entertaining expert Julie Blanner told Real Simple magazine. "You can add in subtle touches by rimming cocktail glasses with clear or gold sanding sugar, adding a touch of edible gold dust to desserts, or laying it in on your table(s)."

When it comes to food, go for the oohs and aahs.

Food is always a powerful way to enhance your guests’ experience and make your celebration linger pleasantly in their memories. This is particularly true for holiday parties because we associate so many holiday foods with positive memories.

“If the holidays are a time for family, then food and tradition are the ties that squeeze those families together,” John Ingold wrote for The Denver Post. “Recipes are passed down through generations. Sometimes they are changed or lost, then revived and learned again. The goal isn’t nutrition but continuity, a bond across the years.”

You may not be able to replicate Aunt Ruth’s amazing Hanukkah latkes or the Bûche de Noël recipe your boss remembers eating as a child, but if you offer a selection of sumptuously made holiday classics, mixed with a few creative options (possibly Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls or a pizza wreath) to keep things fresh, you’ll have a lot of happy guests on your hands.

A few more thoughts on what you serve: Your beverage selection will add to the flavor of the party, too. Again, classics (like eggnog or punch) are always strong choices, along with appealing non-alcoholic options like hot chocolate or holiday mocktails.

Music will matter.

Since holiday parties are sensory experiences, music plays an important role in creating ambiance. You have the option of bringing in a DJ or a band, but if your planning time or budget is nearly spent, consider asking your venue if they can help you. They may be able to pipe in holiday music or help you present your favorite holiday party playlist.

Speaking of playlists, you can find options created specifically for office parties on Spotify. Or, you can poll your guests in advance and invite them to make song suggestions. Either way, try to aim for an eclectic mix of new and classical selections that will appeal to a variety of preferences.

Don’t forget your reindeer games. While setting the mood is important for holiday party success, don’t forget to encourage fun. You can enlist help in the form of a comedian, magician, or other professional entertainers. Additional options include a photo booth and games.

Try a creative theme. Just like theme weddings, theme parties are a great way to delight your guests—and to inspire your party-planning creativity. Maybe you’d like to have a Christmas movie theme that you incorporate into invitations, centerpieces, décor, food, music, and games. (We’ll leave it up to you to decide whether to include “Die Hard.”) Additional possibilities include pajamas, a winter wonderland, or a giving-focused celebration.

Ultimately, planning a holiday party doesn’t have to be overly complicated or stressful.

If you focus on creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere; aim for quality food; and work some merriment and fun into the day, your holiday party is likely to be a true crowd-pleaser.