I know I’m late posting for *this* holiday season (2019), although some of you might still have parties planned. BUT, these tips apply year ’round to other types of parties also.

So, as the title suggests, this post won’t necessarily help you as a party *guest*, but as a host you can help your guests out by promoting a healthier atmosphere at your own parties, and hopefully start some new trends. (Also, so many articles have been written for party *guests*, but I haven’t seen much advice to *hosts* on how to make parties healthier.)

pssst . . . Maybe you should send this post to your friends who love to host. 😉

Let’s just get something obvious out of the way: offer healthy appetizers. These can be *in addition* to your other appetizers. I’m not trying to take the fun and the great food out of your celebrations! Have your brownies, cookies, candy or whatever other food you love to serve, but please also have some fruits, veggies, etc for people who would like something healthier.

I know someone who is a FANTASTIC hostess and has some GREAT parties, and she will usually have a large platter with cheese, crackers, and fruit, and it’s delicious and healthy and beautiful and is great to snack on.

But here’s an idea that’s a little unusual. If your party involves a meal, don’t just offer appetizers beforehand, offer the first course. I have been at too many parties where I eat too many appetizers because I’m hungry (oh, and here’s one tip for guests: don’t come hungry. Eat a light, healthy meal before you come, so you’re not hungry. Then you can slow down and enjoy a smaller amount of whatever holiday foods you desire) and then when it’s time to eat the main meal, I’m not really hungry anymore. I don’t mind as much if the appetizers were my favourite part, but sometimes I don’t even like the appetizers *that* much but I eat too many of them because I get so hungry because dinner is delayed.

Has that happened to you? Or is it just me? You were smart and ate something before you came. But they told you dinner was being served at a certain time, but now it’s not ready, and so you’re all waiting . . . and waiting.

Which brings me back to my main point: if you have something that can be served earlier, like a salad, please go ahead and serve that. Maybe just set it out with the appetizers. If people want to wait and have their salad with the rest of the meal, they can (assuming there’s any left 😉 ) but if people are ready for “real” food instead of appetizers, they can start on the salad.

Think of it this way: if you were a party guest that was trying to eat healthier, what would you like to see at a party? And then do that. 🙂

Do you have any other great tips? Let me know in the comments!