Ready for a little movie magic? If you’re planning a holiday party this season, we’ve got the inside scoop from an expert who knows how to approach hosting like it’s a Hollywood production — with a clear plan, defined roles, and room for some improvisation.
Meet Amanda Brown: a former feature film studio executive who worked on everything from comedies to horror films, and now a mom of three who's bringing those behind-the-scenes skills to family life. Through her Substack, Type A Mom, Amanda shares how the same strategies that keep a film set running smoothly can help parents tackle the chaos of everyday life.
We recently sat down with Amanda to chat about how to use Hollywood skills to host a festive family gathering. From planning through production, we're about to make holiday hosting so much easier.
Pre-Production: Planning Your Holiday Gathering
Every great movie starts with solid pre-production, and the same goes for your holiday party. Amanda's first rule: Make sure there's a reason people want to be there.
"The first step in planning a movie is deciding whether or not an audience will want to see it," Amanda explains. "For a party, you need a fun reason to have the party — that often relates to a clear theme or event."
For Amanda's family, that unique element is Christmas Eve fireworks visible from their home. It's what draws people in and makes the gathering memorable year after year.
Looking for a signature moment of your own? Here are a few ideas we love:
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A countdown tradition. Whether it's a balloon drop for the kids at "midnight" (really 8pm) or a sparkler send-off in the backyard, give guests something to anticipate.
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A showstopper activity. Think cookie decorating with a voting competition, holiday karaoke battles, or a DIY hot cocoa bar with all the fixings.
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A photo-worthy moment. Set up a festive photo booth or plan a group shot in matching holiday PJs — something everyone will want to share and remember.
Download Our Free Holiday Hosting Worksheet
Get Amanda's Holiday Party Timeline worksheet with a day-of timeline & more!
Creating Your Holiday Party Timeline
Similar to a film set with a daily callsheet and shooting schedule, an event like a holiday party also requires scheduling and coordination so that everything runs smoothly. When you’re the one hosting (aka running the film set), creating a detailed party timeline prior to the event — and following it as closely as possible — helps ensure no moment is missed and no detail is overlooked.
About two weeks before the party, Amanda creates a master timeline. She lists everything that needs to happen before guests arrive, estimates how long each task will take, and maps out when to start each one. The goal? Get as much done ahead of time as possible so the day of the party, you're not scrambling.
Here’s Amanda's approach: "I create a new list of tasks in order of when I need to start each one. If there are any items that can be set up or completed ahead of the party day — anything that can be purchased, assembled, cooked, baked, or set up ahead — I list them at the start of the timeline so I can complete them and cross them off."
Another tip: When creating your timeline, pull out all your holiday decorations, plates, napkins, and craft supplies. This lets you see what you already have and what you need to buy before seasonal items sell out.
Featured Prints: Cookies for Santa and Holiday Red
Production Day: Lights, Camera, Holidays!
It’s show time! On a film set, everyone knows their role, when to execute it, and where to hit their mark. Amanda brings this same structure to party day by using the detailed timeline she already created a day or two before the gathering.
"I write down what time I need to begin each task in order for the party to be ready right when it starts. Creating that timeline days before means on the party day I can just follow it on autopilot!"
Amanda's Day-Of Game Plan
Tackle what can be done sooner, sooner. Wait on the finishing touches (like hair & makeup). If you’ve ordered food, pick it up as early as possible in the day — giving you time to fix any mix-ups. If you’ve got little ones, set up crafts for the kiddos to do while you’re in set-up mode later in the day. As the event draws closer, make sure the kitchen is clean and the dishwasher is empty so you have space to fill it during the party.
During the event, Amanda creates different zones to keep everyone happy. She sets up a "kid zone" with coloring pages, washable markers, blocks, simple card games, and reusable sticker books. "Finding activities that are hands-off for parents helps them enjoy the party too.” For adults, she makes sure there are plenty of food and drink options, and she facilitates introductions and conversation between guests.
Featured Print: Tree Traffic
The Budget Breakdown
Just like managing the production budget for a major motion picture, knowing your numbers matters when it comes to planning a holiday party. In film, a producer is responsible for creating a budget, allocating funds, monitoring spending, and securing financing. Sounds kinda like a party planner, right?
The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure you know how many people to expect. Without that, you can't properly budget or plan food and drink — typically your biggest expense.
Food and drink is so much more than craft services on a film set. It’s often the focal point of the party and what brings everyone together. So, while it’s important to get it right, it’s also important to save where you can on your largest party fee. Amanda’s tip: Save on appetizers and make your own with simple recipes or store-bought faves. With money saved on appetizers, you'll have more budget for a special main course or one standout element that makes your gathering extra memorable.
With that out of the way, you now have a clear budget for any remaining party expenses: florals, decorations, wardrobe, and whatever else you can dream up!
What to Do When Things Go Off Script
It’s a given that something will always go sideways. The main course burns. A kiddo has a meltdown. The delivery arrives late. Remember, it's just a party with family and friends — no need to panic!
"I try to find a way to fix it for the rest of the party. But if that's not possible, I pivot as best I can and hope that whatever went off track becomes part of what makes the party memorable that year!"
When overstimulation hits — whether it's your little one or you — Amanda has a reset strategy: "I take my kid, or myself, away from the party into a quiet room and shut the door to recalibrate." A quick moment away from the crowd, a few deep breaths, and you're ready to get back to the party. Sometimes we all just need a backstage break.
Instead of chasing picture-perfect moments, focus on what works best for your family at whatever stage you're in. Those random hiccups and unexpected moments are often what everyone remembers and laughs about for years to come. "Sometimes the biggest mistakes end up making the best shared memories."
Featured Prints: Cookies for Santa and Sleigh All Day
Hollywood-to-Holiday Party Tips
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A few days before the party, write each food item on a place card and set it on the serving platter you'll use for that dish. You'll know if you have enough serving dishes, you can visualize how the buffet will look, and you can confirm you have enough food variety.
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Switch to clothes the kids love wearing to avoid day-of drama — Little Sleepies’ Play line offers some adorable yet comfy options.
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Leave a large pot of hot cider simmering on the stove throughout the party! "The delicious cozy smell greets guests immediately when they enter, and it really helps set a festive vibe without having too many accessories everywhere. Plus, guests can serve themselves!"
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Get your space photo-ready with some poinsettias (careful if you’ve got pets!) or orchids (so pretty, and they last longer than cut flowers!)
That's a Wrap!
Aaaaand cut. You’ve officially hosted a holiday gathering like a film pro. Now what? Amanda’s final word of advice is to write yourself a “wrap report” within a few days of the party. Jot down what worked, what didn't, what you wish you'd had, and what you didn't need. Next year, you'll thank yourself for the notes!
With a little pre-production planning, some thoughtful set design, and the flexibility to roll with whatever happens, you can create a gathering that's less about stress and more about the magic of being together.
Ready to host your best holiday gathering yet? Download our free Holiday Hosting Worksheet with Amanda's prep schedule, day-of timeline, and more.
Share your holiday party plans in the comments below for a chance to win a $50 LS gift card!
