Got enough room for everyone's vehicles? Is the parking area plowed with a well-lit clear path to the entry as they carry in their food/beverages? Are your pets in a secure area to avoid them slipping out as guests arrive?

Is there a place to set down what guests carry in while they remove their coats? Is there a spot to hang coats near the entry? Do you want guest to remove their shoes?

Think about how/where you want to set up the baked good entries, the nibbles and the drinks. Will there be a designated sit-down area to eat or will it be more casual where guests choose where to eat? Your oven may be used by guests who wish to heat up their nibble on-site.

As the host, you should have:

• a set number of empty platters to display the baked entries in case they do not arrive display-ready.

• take-home containers available for guest to bring baked goods home.

• paper goods (plates, napkins, drink cups, coffee cups, bathroom essentials) -- seasonal themes to match any decorations you use

• ice bucket so guests aren't in your freezer

• printed ballots to vote for the winner should be made in advance, along with signage to go in front of each entry

As the host, what you prepare as your nibble should be a little more substantial than what guests are bringing, so make it special!

• consider a specialty drink by the pitcher, a punch bowl​ or mulled wine/cider

• coffee/tea

Streaming background music or your favorite playlist

Have fun picking out a unique prize for the first-prize winner. The second-prize winner can be a bottle of wine. Optional: a small token-gift for each attendee that fits the theme.