First Time In-Person DM... Help Needed (Potential SKT Spoilers)

Hello!

I am a first time DM running Storm King's Thunder for a party of 3 PCs (level 6) after they completed the Sunless Citadel. The campaign is roughly 6 months old and is set on the Sword Coast. We play weekly on D&D Beyond with Discord for video/chat.

I am very close friends with all of my players, but we are geographically separated so I have never hosted an in-person game before. In about a month, we will be gathering in-person for a pseudo-holiday celebration and are planning our first in-person session!

As a new DM, I have mostly survived with online tools and quick Google searches when the players have questions, so DMing at a live table seems a bit daunting (tips appreciated!). That said, I'm fairly confident with my knowledge of the basics of 5e (2014) and my ability to keep things on the rails.

My REAL request though involves how to make a large in-person game (6 more FIRST-TIME PCs will be joining in December) memorable for everyone.

For context: My players are currently exploring the Sword Coast in Chapter 3 "The Savage Frontier" of SKT. They have met Harshnag and have temporarily separated from him with instructions to meet him at the Eye of the Allfather. They just finished a side-arc and there are several directions they could go... and I'm not sure which setting would be the best venue for a session like this.

1: Gruud Haug. The party has allies in Goldenfields and a firm understanding of it's value to the North. They have heard whispers of how the Hill Giants are disrupting harvests and could be persuaded to intervene. Directing them towards their first Giant Hold (I intend on them tackling multiple if not all strongholds) could be memorable for this session, but it puts the cart before the horse story-wise if they don't understand the ultimate WHY behind the Giant threat.

2. Eye of the All-Father. I very much like the idea of the party completing the lore/story at the Eye of the All-Father prior to the in-person session, with the party either encountering Klauth's minions to obtain the airship or encountering Imryth for the first time when we meet in-person. This would risk the one-time guest PCs feeling somewhat lost in the story elements of both of these scenarios.

3. Something less connected to SKT's primary plot lines. Maybe a battle with remnants or an Orc Horde at Calling Horns? A engagement with an Uthgardt Tribe? Deterring a Giant Raiding Party? Open to any and all ideas.

Additionally, as we don't get together often, I'm looking to make this session extra-special for all players. I've looked into the following and am wondering where the juice is most worth the squeeze for player enjoyment. Please feel free to add anything I may overlook.

1. Minis. I've ordered minis from hero forge for my 3 primary PCs and am curious about the most cost effective ways to obtain 6 additional minis that can still have meaning to our guest PCs.

2. Maps and terrain. What's the best way to make sure this is memorable without spending $$$$? I plan to have maps printed and want to use terrain/minis for the combat, but don't know how to best pull it off without spending a small fortune. Obviously this is dependent on the setting I choose for the encounter, but I'm somewhat lost on how to create an immersive experience without breaking the bank.

3. Extras. What extras do players crave? Hand-written messages/maps? "Potions" that I can make and have them drink for buffs/heals? Anything else I can do to make this session feel special for all involved?

4. Easy reference rule cards for the new players? Worth it to keep things moving along?

5. Playlist recommendations would be greatly appreciated

All in all, I'm incredibly excited to be able to provide these memorable moments to my players, but definitely feeling in a bit over my head. Any and all help is appreciated.

Thank you!