We've all been to a Christmas party at some point in our life, and most of us probably enjoyed ourselves. We hung out with our friends, ate some holiday-ish food, and listened to "Jingle Bells" on repeat. This article is for everyone who has every gone to a holiday party and has ever thought afterward, "That wasn't as great as I'd thought it'd be." Maybe it was the lack of style that threw the party out of whack, maybe there weren't enough decorations. In any case, this "How-To" will give you a list of 10 things to include in your next holiday party.
1. Food
Food, of course, is the most essential aspect of your party. Everyone is looking forward to your holiday snacks and is looking forward to not having to cook dinner when they get home because they filled up on all of your "goodies." Here are a few examples of holiday snacks you can make:
Christmas Crunch
Melted Snowmen Cookies
Miscellaneous
2. Music
Although Christmas music isn't necessarily everyone's favorite genre, a little background noise can never hurt. It is a great idea to have a pre-made Spotify playlist ready to go when people walk in the door, even a Holiday Radio station would do, anything to keep the party lively and upbeat.
3. Movies
An extra source of entertainment at a party is always a great idea. Throw a few extra pillows and blankets onto your couch and put on a classic Christmas movie, either Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, The Santa Clause, or How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Some of your party-goers might feel like a break from your other friends, or might want a place to sit down during the get-together, what better place than on your couch in front of a great holiday movie? Also, if the movie is a big hit, all of your friends will get to relive their childhood and enjoy a classic movie with their friends!
4. Games
At a party with you and your friends, it is the perfect time to play some holiday games! You can play games like 'Holiday Charades,' 'Christmas Family Feud,' or 'Name that Carol.' If you want to get creative, it might also be fun to have your friends help you decorate your Christmas tree! At any rate, something interactive for your guests to do is a fun way to get people involved and to get to know your friends. (Prizes like candy canes or Santa hats for the winners are also great incentives).
5. Gift Exchange
Another way to get your guests involved--and a way to get everyone into the holiday spirit-- is to do a 'White Elephant' gift exchange. Notify each of your guests to bring in a five dollar gift, or something from home they'd like to get rid of. Once everyone is settled in, start exchanging, you can even make a game out of the gifts!
6. Decoration
Decorations are a must, no one wants to come to a Christmas party where there is no tree, are no lights, or are no ornaments hanging. The ambiance of the party says everything and adds a little something extra to the room. If you aren't excited about putting up decorations, invite your guests to come early and help, or even have your guests put up one decoration when they arrive. When each person adds their own creativity to the room, it makes the 'Feng shui' of the room a little more interesting.
If you're not particularly creative, here are a few ideas to help you get started:
Balloons
Decorate your door like a gift
Candles
7. Party Favors
Make sure to send your guests home with a goodie bag, a little something to say 'thanks for coming!' Nothing too extravagant or expensive, something that expresses your friendship and your excitement for the holidays! Peppermint treats are always a great alternative to expensive chocolates or holiday cards. A bag with candy canes, maybe a holiday scented candle, and another DIY Christmas snack is more than enough.
8. Photo Booth
Photographs are the perfect way to immortalize your legendary Christmas parties and are another wonderful party favor idea. A photo booth, where your friends stand against a colored sheet and pose with silly props, is a fun way to celebrate with your guests and give them something personal to take home. Some great photo booth props are:
Holiday Cutouts (DIY)
A few backdrop ideas might be a plain wall, a colored sheet, or a few of these:
Wrapping Paper
Ribbon
Christmas tree
9. Themes
Do not forget to give your Christmas party a theme, whether it is an 'Ugly Christmas Sweater' party or whether the theme is just 'Christmas,' make sure you assign it some relevance. Be sure, when sending out invitations, to include the theme, your guests will love a themed party, they add more holiday cheer into the mix!
10. Invitations
The best way to get all of your friends interested and excited about your party is by sending out invitations rather than just sending out a mass group text. Throw some creativity and thought into your invitations, here are some examples:
Santa Claus belt buckle
Ugly Sweaters
Christmas Tree
Good luck with your holiday party, Merry Christmas!
