A Guide to Throwing the Ultimate Christmas Party
Get ready to host the most memorable Christmas party ever! This guide will help you create a festive gathering that will have your guests talking long after the last ornament is packed away.
Set the Right Tone with a Festive Invitation
Digital or Paper
Choose digital invites or go old-school with paper ones, incorporating holiday colors and classic symbols.
Festive Message
Include a festive message and details about the dress code, RSVP info, and playful requests like "Bring your best ugly sweater!" or "Come ready to dance under the mistletoe."
Choose a Theme or Mood
1
Winter Wonderland
Think snowflakes, frosty whites, silver, and icicle decorations. Add some faux snow and ice sculptures for an enchanting ambiance.
2
Classic Christmas
Red, green, gold, and plaid decor paired with classic Christmas music. A nostalgic vibe with lots of DIY crafts like paper snowflakes and stockings.
3
Christmas Around the World
Celebrate different Christmas traditions and foods from various countries. It’s a fun way to bring diverse elements into your celebration.
4
Ugly Sweater Party
Encourage guests to wear their most outlandish holiday attire. Offer a prize for the ugliest sweater to make it even more competitive!
Create the Perfect Ambience
Lighting
Opt for soft, warm lighting from string lights, candles (battery-operated ones for safety!), and dimmed lamps.
Decor
Use festive colors like red, green, gold, or silver for your decor, and incorporate natural elements like pinecones, holly, and branches.
Music
Curate a playlist with a mix of classic Christmas carols, upbeat holiday hits, and some instrumental music to set a festive mood.
Holiday-Themed Food & Drink
Entertainment for All Ages
1
Games
Play classic holiday games like “Christmas Charades,” “Pin the Nose on Rudolph,” or a Christmas trivia quiz.
2
Photo Booth
Create a photo booth area with fun props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and oversized candy canes.
3
Holiday Movie Screening
Set up a space to screen beloved Christmas classics like Home Alone, Elf, or It’s a Wonderful Life.
Party Favors & Takeaways
Personalized Ornaments
A small ornament with each guest’s name or a memorable quote from the evening makes for a heartfelt memento.
Mini Bottles of Wine or Cider
Gift guests small bottles of mulled wine, sparkling cider, or homemade flavored syrups.
Holiday Goodies
Packaged cookies, hot chocolate mixes, or even a small potted plant like a poinsettia can make for a charming takeaway.
Plan for Comfort and Safety
Comfort and Safety
Ensure that everyone feels comfortable and safe throughout the night. Have plenty of seating for mingling, and make sure your space is warm and welcoming. If you're serving alcohol, provide a designated driver or offer guests rides home to avoid anyone drinking and driving.
Cozy Area
If your party goes into the late hours, consider having a cozy area where guests can relax, like a space with pillows, blankets, and soft music, giving everyone a chance to unwind before heading home.
