We stand by the expression that there is always something to celebrate, regardless of the season. It’s time to fill our calendars with work events, family celebrations, and seasonal fun.
In the holiday party circuit, which officially runs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, the festivities can begin to blur as the night darkens, drinks pour, and invitations pile up. But that doesn’t mean they have to. Trust us: your friends will agree.
Make your holiday party stand out with these 12 expert tips and ideas. Southern living Gary Petro, editor and event pro at Shag Carpet Prop Rentals in Texas. Take notes and you’ll have a holiday party in no time that all your guests will remember.
cutting wood with friends
Pruning trees with friends is a popular tradition among many editors. Editorial Fellow Mary Alice Russell recalls a particular party her mother hosted many years ago. “I got a little box with all the different decorations,” she explains. “It was a lot of fun and everyone loved it. I still have that tree at home. I brought it to college several times at one point.”
Sure, this event is a traditional go-to, but it can also be customized for your group. , or can be a Mommy and Me activity. For those crafty adults who love a little competition, make it a contest! Regardless of your approach, don’t forget to incorporate the wow factor into your decorating kit. Mary Her Alice grew up on the beach, so her mom included seashells at the party, but this can also be done with fun decorations, favorite candies, or items that hint at an inside joke.
celebrate the winter solstice
This year, the winter solstice on December 21st is the shortest day and longest night of the year. In some cultures, this is a magical night celebrated with yule log lighting, baked goods and lots of candles. Recreate that feeling with a warm winter solstice party. For colors and tablescapes, think shimmery colors that shimmer in silver and gold. You will need a lot of candles to light the party space. A faux candle that looks just like the real thing is perfect.
Host a Holiday Movie Night
Another classic party is watching your favorite Christmas movie at home. This idea has certainly been done before, but you can make your idea unique by having the group vote on it. , in a bowl or hat, and let them pick a winner. Then wait until the end of the movie for the “winner” to reveal that it was his or her choice. Have everyone rate the movie and guess who chose it! maybe.
Take a tour of your town’s best lights
Invite your friends to take you on a tour of the best holiday lights and party up. Some cities offer special limousine he tours around the neighborhood, but you can also DIY this by tapping a designated driver into your own vehicle. Pack a snack and head out, or stop by a local restaurant and enjoy a variety of ‘courses’ throughout the night.
Collect groups of knitting and needlepoints
December to February is our cozy season. Aside from excluding books from your reading list, needlework and knitting are winter staples. Invite your guests to a cozy, creative, relaxing knitting and needlepoint merrymaking. Place oversized floor cushions around a common coffee table to set up a place for each guest. Each location setting will have a pre-made needlepoint or knitting basket with everything you need to complete the evening’s project. Cozy candles and a calming background playlist complete the experience Let
rip the ugly sweater
The Tucky Sweater Party is an annual event worthy of representation. This is a fun one to claim and host each year as your signature holiday party.
Host a holiday potluck
Hosting doesn’t have to be stressful! If you want to get together with friends but don’t want to break every pot in your kitchen, ask everyone to bring the must-have dishes for your family’s holiday table. After the dishes are served, go around the group and have them talk about what they made.
Create your own winter wonderland
Most people think of green and white outfits when on vacation, but a white party can be a chic concept this time of year. Focus on color in everything from decor to drinks. Think of your decor in terms of modern elements, LED lights and sparkles. What is the final result? A dreamland of sparkling snow.
Decorate old-fashioned Christmas cookies
This idea isn’t super original, but it’s a good one anyway. Make an annual tradition of throwing a Christmas cookie decorating party with your girlfriends and neighbors. As a host, you should provide holiday-shaped sugar cookies and perhaps milk and punch for your guests to sip while you’re making them. However, guests are responsible for bringing their own icing, sprinkles, and toppings.
organize an ornament exchange
You can also enjoy receiving presents by exchanging ornaments. The rules are simple, all you have to do is bring the ornaments together, hang them on the tree, and finally pick out the ornaments and bring them home!
Do only food and drink, but have a theme
From milk and cookies to champagne and cheese, holiday favorites are often two. Think about the pairings you want to enjoy this time of year, then streamline your party menu. Good example? Her senior news editor, Rebecca Angel Baer, once attended her Hanukkah party, which was themed “vodka and ratkes.” But even after all these years, she still remembers the theme and says she had fun!Pro Tip: She hasn’t forgotten the late night donuts either.
host a formal ball
Fans of Hallmark movies know that the best movies end with a “seasonal event.” Create your own Party of the Year by throwing a formal evening soiree in black tie or cocktail dress code, which will allow the crew to dress up like a movie star and enjoy his Hallmark movie dreams of the holidays. can give you an excuse to do it. Can you suggest a celebratory name such as “Snow Ball” or “Matzah Ball”?
