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We’ve all been there: waiting until the last minute to buy holiday gifts for all of your friends, only to scour the picked-over gift sections of each store. So, this is your annual friendly reminder that it’s never too early to start shopping for gifts for your loved ones. Because, once you secure your presents for everyone, you can focus on the important stuff, aka, planning a kick-ass holiday party that won’t go forgotten.
Yes, planning a gathering during the busiest time of year can be stressful, whether you’ve been orchestrating the details for months or you’re throwing something together at the last minute. Either way, though, it’s always worth it to celebrate and create memories with family and friends. That’s why we’ve put together a handy list of holiday party ideas to help make sure everyone has a holly jolly time. From decorations and food to fashion and beauty tips to gift exchange ideas, here’s how to throw a get-together everyone will remember!
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Holiday Party Attire
1. Decide on your theme before inviting everyone. Is it a semi-formal event? An ugly sweater party? Either way, it’s fun to require your guests to come dressed in festive outfits. It’s a party, after all! Consider telling friends and fam to wear something sparkly (think sequins, rhinestones, metallic clothing or accessories), something in holiday colors or satin, or even just a fun Christmas sweater–as long as they’re dressed in the seasonal spirit, they’re allowed in.
2. Treat yourself to a holiday manicure. Try subtle candy cane nails or a design with stars—anything that will put you in the party mood (and earn you compliments while passing out drinks)! It will add a fun and festive touch to your overall look and is sure to secure you a spot on Santa’s nice list.
3. Wear a party-ready hair accessory. This style hack adds holly-jolly vibes to even the simplest outfit! It can be as easy as topping off your tresses with a shimmery headband or popping in some sparkly hair clips.
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Holiday Party Decorations
4. Get creative! Cover your walls with wrapping paper. This might be the easiest way to DIY holiday party decorations without busting your budget. Give your space an instant holiday makeover by wrapping any wall art or framed photos with wrapping paper and bows —then reuse them to actually wrap gifts when the party’s over. Genius!
5. Make it picture-perfect with a fun photo backdrop. Set a designated spot for snapping pics in front of a festive DIY backdrop (no professional photog required)! It’ll take photos up a notch and help make your party a night to remember.
6. Get creative with cups. Don’t have a crowd-sized selection of drink glasses? Santa belts around red Solo cups are easy to DIY, affordable, and they’re going to look super adorable!
7. Add a little spirit to your spirits. Another simple holiday party idea to dress up drinks: Just add red and white striped paper straws for a North Pole vibe. Blue, white, and silver straws work for Chanukah parties, too!
8. Adorn your doors. Make an easy frosted wreath to hang out front or ‘wrap’ your doors with red ribbon (inside or outdoors!) The result: simple, stylish holiday party decorations that have big impact.
9. Decorate with cranberries. Yes, with cranberries. In glasses or votives, sprinkle the red fruit to surround candles and you’ve got super seasonal party decor in seconds!
Holiday Food Ideas
10. Make it rein(deer). Here’s a party hack: the best party foods are handheld! These adorable reindeer Rice Krispies treats are delish, easy to eat, and guaranteed to delight guests of all ages.
11. Arrange holiday-shaped hors d’oeuvres. Not much of a chef? Not a problem. A Christmas-tree charcuterie or cheese board will make you look like a pro without ever actually having to cook.
12. Opt for crowd-pleasing crostini. They look fancy and are deliciously uncomplicated: easy crostini are one of those holiday party ideas you can use all year long.
13. Make Christmas popcorn. The perfect sweet-and-salty treat, Santa crunch popcorn includes marshmallows, M&Ms, and sprinkles for a festive take on everyone’s favorite snack.
14. We hate to say it, but you should probably toss in something healthy. Go healthy-but-tasty with dipped fruit. Greek yogurt-dipped strawberries are the health-conscious way to do holiday party snacks. In red and white, they’re totally Christmas-appropriate—and yummy!
Holiday Cocktails
15. Mix up an easy Christmas punch. No party is complete without some delicious cocktails and the best part is, they don’t have to be complicated or whipped up by a professional. Aside from the nostalgic feel of holiday punch (bonus points if you present it in a big bowl), this self-serve option also frees you up for other hosting duties. Win-win!
16. Offer mixed drinks with a festive twist. Whether it’s a Christmas sangria or a cranberry ginger fizz, there’s something undeniably special about a holiday-specific cocktail recipe. Cheers!
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Holiday Party Entertainment
17. Make a holiday playlist. Holiday music is a must. Traditional Christmas songs, modern holiday music, or a mix? The choice is yours. Either way, you’ll set the tone with festive tunes.
18. Play holiday movies. Having holiday movies on in the background will help give the party a bustling feel—especially in the beginning before everyone has arrived. Plus, guests can bond over their shared love of Elf or White Christmas.
19. Two words: Christmas karaoke. Make like the crew on The Office and let partygoers sing their hearts out to their holiday favorites (as long as they have “The Little Drummer Boy,” of course). Don’t have an actual karaoke machine? Try Spotify for an easy online alternative.
Which of these holiday party ideas are you trying? Tell us your faves in the comments–and shop women’s Christmas dresses, party tops, gifts, and more in our Holiday Shop!
This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated with new content.
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