How to Host a Christmas Party in 7 Easy Steps
Planning a Christmas party – made simple.
Planning a Christmas party doesn't have to feel overwhelming! We've put together a list of ways to make hosting a Christmas party easy – from seasonal snacks to festive decorations to party-ready playlists. Follow our step-by-step instructions below to learn how to host a Christmas party with ease.
Step 1: Make a Plan & Send Invitations Early
When planning a Christmas party, it's important to work out the details first so that the rest can be smooth sailing. Set the date for the party and create a to-do list of tasks, such as sending out invitations, picking up ingredients from the store, and decorating your home. Not only will this help you see when each task needs to be completed, it also gives you time to ask friends or family to help out.
Additionally, it's always a good idea to send invitations early. Because it's such a busy time of the year, you'll want to make sure that your guests have enough time to plan ahead.
Step 2: Create a Menu
Food is a key component when planning a Christmas party. If you're planning a dinner party, try to create a menu that doesn't stretch you too thin. Look for courses that can be prepped ahead of time and then quickly finished after guests arrive and it’s time to eat. This will help you stay on track and keep you from spending all night in the kitchen.
Hors d'oeuvres and bite-sized snacks can be an excellent alternative if you're not looking to serve a full meal. Go for grazing boards full of cheeses, meats, and fruits so that guests can keep snacking. Plus, you can prep extras, tuck them in the fridge, and restock the board as needed.
Tip!
When hosting a Christmas party, it's always better to buy too much food and beverages than not enough. You can always send leftovers home with guests, but it can be difficult to send someone out to the store for extras mid-party.
Step 3: Stock the Bar Cart
Give your bar cart a festive makeover by adding some seasonal touches. Start by swapping out your typical glassware for Christmas-themed designs. Look for glasses in glittering jewel tones, or pick pieces of barware with holiday motifs and gold-rimmed details. For added ease, you can create a batch of festive cocktails (or mocktails) and serve them in a beverage dispenser. Just set out glasses and let guests serve themselves!
Tip!
Check out our guide Christmas Cocktails: Everything You Need (& Recipes) to find easy holiday cocktails.
… Or Set Up a Hot Cocoa Bar
With a variety of toppings and mix-ins, a hot cocoa bar is sure to be a holiday party hit. Use a kettle or a slow cooker to keep the hot cocoa warm and fill small bowls with a variety of toppings and mix-ins so guests can create their own chocolatey concoction. Make sure to set out festive mugs to keep the seasonal themes going – and you can even send guests home with their mug as a party favor.
Tip!
Find more ways to create a hot cocoa bar with our guide 12 Easy Hot Chocolate Bar Ideas You'll Want to Recreate This Winter, including tips on choosing tasty toppings and seasonal mugs.
Step 4: Create a Cozy Setup
Whether your party is taking place in the dining room or the living room, it's important to create a cozy setup where guests can mingle. Try to incorporate ample seating for guests by pulling in extra chairs or ottomans, or try to rearrange pieces of furniture to ensure guests have space to sit or stand.
Lighting is another great way to make the space feel inviting when hosting a Christmas party. Add ambient lighting with a table lamp or two to soften the room. We also love to place candles throughout the space for a warm flickering glow.
Christmas decorating doesn't always mean you have to go for green and red. Why not try metallic hues to add some shine to your holiday party. Incorporate gold tones for a bit of warmth, or stick with silver to complement cool-toned elements.
If you're looking to add extra style, opt for bold hues with glittering finishes to create an eye-catching backdrop for your party. We love the pops of bright blue and pink in the photo above, especially when paired with the warm gold accents throughout the space.
Create the perfect ambience with a curated Christmas playlist. Mellow out with timeless Christmas tunes, or add upbeat contemporary tracks for a bubbly holiday mix. If you really want to add a retro feel, set up a record player and a few of your favorite seasonal records.
If you're looking for festive activities, there are plenty of fun ways to engage your guests. Plan ahead and have your guests bring presents for a gift exchange, or set up a cookie decorating station with holiday-shaped cookies, icing, and sprinkles.
For a cozy night in, plan your party around a classic Christmas movie – complete with themed snacks, plush blankets, and hot cocoa. You can even include a pajamas-only dress code in your invitation for a playful twist.
Now that you know how to host a Christmas party, check out our collection of holiday decor, tableware, and lighting.
