The Christmas season means good music and food, beautiful decorations, and a lot of parties. Organizing and planning a Christmas party can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time. To avoid ending up with a poor party, start planning early if you want everything to move smoothly.
Besides early planning, you’ll have to decide on the venue, choose a flexible date, and consider the kind of entertainment to include in the party. Having a theme for the party makes it easier to plan and fun for the guests. Here are tips for throwing an unforgettable Christmas party.
1. Choose a theme for the party
Choosing a theme for your Christmas party makes it distinctive and provides direction for the planning process. Throwing a themed Christmas party keeps your guests committed, engaged, and immersed in the party’s experience.
Base your theme on the party’s objective to elevate the event’s message, help with branding, and have an impact on your guests. You can host a traditional Christmas party, Santa Claus-themed party, or brunch Christmas.
2. Decide on the venue
You may consider various Christmas party venues depending on the number of guests you’re inviting. Restaurants are a perfect venue for small Christmas parties. You can hire an entire restaurant or use a private dining room. When hosting a grand scale Christmas party, consider hotels as they usually function rooms, exhibition halls, ballrooms, and other rooms. You may choose to have the meals served in a buffet or sit-down style and live entertainment to crown the whole experience.
If you’re hosting a Christmas party with many guests, consider halls including auditoriums, pavilions, and more. Other locations to consider are private clubs, bars, or gardens. You can also host a Christmas party in your home. It’s convenient and ideal when hosting a few people.
3. Get a photo booth
Including an open-air photo booth in your Christmas party not only adds fun to the party but also makes it memorable. It will give an unexpected twist to your party, and your guests will appreciate it more because it will be beyond their expectations. A photo booth gives you a chance to bring people together while getting them out of their comfort zones.
Besides helping you spread Christmas cheer, it’s an excellent way to help your guests make memories. Consider booking a professional photo booth to give your guests an experience they will never forget.
4. Add a self-service bar
Having a self-service bar gives your guests the freedom to serve themselves whenever they like, along with freeing you from having to serve your guests all night. Include various self-service options consisting of wine and add corkscrews and stemware. Consider having as many options as possible so you can have enough time to enjoy yourself. Don’t forget to stock enough drinkware, including wine glasses, champagne flutes, cocktail glasses, Boston Red Sox tumbler mugs (which I love), and margarita glasses, among others.
5. Plan some party games
Party games are an excellent way for guests to mingle and have a good time. There are many game options to choose from, including gift-exchange-themed games, trivia, and ice breaker games. While having a mix of games creates more fun, ensure they’re audience and age-appropriate. You can provide card and classic card games. Other games to consider are the Santa hat game, jingle bell toss, gift wrap game, Christmas movie trivia, and more.
6. Don’t forget about the music
When hosting a Christmas party, music crowns the entire experience. You may consider creating a music playlist including traditional Christmas tunes and others among your favorites. Besides the Christmas music, consider adding some top mixes, throwbacks, and classics. You can also hire a DJ or a band. Having music playing in the background sets the mood and creates a welcoming atmosphere, especially when the guests are still arriving.
7. Set a dessert table
Parties aren’t the same without something sweet. You can include various dessert choices in your Christmas party, including Christmas candy, pies, cookies, cakes, and more. Whether you buy or bake your treats, these elegant platters and trays can elevate any offer instantly. Consider placing the candies and pastries in muffin cups for a fancier look so guests can quickly swoop them when passing by.
8. Host a Christmas party for a good cause
Christmas is a time to give and spread love, so to keep the spirit, you may decide to turn your party into a donation event. Instead of the guests exchanging gifts, they can all bring in something for a good cause, including giving towards a charitable organization, a family in need, or any other cause.
Endnote
Holidays are meant to share unforgettable moments with loved ones. It could be with family, friends, co-workers, or the less fortunate. Use the above tips to throw a memorable Christmas lunch or dinner party this year.
Anthony is a passionate food enthusiast living in the bustling food scene of New York City. With an insatiable curiosity for culinary exploration, he loves exploring the city’s diverse eateries, seeking out unique flavors and sharing his gastronomic adventures with fellow food lovers.
