Photo courtesy of Amy Karp Photography
There are so many holiday type events to choose from, where to even begin? We love a good holiday party and have come up with 3 holiday party styles of events and mini guides on how to plan for each. Choose what works for you and enjoy!
1.The Mix and Mingle Affair
This come and go afternoon or evening event is typically like a happy hour for friends and family to wander through on their own time.
Menu – The menu can be mainly appetizers or snacks, which either you provide, or your guests can bring something to contribute. A self-serve bar is key (pre-mixed drinks in containers work well for signature cocktails).
Décor – For this style event, simple décor like a wreath on your door and maybe a tree, are all you need. It doesn’t have be complicated, the elegance level is up to you.
Entertainment – Holiday music and a fun but simple favor for guests to take when they leave, like pre-wrapped Christmas cookies or a fun ornament to mark the occasion makes this a fun and easy event for guests to attend.
Optional – Theme it Up! Ask guests to wear their favorite ugly sweater or holiday themed costume when they make an appearance.
2. The At-Home Dinner Party
The dinner party is a bit more traditional and very intimate in feel.
Menu – This can be buffet or plated, just make sure to have enough seats for all to sit at once. Beverages can be a self-serve bar, or you can serve each guest their requested drink personally to make them feel more taken care of.
Décor – Style can level up with table decorations for dinner, including place cards like custom ornaments or holiday foliage.
Entertainment – Holiday music for dinner is easy, then fun games after typically follow. Games can be gift exchanges, fun activities like holiday movie drinking games or name that Christmas carol game for teams. Coffee or hot cocoa can finish the evening up with dessert.
3. Let’s Do Something Fun!
It’s great to get together and do a fun activity or something to help prep for the holidays!
Photos courtesy of Mulberry Lane Studio
Entertainment – Choose an activity you know your guests would enjoy, like gift wrapping, a cookie exchange, building a gingerbread house, decorating cookies, white elephant gift exchange, wreath making party, or even a holiday movie marathon!
Menu – When the focus is the entertainment or activity, make the food and drink simple. Choose a combination of sweet and savory snacks to provide or ask your guests to contribute. Have a self-serve beverage station with a holiday punch, both with and without alcohol for guests to choose from. (Cider or cocoa can perfect for this!)
Décor – Your entertainment will probably provide enough festive cheer that you may not need any decorations at all, depending on what you choose!
What holiday party is your style? Let us know how you add extra flair to your holiday gatherings in the comments below! Also read about 6 Hacks to Hosting a Holiday Party on our last blog. If you need help with your holiday gathering reach out to us – We’d love to help!
