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30 Best Christmas Party Ideas to Help You Throw Your Jolliest Bash Yet Cheers to a memorable celebration! 壟
BY COUNTRY LIVING STAFF AUG 27, 2019
ANNIE SCHLECHTER
Have yourself a merry little holiday—and invite all your friends to join you—with our very best Christmas party ideas! Here, we're showing you how to settle in for an evening or afternoon lled with delicious treats, festive drinks, and maybe even a some gift giving too. Are you a crafter? Then you'll love our ideas for crafter-noon parties, from an ornament crafting Christmas party (with our favorite DIY ornament ideas and tutorials to get you started, no less) to a salt dough crafting party. You can even make your own wreaths alongside your best friends, or kill two birds with one stone and crank out some DIY Christmas cards. Of course, your friends might just want to sit back and relax this year—after all, they've been busily prepping for the holiday, no doubt, and odds are they're more than a little tuckered out. If that's the case, serve them some delicious food and drinks, and just veg out, holiday-style! A hot chocolate bar is easy to throw together if you've got a slow cooker to keep things warm and toasty, while fondue can feed a crowd and keep all your friends entertained. Better yet, give back this year and chauffeur your friends to a holiday toy drive (or host one yourself). That's what the season's really all about!
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BRIAN WOODCOCK
Ornament Crafting Party
Crafter-noon? Yes, please! Even beginners can learn to cross-stitch quickly—and with our easy tutorials, you can guide the way. Of course, you don't just have to stick to cross-stitch designs. There are so many DIY ornament possibilities out there!
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BUFF STRICKLAND
Hot Chocolate Party
Set up a hot chocolate bar and let your friends and family have at it! You can include toppings like cinnamon sticks, ground nutmeg, chocolate chips, whipped cream, and more. Let the cocoa brew in a slow cooker; it'll stay warm all afternoon.
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BUFF STRICKLAND
A Very Country Christmas Party
If you're a proud country dweller, this might be your kind of party! Whether or not you've got a hay bale tree out front (hello, country Christmas #goals!), you can still bring this easy idea to life with fun country-inspired recipes and a country Christmas song sing-along.
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ANNIE SCHLECHTER
Christmas Dinner Party
Who says you have to relegate the fun to the daytime hours? Host a Christmas dinner party with all the bells and whistles, and look to us for the best table setting, appetizer, and recipe ideas.
S H O P P L A I D T H R OW S
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BRIAN WOODCOCK
Fondue Party
What better way to warm up than with a pot of fondue—and a circle of smiling friends around it? We love this idea for a Christmas party theme! Add our cable-knit breadsticks for an extra- special, extra-wintery element.
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KIM CORNELISON
Salt Dough Crafting Party
Salt dough is one of the easiest materials to work with, whether you use it to make ornaments or other gurines. Kids and adults alike will get a kick out of a party that celebrates the fun material. To make it, simply combine 4 cups all-purpose our, 1 cup salt, and 1 1/2 cups of warm water in a mixing bowl. Knead until the dough is rm and smooth. Roll out the dough and allow your guests to cut and design desired shapes (use a straw to poke a hole for hanging if you're going for ornaments), then bake at 300°F until dry, approximately 1 hour; cool completely. They can even paint the nished products too!
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DAVID HILLEGAS
Christmas Card Writing Party
Give your guests a few pre-made cards to write in or let them craft their very own at this cute party. Better yet, hand out postcards that can be sent to the men and women serving our country overseas, or handed out to rst responders at your local re department. We've got tips for crafting your own cards and some thoughts on sweet messages to put inside them.
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BRIAN WOODCOCK
Wreath-Making Party
Supply your guests with all the supplies they need, then let their creativity take over in this fun party idea! Flat wood rounds, wooden balls, oral craft rings, plus colorful craft paint and diamond dust glitter are a few must-haves. S H O P R I B B O N
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BRIAN WOODCOCK
Christmas Tree Decorating Parties
Why decorate your tree alone? Invite friends from near and far to join you in the fun. Set out popcorn, cranberries, and thread for an old-fashioned look, or simply let your guests take turns adding ornaments to the branches. You can also ask that they bring one to share—that way, the party's personal too!
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BRIAN WOODCOCK
Eggnog Party
You drink the stuff all season long. Why not celebrate eggnog with a party that's entirely centered around it? Serve up a batch of fresh gingerbread cookies and create a serve-yourself eggnog bar complete with cinnamon and nutmeg toppings and even different "avors." We've got tons of creative eggnog recipes to help you get started.
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DINNER AT THE ZOO
Christmas Candy Making
Nothing says Christmastime like a batch of toffee, truffles, or fudge. Have your friends bring their kids along for an afternoon whipping up some easy-to-make holiday favorites—such as these chocolate-lled candy cane hearts from Dinner at the Zoo. 12 OF 30
SO NALICIOUS
Pampering Party
The most wonderful time of the year can also be one of the most stressful. Take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle and invite the girls over for an afternoon of pampering. Treat yourself to professional services or get inspired to do your own nails, hair, makeup. You could even recreate this stunning manicure from So Nailicious.
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GETTY IMAGES
White Elephant Gift Exchange
White elephant exchanges always lead to an evening lled with laughter. Be sure to invite a group of at least six or more people and set a cap for how much each present should cost, so no one is going over their budget. Need some affordable gift ideas? We have just what you need with our favorite Christmas presents that cost $50 or less.
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COOKING CLASSY
Holiday Bake-Off
Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the smells in the kitchen are so delightful! Whip up your own crowd-pleasing treat—like these unbelievably good gingerbread bars—and have each guest bring their favorite Christmas dessert for a delicious December get-together.
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A HOUSE IN THE HILLS
Christmas Cocktail Party
For an adults-only soiree, host a holiday happy hour. Even if you're not an expert bartender, you can still make gorgeous seasonal drinks—like this pomegranate rosemary spritzer—with our easy Christmas cocktails recipes .
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GETTY IMAGES
Ice Skating Adventure
Lace up the skates and get ready to hit the ice! Skaters of all levels will have a blast gliding around and around. If you live in a winter wonderland, you can build your own rink or go out to a pond or lake—just make sure it's safe beforehand. If your winter months are on the warmer side, book some time at a local rink.
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GETTY IMAGES
Toy Drive
'Tis the season of giving back. Spread the holiday cheer by donating unwrapped toys to children in need through charities such as Toys for Tots. Nothing will ll you will more joy than ensuring others have a very merry Christmas.
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JENJEN42 / GETTY IMAGES
Christmas Caroling
Go Christmas caroling! Your neighbors will be delighted to hear classic holiday hymns, and you'll have so much fun singing with your friends. After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!
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REBECCA LUIGART-STAYNER
Après Ski Party
If you don't make it out to the slopes this season, bring the warmth of a ski lodge to your own home by hosting an après ski-themed party. Make sure your guests can cuddle up with a faux fur blanket, and decorate with vintage ski decor and anything wood-nished. Don't forget to have that replace burning!
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COURTESY OF THE BEARFOOT BAKER
Reverse Christmas In July Party
You've heard about Christmas in July parties, but now it's time to bring the tropical temperatures to December. Tell your guests to wear their best beach-themed attire (Hawaiian shirts and ip ops required) while they sip on piña coladas and eat these adorable cookies.
Get the tutorial at The Bearfoot Baker.
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TOM MERTON / GETTY IMAGES
Gingerbread House Decorating Contest
Add a nostalgic element to your party by setting out supplies to make gingerbread houses and hosting an all-in-good-fun competition to see who can construct the sweetest abode. (Award an oven mitt to the winner!) Keep it simple by stocking up on affordable gingerbread kits that come ready to assemble—and be sure to choose an official judge!
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Gift Wrapping Extravaganza
Do you always nd yourself wrapping your little one's presents an hour before Santa is scheduled to deliver them? This year, make gift wrapping more fun by inviting your friends over for a gift-wrapping party. Set up a table with wrapping paper, ribbons, stamps and tags galore and go to town. Afterwards, everyone can decompress with a nice mug of hot cocoa.
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GETTY IMAGES
Cookie Exchange
Invite your pals to swing by with a dozen cookies in tow. Crank up the holiday tunes, nosh on cookies, and then send everyone packing with a bag full of treats. Set out cute recipe cards so guests can share how-tos for their new favorite desserts.
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GETTY IMAGES
Crafternoon Bash
Corral your most Pinterest-obsessed friends for an afternoon of crafting holiday cards, wreaths, and more. Ask each guest to bring her favorite craft supplies so you can draw from a large collection. Don't forget to set out snacks and cocktails—crafting can really work up an appetite!
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GETTY IMAGES
Holiday Game Night
Kick off the holiday season right with some friendly competition. Create a lineup of classic games with fun holiday twists like Christmas Bingo. A fun idea: Instead of the usual place- markers, blogger Amber from Crazy Little Projects uses popcorn to cover her board. If Bingo
isn't up your alley, gather everyone for a round of Christmas movie trivia. The winner takes home a basket full of Christmas DVDs!
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GETTY IMAGES
Christmas Carol Karaoke Night
Invest in a home karaoke system, and load it up with your favorite holiday tunes. Have your guests sign a holiday record as a guest book before they take their turn at the microphone. As a token of your appreciation to the brave singers who volunteer, make trophies out of small, wooden instruments.
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Christmas Movie Marathon
Build a re, curl up with your family and friends, and get in the spirit of Christmas with your favorite holiday classics, like The Polar Express, Home Alone, and Miracle on 34th Street. Serve fresh popcorn with melted white chocolate drizzled on top for a holiday treat. To make things extra fun, ask guest to dress up as their favorite Christmas movie characters for an interesting evening.
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COURTESY OF HELLO GLOW
Photo Booth Party
Encourage guests to dress up in their holiday nest, turn up the festive music, have some holiday punch and holiday hors d'oeuvres at the ready, and set up a cute photo backdrop for you and your friends to ham it up in front of. Have a few Christmas props and holiday face masks on hand—put your DIY skills to good use and make your own masks or go on Etsy to purchase printable ones.
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JOHN DOLAN
Winter Sledding Party
Gather up your pals and their kiddos for a rollicking sledding party. After everyone's done running around in the snow, they can warm up inside with warm mugs of cocoa. Set out a garnish table with an assortment of cherries, caramel syrup, whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and sprinkles. It's the perfect way to toast to the season!
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Pancakes and Pajamas Party
Put on your favorite holiday onesie and sink your teeth into soft, uffy pancakes for one of the most laid-back parties you'll ever host. Encourage your family and friends to wear their wackiest Christmas pajamas and see who can outdo each other. The winner gets a fresh stack of pancakes with their favorite toppings (okay, ne, everyone's a winner at this party!).
M O R E F R O M
Fun Christmas Decor and Gift Ideas 2019