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If you’re having a theme party you may want to put up a few extra decorations. For instance, a winter wonderland theme might include some silver snowflakes hanging from ceiling as well as sparkles and confetti placed on tables. This adds a little bit of magic to your party space and guests will love extra effort you have gone to.
To Dress Up or Not to Dress Up
Most people love an excuse to get dressed up in fancy cocktail dress or suit. Christmas is perfect time to have your friends get all dolled up for an evening in. However, you should take your friend’s personalities into consideration. Christmas parties don’t necessarily have to mean wearing your nicest party dress; a simple fireside eggnog party is just as fun. If you have a fireplace, get a roaring fire going before your guests arrive and hand them a glass of fresh homemade eggnog as they walk through door. This is a great way to enjoy some time with people you love.
If you do decide to have guests dress up for your party, be clear about this on your party invitations. Tell your guests whether to wear black tie or a cocktail dress so they know what to arrive in. Make sure your decorations tie into fancy dress theme with low lighting and little clutter. Serve up cocktails in fancy barware to add to sophisticated atmosphere.
Culinary Delights
Serving food at your party is a must. Make sure your party food goes along with theme and season. Unless you’re having a dinner party, entrees aren’t necessary. Simple appetizers that guests can either eat with their hands or with one utensil are best. You’ll probably have limited seating so you don’t want anything too difficult to eat. A fancy cocktail party should have equally fancy appetizers and dips. A casual get together might serve veggie plates, hot seafood dips, and chips. And don’t forget Christmas cookies at any type of party.
You’ll probably want to serve some drinks at your party as well. Eggnog is a traditional Christmas drink that is always a favorite. Making your own may take a bit of work but it will taste divine. Serving up some other festive drinks is a good idea as well since many people don’t care for eggnog. A fun idea is a peppermint martini complete with a candy cane for garnish. You should also have several non-alcoholic drinks for designated drivers and those who prefer to stay dry.
Your Christmas party will be a success if you focus on little details such as invitations that many other party planners forgo. Plan your party well in advance and send invitations out approximately one month before date. This will ensure you’ve got plenty of time to plan and guests will reserve day of your party before all other impromptu parties start popping up. Spread some Christmas cheer and celebrate season with those close to you.
John Lenaghan writes about party planning and other tips for the Party Ideas 4u website, where he provides valuable tips and advice about Christmas party ideas, birthday party ideas and other party planning topics.