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.

Music is an important aspect of any party as well. While some spooky tunes are fun at first, you’ll want to switch over to some more upbeat music once party gets going. People love to dance so have plenty of high energy songs ready to go. If you are inviting a variety of different people have several different types of music so no ones gets bored.

Tasty Halloween Treats

Food is an important part of any party. While you don’t need to provide a full meal, some creative and tasty snacks and treats will help keep your guests fueled for night’s festivities. Turning simple party food into ghoulish culinary delights will surprise and please your guests. Try making some bewitching cupcakes, and put out snacks such as gummy worms and other Halloween candy treats.

Costumes are a given, since this is Halloween after all. If you are having a Halloween theme of some sort, let your guests know on your invitations that they should dress to fit theme. For instance, if you’re throwing a horror movie bash, you can simply say, “come as your favorite horror movie star”. Don’t expect all your guests to comply with your request. Some people have been thinking up their Halloween costume since last year!

Don’t forget about party favors! Depending on how many people you’re inviting and how much you’re willing to spend, possibilities are endless when it comes to party favors. A simple idea is candy bags full of traditional treats such as candy corn. Something more substantial might be a pumpkin carving kit that comes with cutouts and tools. Your guests will love having a little something to take home with them.

Endless Costume Possibilities

If you really aren’t into scary aspect of Halloween, you can always break with tradition and hold a different type of Halloween party. Have a famous couples party or a crazy hat party instead. Guests can still dress up but might be more creative then a white sheet with holes cut out of it. Dressing up for Halloween is something that both adults and kids can enjoy so great creative and have fun with it!

Having games at your party isn’t a necessity, but can be a great deal of fun for your guests. Games act as an excellent icebreaker if everyone doesn’t know each other. Any games where you can break people off into teams will help to get everyone talking. Pumpkin carving contests are a good idea, as is bobbing for apples. Be sure to give a prize to best costume as well.

Your Halloween party is sure to be a success if you take time to plan. Leave yourself plenty of time and don’t forget it’s all little details that help to make a fabulous party. Enlist help of family and friends if you’re feeling overwhelmed, and remember, planning is half fun!