With only 2 weeks left before Christmas, many of us still have a million things to do. If entertaining family and friends is on that “To-Do” list, the last thing you want to do is stress about how you’re going to decorate and what you’re going to serve at your holiday party this year. Here are 5 unforgettable holiday party themes that you can use and have fun with – not only for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa but for New Year’s Eve and beyond.
- Eat, Drink & Be Merry Cocktail Party – This adult party consists of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music and dancing, if you choose. If you don’t want to dance the night away, a cocktail party can be hosted early in the evening, and you can have the house cleaned, dishes put away and settled on the couch in time for the 11:00 news!
- Santa Baby! Holiday Gift Exchange Party – Specify on the invitation that you’re going to have a gift exchange at the party. Set a price limit and explain any other guidelines that may apply – theme gift, “White Elephant” gift, charity gift, etc.
- Wild, Winter Wonderland – Go all out with this theme – snowflake invitations, white lights, blue and silver EVERYTHING from table linens, napkins, plates, balloons, and candles to centerpieces, place cards and party favors. Let your imagination run wild with this one!
- Haute Chocolate – If you want to include children, this is a great theme. Food, games, and chocolate. With so many choices on the market these days, flavored hot chocolate is a must for this party theme. Buy it pre-made or create your own recipes. Add marshmallows, whip cream, crushed peppermint, cinnamon sticks and more. A hot chocolate station would be perfect and your guests can create their own custom-fitted “haute” chocolate. Of course, it wouldn’t be right to send them home empty-handed. I can’t think of a better favor than more hot chocolate. Try this idea from Candles and Such.
- Candy Canes & Cookie Exchange – Invite friends over and tell them to bring a batch of their favorite cookies. Better yet, instead of cookies, tell them to bring their favorite holiday treat – fudge, brownies, etc. To add to the fun, ask them to share the recipe. If you’re really serious about the candy cane theme, you can make candy cane gimlets, too. Adults only please
Candy Cane Gimlet
2 Tbsp. Tanqueray
1 tsp. fresh lime juice
1 ½ tsp. DeKuyper Schnapps Peppermint Liqueur
½ cup Sprite
Pour gin, liqueur and lime juice over ice. Top with Sprite and garnish with a candy cane, if desired. Enjoy!!
