Planning a Spectacular Christmas Party

The holiday season is typically filled with large fancy parties, small intimate gatherings, and extravagant dinner parties. Planning your own Christmas party can seem like you're competing with hundreds of other festive events during this time, but by adding special touches to every aspect of your party, its sure to be a success.

Magical Themes

A great party starts with a great theme. You may be thinking that your party theme is a given since it is Christmas time. But take it one step further and you'll end up with a fabulous Christmas party that will be the talk of the town. Some theme ideas include:

- Black tie dinner party
- Winter wonderland
- Sophisticated cocktail party
- Casual fireside party

These party themes are easy to put together and aren't too far from the feel of the season to seem out of place as a Christmas party. People love to get dolled up around this time and so costume parties may be a little out of place. Each of your party themes should tie into all aspects of your party including any decorations, invitations, and even food. Choosing a theme may seem difficult at first but once you get started on planning your party it will make the entire process seem easier.

Sending out party invitations is a great way to get your guests excited about the party. Most people are invited to at least several parties during the holiday season, and invitations can help set your party apart. Your invitations don't need to be too extravagant to make an impression on the recipients. Just be sure to include all pertinent information that your guests will need to know.

Invitations can be sent in a number of ways. While custom made invitations certainly will have the most impact on your guests, you don't want to spend your entire party budget on invitations either. Making your own invitations might seem like a lot of work but it can actually be quite simple. You can download invitation templates from the Internet and create your own personalized invitations that will really wow your guests. You can add color pictures to these templates that will look like a professional created them.

Another invitation option is to send electronic invitations. There are several websites that offer invitations services complete with an online RSVP function that makes it easy to check who is coming to the party. You can add festive music and animation to your invitations. Guests will love getting these creative invites in their inbox. Make sure that you contact guests via telephone if they haven't responded by your RSVP date. Some people don't check their email often.

Party Decorations

Your house is probably already decorated for the Christmas season with a beautiful tree, garland, and other festive embellishments. Some people don't put their trees and decorations up until later in December, but if you're having a party you should have everything up by then. Guests love to check out how you've decorated your tree and it puts them in an eggnog kind of mood.

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 the ceiling as well as sparkles and confetti placed on the tables. This adds a little bit of magic to your party space and guests will love the 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 the 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 the door. This is a great way to enjoy some time with the 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 the fancy dress theme with low lighting and little clutter. Serve up cocktails in fancy barware to add to the sophisticated atmosphere.

Culinary Delights

Serving food at your party is a must. Make sure your party food goes along with the theme and the 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 the 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 the 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 the date. This will ensure you've got plenty of time to plan and guests will reserve the day of your party before all the other impromptu parties start popping up. Spread some Christmas cheer and celebrate the 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.

---

No Paws from Santa Claus

The Holidays are coming and children have thought long and... Read More

I Just Love It!

"I Just Love It!"You know the scenario. You're sitting at... Read More

The Fathers Day Celebration

Fathers Day is another reason to celebrate another responsible adult... Read More

How to Save Money at Christmas

Do you know how to save money at Christmas and... Read More

Tips to Save Time & Money; Christmas Shopping Online

So Christmas is a few months away. Seems like a... Read More

Dont Want Another Carpet Sweeper This Year For Christmas?

Unique "Drop-A-Hint" Plan Sends Your Gift Wishes Via E-mailSure, they... Read More

Bathed in Blue - Love Can Happen for You

Whether you know him by Eros or Cupid, this son... Read More

Find Great Halloween Costume Ideas! Have The Most Creative Costumes This Year

Usually, the hardest part about Halloween is finding the perfect... Read More

Saint Nick to Santa, the MOST extreme makeover?

It's the holiday season, and the first thing that comes... Read More

Tools and Tips for Keeping the Holidays Organized

It's November 1st. You've walked into your favorite store to... Read More

Holiday Health: Give Get-Fit Gifts

'Tis the season to celebrate -- and a time to... Read More

Nicely Designed Pillows As Gifts

Many of us are probably squeezing out our brains to... Read More

Greeting Card Tango: How To Impress, Not Stress, During The Holidays

When it comes to holiday greeting cards, to send or... Read More

Hassle-Free Holiday Baking: 6 Easy Days to Perfect Christmas Cookies

Like many people, I love the idea of making a... Read More

Traditional and Modern Anniversary Gifts

Most people know that the 50th wedding anniversary is the... Read More

This Mothers Day -- Give The Gift Of Fitness

Do you know a Mom that deserves a special gift... Read More

Event Planning 101

One of the tools I use as a professional organizer... Read More

Inexpensive Christmas Stocking Stuffer Ideas For Kids

After all the gifts have been purchased and placed under... Read More

Christmas Holidays: 5 Ways To Make This Holiday Your Best Ever

For many people the end of a year is a... Read More

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween is an exciting night for children and a busy... Read More

Fireplace Decorating Tips for Easter: Give Your Rooms Natural Focal Point an Easter Look

Sure you decorate your fireplace and mantel for the winter... Read More

Children?s Birthday Party Locations and Ideas

While most children's birthday parties are held at home, you... Read More

5 Ways to Having the Happiest Valentines Day Ever (even if youre alone)

The thought of Valentine's Day conjures up romantic evenings, a... Read More

Magical Plants of Christmas

Most of the plants we associate with the holiday season... Read More

What Causes Holiday Stress?

The holidays are supposed to be a time of celebration... Read More

Bust Holiday Stress!

The holidays will be here before you know it. Clear... Read More

Home For The Holidays: Heirloom Stories Are A Perfect Gift

Selecting the right gift for a special someone is sometimes... Read More

Sweet 16th Birthday Party Ideas

Is there any party more delightful than sweet 16? If... Read More

Birthday Gift Guide

A birthday gift is the opportunity to show your loved... Read More

Wolves, Goats, Martyrs and War: a History of Valentines Day

Valentines Day is one of the most enigmatic of holidays,... Read More

Jewelry As A Father?s Day Gift

It is widely known that many men enjoy fine jewelry.... Read More

2 Inexpensive Halloween Costume Ideas

Did you know that you can make your own Halloween... Read More

Gift Giving During Thanksgiving Adds That Special Touch

Many of us believe Christmas is one of the most... Read More