How to Have a Christmas Party for Friends

'Tis the season to be jolly, spread love, enjoy ourselves. If it's your turn to have the party, make it full of fun!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Food
• Drink
• Games
• CDs

1. 
   From laptop to inbox

   Create your list, head for the computer, get online and email your invitations! Less time, no mess, no money wasted on what can be free. Be sure to ask invitees to R.S.V.P. Decide ahead of time if your party will include children so you can let your potential guests know.

2. 
   Decorate your garage

   Rearrange your furniture. Put different grouping together so groups can gather in various places. If your garage is clean, you can even create a living space there for people to gather. Just add a little tree and a few more decorations and it's ready to go!

3. 
   Party Themes help you decorate

   Decorate your house! Put ornaments and decorations in little alcoves, on the tables, etc. Make sure your tree is ready to go. It can be inexpensive and fun if you head for the Dollar Tree (or your local dollar store) and yet it sets the tone for the party. One way to make your party stand out is to choose a theme like Christmas around the world, or Winter Wonderland and decorate accordingly.

4. 
   Musical CDs of Christmas songs

   Make Christmas music mixes and put them on CDs for music. Mix the songs up between the classics and the new ones. Have music playing constantly, but not so loud you can't have a conversation. If you have more than one room in use, add speakers or have another CD player there.

5. 
   Finger Foods and fruit

   Plan for a lot of finger foods. Use cheese and vegetable trays, cheese balls and crackers, finger sandwiches, fruits, etc. Station the food in different places around the rooms so guests can easily find it. If you need help getting started, check out the resource below.

6. 
   Non-alcoholic drinks stop accidents

   Include non-alcoholic drinks for those who do not wish to imbibe or have to drive. Nothing ruins a party more than an accident caused by poor planning. If you don't know what to make, check the site on the resources below.

7. Plan games that get people mixing. You'll find a website with game offerings in the resource section. While you are making sure everyone is enjoying themselves, don't forget to have fun yourself! If you can swing it, pay for one or two people to be a "waitress" or a "waiter" so you aren't stuck in the kitchen.

8. 
   Gifts for everyone

   Have small gifts for everyone to take home. It can be as simple as a candy cane with a bow, an ornament (purchased or home-made) or something more elaborate like a gift box of treats. You know your guest and your budget.

Tips & Warnings

• Have fun with your guests.
• Use paper products for easy clean-up.
• Worry about clean-up the next day.
• Have the party early in the month so it isn't a burden.

Resources

• non-alcoholic drinks
• finger foods
• Christmas games

[sneedc]

on 12/11/2008 I love the idea of having take-home favors, non-alcoholic beverages, and games for mixers, it's going to be a fun time, where's my evite??? thanks for the tips

[MI-Sandi]

on 12/6/2008 Great ideas for hosting a good party! 5*

[writer7]

on 12/5/2008 Wonderful ideas.

[jmessina10]

on 12/4/2008 Great ideas.

[QueenofMisc]

on 12/3/2008 All great ideas! Especially #7. Never thought of that. Awesome!