Things You'll Need:
- Invitations (written or e-mail)
- Paper and pen for lists
- Cleaning supplies
- Friends or guests
- Time
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Step 1
First, decide on a date and time for your party. If you are mostly stay at home mothers, maybe a morning during the week (while kids are in school) would be a good time. If your friends mostly work during the day, maybe an evening or weekend would be better suitable.
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Step 2
Second, start making a list of everyone to invite. You can always ask each person to invite or bring another friend along.
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Step 3
Third, make a list of ingredients or foods and refreshments you will be serving at your party. Consider offering a variety for everyone's likes and dislikes. Be sure to include iced water in your refreshments. Consider what you will need to serve the food and drinks with also.
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Step 4
Give your party a title for your invitations. If your party is in the morning hours, an idea would be "Christmas Coffee". Be creative and make your party unique.
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Step 5
Consider if you will be playing music during the party and what music would be appropriate. Will you be having games or activities? Maybe a door prize?
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Step 6
Send your invitations with enough time for people to prepare and check schedules, but not too early that they will forget and miss the party. If you are trying to save money, send a nice e-mail and be sure to tell everyone what you are providing at the party. Ask each person to bring a wrapped ornament (handmade or store bought), with their name on it. Each person that brings an ornament will be able to take one home with them.
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Step 7
Clean your house prior to the gathering. If you have pets, be sure to vacuum thoroughly to avoid pet hair in the food. If the weather is wet have extra rugs for wet shoes and a place to put your guests coats. Have a trash can visible for guests to use. If you recycle, have a desperate container for recycled items and be sure to label it for the guests.
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Step 8
Have a few extra Christmas ornaments on hand for guests who forgot or simply did not have the time or do not make crafts. It's a nice gesture to them, and eliminates them from feeling excluded from the fun.
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Step 9
For a nice end to the party, have a basket at the door with a small handmade token or party favor for them to take home. Ideas for that could be a candy cane with a nice note attached, a small votive candle wrapped in tissue paper and a thank you note for coming, Christmas socks, a coffee scoop filled with red jelly beans or small candies wrapped in clear wrap and a note, or an edible favor. Fill containers with homemade dry hot chocolate mix and include a candy cane, directions, and the recipe. Give a small bar of holiday soap wrapped in tissue paper, or hand cream and chapstick tied with a bow. Many companies sell chapstick and hand cream with a holiday label on them during the holidays.
Comments
jeni10 said
on 11/21/2009 What a unique idea! This sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing how to host a Christmas ornament exchange party. 5* and I recommend.
writetolife said
on 11/19/2009 This is such a cute idea. And Christmas ornament's are inexpensive enough to be practical in tough financial times.
trvlarrngr said
on 9/1/2009 These parties are always fun! I always do one at work for my staff. Great info on having an ornament exchange party. 5 stars
wineglass said
on 8/28/2009 Nice article stars & recomm me and my friends to this but each year it is someone's turn to buy and pass out. We take turns every year. Good writing. Kathy
cincin1 said
on 8/28/2009 Great ideas. I throw a tree triming party every year. This is when we swap tree decorations. 5*