Is it your turn to host a great party for the holidays? Luckily, it’s possible to do so without feeling overwhelmed! With these entertaining ideas from our experts, you can enjoy this event just as much as your guests.
Decide on a Holiday Party Theme
Lift spirits with a theme! There’s always the ugly sweater party. If you’re looking to get more creative, there’s the movie-themed party where you show holiday favorites and the luau with Hawaiian shirts and leis.
Make a List
Planning ahead is going to help you have a stress-free event. Stay organized and ask yourself:
- is this going to be for a large event or small gathering?
- should I invite people via printed or electronic invites?
- what’s the best time and day?
- will this be formal or casual?
- who should I invite?
Create a Playlist
Set the mood with a playlist of holiday songs. There are so many classic artists, like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Dean Martin, that add a vintage elegance. More recent artists, like Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé, have iconic versions of Christmas songs as well.
Play Reindeer Games
Games are fun to play for friends and family alike! You can have:
- a decorating contest with materials for gingerbread houses or sugar cookies.
- an ornament-making bash.
- bingo, charades, minute to win it, and trivia customized for the holidays.
- classic games like Cranium, Pictionary, and Taboo.
- modern games like Cards Against Humanity, Codenames, and What Do You Meme.
Set Up A Photo Booth
Photo booths are a hit at any party. While you could rent one from a local vendor, setting one up yourself allows you to be creative with the backdrop. To create a DIY photo booth, you’ll need a backdrop, digital camera or cell phone, and tripod. Guests will also appreciate good lighting, a delay timer or remote shutter release, and holiday photo props.
Cook Ahead of Time
Cooking food beforehand means less time in the kitchen and more time visiting. The food doesn’t even have to be made from scratch.
Charcuterie boards are a great make-ahead appetizer. Soups and stews feed a crowd and are perfectly cozy in chilly weather. There are also easy-to-prep quiches, slow cooker dishes, and party punches to consider.
Keep Drinks on Hand
A self-serve beverage station will allow you to spend more of your party time relaxing. You can put premade holiday cocktails into elegant beverage dispensers, each displaying a small card that says what guests are drinking. Alcoholic options include the Mistletoe Mule and Sugar Cookie Martini.
Consider offering non-alcoholic drinks for those who don’t drink or are underage. Apple cider, eggnog, hot chocolate, and peppermint coffee or tea also make spirits bright.
Host Your Holiday Party With Us!
Make planning your get-together with loved ones even easier by hosting it at Cleaver & Cocktail. Our menu has something for everyone, and our cocktails and wine are perfect for toasting fond memories and a happy new year.
Let our staff make sure everything is smooth and seamless. To reserve a private dining room or the whole restaurant, contact us today!