It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Interested in hosting a holiday party? Follow these 5 steps and kick off the season with a fun and memorable event.
Step 1: Set the mood
What kind of party of you envisioning? Will adults and kids be invited? Will the pups be included? Once you decide on the guest list, you’ll want to focus on the ambiance. Here are some of my favorite subtle ways to enhance your holiday party’s ambiance.
Play a Christmas movie in the background or put on a relaxing video of a fireplace on Youtube. A movie can be a great conversation starter and a crackling fire (even if it’s fake), can add something special to your event!
Candles candles candles. Not only does this set the mood visually, but a yummy Christmas scent can really complete a space. Also, if you are lucky enough to have a fireplace in your home, put it on! A warm fire is so cozy and definitely beats the video on Youtube haha!
Alexa, play Let it Snow by Bing Crosby. Browse your favorite music app and put on a holiday playlist! If you really want to be fancy, look into hiring live music for your event. This is a special element and you should personalize it to your guests and the overall ambiance.
Flowers, Greenery and more! Bring out that Christmas tree and holiday wreath. Incorporate flowers and pine cones in your decor. I also love lush garland and pops of cranberries and twinkling lights. Check out these beautiful ideas!
Step 2: Food
Get festive with your food and think about if you will be serving light appetizers or a full meal. Will it be a potluck style or will it be catered from your favorite restaurant? Is this a holiday brunch or dinner? So many options! Here are some of my favorite holiday appetizers… links to recipes are included!
Baked Brie: You can choose to do the bites or the full baked brie, both delightful!
Bruschetta: One of my favorites. Go simple or spice it up with hummus or avocado!
Mini Quiches: The perfect brunch bite!
Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory, tasty and easy to eat!
Bacon Wrapped Dates: I know… sounds weird right? But they are so heavenly!
Holiday Themed Charcuterie Board: Go classic or go sweet. For all your charcuterie needs this holiday season, head on over to Life’s a Brie. They are based in San Diego, CA and are so creative when it comes to snacking boards!
Step 3: Sweets
Speaking of sweets… it just wouldn’t be the holidays without some mouthwatering baked goods! Need some ideas? Get inspired: White chocolate cranberry cookies, caramel apple pie, peppermint bark, peanut butter blossoms, snowball cookies and peppermint bark brownies… just to name a few 🙂 Links to recipes are included!
https://www.foodiecrush.com/cranberry-white-chocolate-chip-macadamia-nut-cookies/ 
https://www.girlversusdough.com/dutch-caramel-apple-pie/ 
https://www.savorynothings.com/easy-peppermint-bark-recipe/ 
https://www.thegunnysack.com/peanut-butter-blossoms/ 
https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/walnut_snowball_cookies/ 
https://www.queensleeappetit.com/peppermint-bark-fudge-brownies/
Step 4: Drinks:
Toast to the season with a variety of holiday beverages! If you are choosing to go with cocktails, make sure you have a non-alcoholic choice for those who aren’t drinking. You can also get interactive with this and make a drink station or a welcome drink.
Hot Cocoa: Hot chocolate screams Christmas! Instead of boring hot cocoa packets, get some fun hot cocoa bombs made! (Learn how to make them at the link below.) Want to make it fun? Add a splash of Bailey’s or Trader Joe’s peppermint cream liqueur. I also love a good hot chocolate bar. Include different toppings and get your guests excited!
Muled Wine, Apple Cider and Holiday Sangria: Feeling cold? Warm up with a hot glass of mulled wine or apple cider (add some whiskey and lemon and you got yourself a hot toddy!) Another favorite is a holiday sangria. You can really personalize this and make it your own with the kind of wine and fruits you use.
Cocktails: Another way to get warm is to sip on some cocktails! Get classy with your event and create crafted cocktails for your guests. We have something for everyone… champagne drinkers, tequila drinkers, vodka drinkers… The possibilities are endless!
Step 5: Activities
Now that we set the mood and got everyone warmed up with delicious food and libations, let’s shift everyone’s attention and bring out the entertainment! Here are some of my favorite ideas.
Outdoor Christmas movie night, sugar cookie decorating, gift exchange (secret Santa or white elephant), decorate gingerbread houses, Christmas trivia, Christmas name that tune or make your own holiday Chex mix!
