As the holiday season gets underway, so do our cherished seasonal traditions.
Some traditions are as old as time, and other practices are just beginning to take shape.
Traditions aside, another perk of the holiday season is attending (and hosting) Christmas parties.
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Each year is a shiny opportunity to throw the most memorable Christmas party yet.
Cookie Exchange Party
Aren’t Christmas cookies the best?
Possibly better than Christmas cookies is attending acookie exchange party.
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When prepping for a Christmas cookie exchange party, remember to provide your guests with all of the details.
Bonus points if your Christmas cookie pick has sentimental value or is a personal favorite.
When throwing a multi-theme party, don’t overlook the entertaining outdoor space.
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Mother-Daughter Gift Wrap Party
Not every holiday hop has to have a heavy guest list.
Be sure to have wrapping paper rolls readily available at each station.
Allow the flower’s holiday red bloom and vibrant green foliage to inspire your next party.
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A Holly Dolly Christmas Party
Who doesn’t love (and adore) Dolly Parton?
Dolly fans already know that she loves Christmas, with her holiday album, A Holly Dolly Christmas.
A holiday cocktail will dazzle party-goers, while displaying thesesparkling cranberriesfor guests to eat will surely razzle.
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Opting to host a Christmas craft gathering is a creative way to get into the holiday spirit.
Attempt to do the same by hosting aChristmas gingerbreaddecorating party.
No matter how you source rink access, be sure to haveplenty of hot cocoaavailable.
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Gingham Christmas Party
In the South, gingham is a neutral, right?
Take inspiration from this year-round design for your next holiday heyday.
Pro-tip, pre-plan (and rehearse) a list of carols you wish to cycle through at each doorstep.
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Yummy drink ideas are the classic Moscow Mule and aHot Toddy.
For this holiday party concept, dive deep into the coastal design.
Let the ocean be your color inspiration when decorating the cookies in this year’scookie exchange.
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For your decorations, usecollected seashellsin creative ways, such as trimming Christmas trees and wreath embellishments.
Monogram Christmas Party
Beth Dreiling Hontzas
Hosting a monogram holiday party adds a personal touch.
Welcome guests with a monogram-fixed wreath.
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Add personalization for your guests by monogramming their initials oncocktail napkinsthat double as party favors.
Boat Parade Party
Holiday boat parades are unique to coastal towns.
Incorporating attending a local boat parade, like the annualSt.
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Augustine Regatta of Lights, is a merry way to spend time with family.
After the parade, invite everyone back to your patio for warm cups of hot chocolate andapple cider cocktails.
Simple: either your most tropical swimsuit or Santa suit.
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And yes, prizes for the best party costume will be awarded.
Ceramic Christmas Party
Planning a holiday party at your local ceramic studio is another festive fete.
Here, your RSVP’d guests can take their pick from the planned menu of ceramic holiday options.
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Many places offer ceramic snowmen, Santa statues, as well as the classic ceramic-lighted Christmas tree.
The hard part will be deciding on the glaze color scheme.
Pass the time penning cards and addressing envelopes by hosting a Christmas card party.
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For an adult-only party, it’s possible for you to serveChristmas martinisand play modern carols.
Set the scene with a DIY backdrop made using whimsical gift wrap and plenty of tinsel streamers.
Propsthink reindeer antlers and Santa hats will make it double the fun.
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You’ll also want to have anon-alcoholic seasonal punch bowlready to quench the thirst of your active guests.
Partake in hosting acitrus Christmasparty.
Cookie Decorating Party
How do youdecorate sugar cookieslike a professional?
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The answer: Invite friends over for a holiday cookie decorating party.
For this party theme, have your sugar cookies baked and ready for decorations.
Set up stations featuring different colors of icing and festive sprinkle colors.
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Havecookie tinspre-lined with wax paper ready for guests to fill and take home to enjoy.
Popcorn and hot cocoa are encouraged but not required.
They are to play their character throughout the evening.
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A guest at the party has been murdered, and the murderer is one of the people in attendance.
Its great to bring along some props and costumes to help everyone get into character.
you’ve got the option to find downloadable scripts for murder mystery evenings online.
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The more pom-poms and google eyes, the better.
And if you’re hosting, don’t forget to add ourUgly Sweater Cakerecipe.
Thisbroccoli salad recipeholds flavor, balance, and crunch, and deserves to be on your buffet table.
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The only hitch for this party idea is location.
Are you in a city that offers this pop in of wardrobe through costume purveyors?
On the other hand, should a bottle of fine spirits be up for grabs, watch out.
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Name Drawing Party
Another gift exchange party is afoot when you enlist the classic name drawing technique.
On the assigned date, guests show up with the gift intended for the person whose name they selected.
This is not only personal, it gives everyone involved a sweet holiday assignment.
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Think “butter board” or “seacuterie.”
And what might be a trending snack to offer within your ownversion of charcuterie?
Perhaps there’s a dried mango or fancy pistachio fad sweeping the nation.
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Fondue Holiday Party
Some party themes never go out of style.
Theclassic fondueget-together makes everyone feel like they are having a treat, no matter what time of year.
And now might be your opportunity to whip out that fondue set your mother was so proud of.
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Who would not love a chili bar during those colder months whenour favorite comfort foodscome back into the rotation?
Make it special by asking close friends to cover dessert.
A regularwine tastingcan cover anywhere from three to six bottles, giving participants a chance to try them all.
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If that doesn’t strike your fancy, consider going whole hog.
Christmas Game Night Party
Elevate your Christmas party by making it a Christmas-themed game night.
Matching Christmas Pajama Party
Stay cozy while enjoying the festivities.
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Encourage guests to find a pair or group to match their holiday pajamas.
Play games, watch movies, and curl up next to the fire indulging in wholesome Christmas traditions.
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