Hosting the Perfect Christmas Party

'Tis the season to party! In the midst of all your holiday chaos: Black Friday, your children's Christmas wish list and letters to Santa, and your probable holiday travel plans, a party could be just what you need. Christmas parties are a great way to spend time with family, close friends, or even co-workers, and hosting one is just as much fun as attending one. Here are some tips for planning and hosting the perfect holiday get together.

    Plan your guest list. Are you having adults-only or is this going to be a get together for your extended family? By narrowing down your guest list this will help you fit your party plans to accommodate those who will be in attendance.

    Choose a Christmas party theme. If you're hosting a party for friends and family and there will be children attending, then maybe a Christmas cookie party would be a fun idea for you. Bake several batches of cookies and invite everyone over to decorate their own Christmas cookies by providing an assortment of icings and sprinkles. Or maybe you're planning the perfect adults-only Christmas party for friends or co-workers. If so, maybe you could host a Hawaiian-themed Christmas party complete with fresh fruit, Hawaiian shirts, tiki torches, and tropical alcoholic drinks. A Hawaiian-themed party might be the perfect escape from the cold weather that all your guests are looking for.

    Party games aren't just for baby showers. You can get online and find several great party games that will not only suite your theme, but that are also age appropriate for your gathering. If you don't want cheesy party games, and you are having a small intimate get together, you should not rule out board games. Twister would be a great game for a family/kid Christmas party and what about "Battle of the Sexes" or charades for your adults-only party.

    Don't fret over the menu. You should pick something that goes with your theme, even if your theme isn't traditional. A Candyland-themed Christmas party would be a perfect afternoon or after-hours party. You could serve root beer floats, mini hamburgers, and a huge assortment of candies and desserts. Or maybe your hosting a Tailgate Christmas Party for your adult friends or co-workers where everyone wears t-shirts or jerseys to represent their favorite team. You could serve traditional tailgate foods like burgers, hot dogs, baked beans, and supply an assortment of alcoholic beverages...all from a cooler of course! No matter your theme, you should try to think of a great menu that really brings your party to life.

A Christmas party, like every other party, can be whatever you want to be. Don't be afraid to get creative and do a little leg work. You can research great party themes, games, and menus online, and find everything you need to throw a great holiday party. You can also shop around for great prices on paper wear, invitations, and whatever else you need. In the end your party will be a truly unforgettable one and everyone will walk away having enjoyed such a simple pleasure in the midst of hectic holiday season.