![\"Holiday](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/people-happily-holding-sparklers.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2018Tis the season to be jolly and there\u2019s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than with a fabulous party. Whether you\u2019re searching for ideas to liven up your family <\/span>get-together<\/span> or need some office holiday inspiration, we have you covered.<\/span><\/p>\n Even if you don\u2019t consider yourself a pro at<\/span> event planning<\/a><\/strong>, this guide will get you going with the best <\/span>holiday party ideas<\/span> including decor, food, drinks, themes, games, and activities. Best of all, these ideas are perfect if you have a limited budget.<\/span> When it\u2019s time to deck the halls, these <\/span>holiday party ideas<\/span> will work great for your home or office celebration. The first step is sending out your<\/span> holiday party<\/strong> invitations<\/strong><\/span><\/a>. Once you\u2019ve handled that, it\u2019s time to move on to other parts of the party planning process. Here\u2019s how to make it happen.<\/span><\/p>\n When it comes to creating the perfect setting, it doesn\u2019t have to take much time or money with these simple, cost-saving ideas for fabulous <\/span>holiday party<\/span> decor.<\/span><\/p>\n Save your cash and go au natural! Use fallen pine cones, twigs, branches, and clusters of pine from your backyard, local park, or other public outdoor space. (You could also strategically clip a few branches from your <\/span>Christmas tree<\/span> \u2014 no one will even notice.)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n After a little clean-up, you\u2019ll have truly natural decor for your <\/span>winter wonderland<\/span> tablescape and mantel. Scatter a few walnuts, chestnuts, or pecans for yet another seasonal touch.<\/span><\/p>\n To make the season bright and extra cozy, use string lights across your mantel, table centerpieces, and any other areas to add a bit of sparkle. Place flameless tea lights or votives inside mason jars. Wrap the jars with festive ribbon and mini jingle bells, sprigs of holly, or any other decorative items you like. Best of all, you can find most (if not all) of these items at your local dollar store.<\/span><\/p>\n Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Ornaments instantly add holiday ambiance, so fill up any clear vases or jars you have with a variety of colorful ornaments along with mini pine cones, star anise, and cinnamon sticks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re really in a pinch, use glassware of different sizes to create visual interest. For wine glasses, rocks glasses, or other small glasses, simply fill with mini Christmas ornaments.<\/span><\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re<\/span> decorating<\/span> your home or your office conference room, it\u2019s easy to add festive flair by wrapping chairs with a wide ribbon and tying it in a bow at the back.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For a whimsical finishing touch, loop in fresh or faux greenery, pine cones, berries, or glittery plastic ornaments in snowman, snowflake, reindeer, and other holiday shapes.<\/span><\/p>\n Who says gifts only belong under the tree?<\/span> For a stylish spin on <\/span>holiday decorations<\/span>, simply wrap up empty boxes of different sizes in coordinating colors and ribbons and place them wherever you could use some holiday charm. Add them alongside the other decorative ideas on this list to create a lovely holiday vignette.<\/span><\/p>\n Now that you have some ideas on how to dress up your <\/span>party<\/span>, you need a<\/span>\u00a0holiday theme<\/strong><\/span><\/a>. Take a look at these options that\u2019ll get your creative wheels turning for your next <\/span>bash<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens might be a few of Julie Andrews\u2019 favorite things, but you can jazz up your own <\/span>holiday party<\/span> by having guests gift one another with an item they love. Set a spending limit (say, $25) and watch as the conversation flows when people share the reasons why they chose the gift.<\/span><\/p>\n This <\/span>party theme<\/span> is particularly suited for a<\/span>\u00a0company holiday party<\/a><\/strong> where coworkers come from all different backgrounds. Ask everyone to bring a favorite dish that celebrates their culture\u2019s<\/span> culinary holiday traditions<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s tamales, latkes, pasteles, toshikoshi soba, or b\u00fbche de no\u00ebl, you\u2019ll have an instant conversation starter as attendees ask about the backstory of each dish.<\/span><\/p>\n Baby, it\u2019s cold outside but you can heat things up with a fun summer-themed <\/span>holiday party<\/span>. Choose a<\/span>\u00a0tropical<\/a><\/strong>,<\/span> beach<\/a><\/strong>,<\/span> luau<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, or<\/span> BBQ<\/a><\/strong> theme that brings those warm, sun-filled vibes indoors. Greet guests with party leis and colorful cocktails, and encourage them to wear their favorite Hawaiian-print shirts and summer hats.<\/span><\/p>\n It doesn\u2019t get much cozier or comfier than having a<\/span>\u00a0PJ party<\/a><\/strong> with your nearest and dearest. You could even host it as a <\/span>virtual holiday party<\/a><\/strong> with family or colleagues. This theme might be a little hard to pull off for an office party, but we\u2019re thinking your coworkers wouldn\u2019t complain. After all, once the party ends, there\u2019s no need to change clothes. You\u2019re ready for bed!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The holidays are incredibly busy, especially in the evenings when most events take place. Plan a<\/span>\u00a0morning brunch<\/a><\/strong> to increase the chances your friends and family can attend. Set out a delicious spread in your own home or head to a local restaurant to have them do the work for you.<\/span><\/p>\n Why buy an<\/span> ugly sweater<\/strong><\/span><\/a> when you can design one yourself? Ask guests to bring an old sweater or sweatshirt to the party and set up a table with plenty of crafty supplies \u2014 think scissors, hot glue guns, fabric markers, stencils, rhinestones, pom poms, appliques, sparkles, and bells. At the end of the party, you can give a prize for the tackiest <\/span>DIY <\/span>sweater of the bunch.<\/span><\/p>\n For a spooky twist on a <\/span>Christmas party theme, host <\/span>a murder mystery party set around the holidays. Download a murder mystery game online or buy a<\/span>\u00a0Christmas-themed murder mystery game pack<\/a><\/strong>. You can even hire specialty companies to come run the game for you. It\u2019s sure to take your <\/span>holiday gathering<\/span> to the <\/span>next level<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n No party would be complete without tasty holiday treats. Here are a few ideas for filling up at your soiree.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re trying to keep expenses down, remember that you don\u2019t have to host an entire sit-down dinner. Instead, host it happy-hour style with an array of <\/span>appetizers<\/span> and<\/span> easy party snacks<\/a><\/strong> and ask guests to BYOB. If you\u2019re not doing booze, ask attendees to bring some holiday sweets instead.<\/span><\/p>\n Have the cocoa, <\/span>marshmallows<\/span>, chocolate shavings, mini <\/span>candy canes<\/span>, cinnamon sticks, and sprinkles ready to go for this sweet idea that appeals to the kid in all of us. For a \u201cNaughty or Nice\u201d theme for the grown-ups, consider options for<\/span> spiked hot cocoa<\/a><\/strong>. You could also apply this same idea to create an <\/span>eggnog<\/span> station.<\/span><\/p>\n Along with (or in lieu of) the finger foods, offer creative dips and dippers \u2014 spinach dip with zucchini chips,<\/span> unusual hummus recipes<\/a><\/strong> with pita, baked brie with crudite, and breadsticks with marinara are filling options that don\u2019t cost much money.<\/span><\/p>\n Pop, fizz, clink! Break out the bottles of bubbly with this fun <\/span>holiday party idea<\/span> that lets guests create their favorite sparkling drink. Include a few liqueurs, mixers, and garnishes (sliced winter citrus is a good seasonal choice).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To save some cash, opt for a prosecco or sparkling wine rather than springing for real Champagne. After a few sips, nobody will know the difference!<\/span><\/p>\n Step up the festivities with these fun, interactive <\/span>party games<\/span> that work for both family <\/span>get-togethers<\/span> and <\/span>company holiday parties<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n For an affordable alternative to pricey photo booths, gather a few fun props (<\/span>Santa<\/span> hats, reindeer antlers, silly glasses, etc.) and encourage guests to grab a prop, take a shot, and hashtag it. You can inform everyone of the party\u2019s hashtag in your <\/span>email invitations<\/a><\/strong> and remind them at the party. It\u2019s a fun way to relive the revelry and see fun pics that others took.<\/span><\/p>\n Gifts won\u2019t be the only thing you\u2019re wrapping this <\/span>holiday season<\/span> thanks to this hilarious game. All you need is wrapping paper, tape, scissors, and a killer catwalk style.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Break up into teams of two (one model and one \u201cfashion designer\u201d to dress the person) or have each participant dress themselves to make it even more challenging. Consider giving a small prize for best dressed \u2014 and biggest fashion faux pas!<\/span><\/p>\n A <\/span>holiday celebration<\/span> favorite, this game is all about getting surprise gag gifts for friends and family. In your invitations, ask guests to bring along one present and set a maximum spending amount so everyone brings something of similar value. You can even include some suggestions for <\/span>gift ideas<\/span>. At the party, draw numbers to see who gets to pick a present first and set the rules for stealing already opened gifts.<\/span><\/p>\n Plan a<\/span>\u00a0cookie exchange<\/strong><\/span><\/a> where every guest brings along a tasty batch of homemade cookies. At the party, everyone gets to try different recipes. It\u2019s a great way to try new flavors and enjoy age-old recipes handed down through generations. If you or your guests aren\u2019t much into baking, make it a store-bought cookie swap or contest to see which ones are the best.<\/span><\/p>\n Get competitive with a <\/span>gingerbread house<\/span> competition. Step up the difficulty level by asking everyone to bake their own <\/span>gingerbread house<\/span> or keep it simple with store-bought kits. Be sure to grab bags of candy like Mike & Ikes, <\/span>candy canes<\/span>, and Skittles to decorate them with.<\/span><\/p>\n Get to know your friends, family, or colleagues better with this fun <\/span>holiday party idea<\/span>. Let guests know ahead of time that there will be a talent show, so those who want to participate can bring any necessary supplies. (Juggling balls, glow sticks, or an accordion, perhaps?) For better or worse, this is one activity that\u2019s sure to amuse. (Who knew Uncle John could eyebrow dance like a boss?!)<\/span><\/p>\n From \u201cThe Grinch\u201d and \u201cA Christmas Story\u201d to \u201cElf\u201d and beyond, test everyone\u2019s pop culture prowess with a<\/span>\u00a0printable holiday movie trivia game<\/a><\/strong>. You can always add quotes and fun facts from your personal faves if you don\u2019t see them on the list.<\/span><\/p>\n Turn this event into a full evening of fun by making it into a<\/span> movie marathon night<\/a><\/strong>. You can play all of your favorite classics or spend the evening discovering new <\/span>Christmas movies<\/span> you haven’t watched. Make it a themed night by watching only Hallmark holiday movies or a franchise like \u201cHome Alone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n For this entertaining twist on texting, come up with a holiday message (at least 280 characters to up the ante) and write it down on a chalkboard or poster board so everyone can see. Then, set a timer for 10-20 seconds and have everyone text the message (there doesn\u2019t have to be an actual recipient) to see who writes the message error-free. Read some of the texts aloud \u2014 you might be surprised at the hilarious autocorrects.<\/span><\/p>\n Sure, you could go around the neighborhood and sing Christmas carols with friends. Or you can take things up a notch and host an at-home Christmas <\/span>karaoke<\/span> competition. Download a <\/span>playlist<\/span> of all the best holiday songs. Don’t be afraid to branch out with holiday tunes like \u201cLudacrismas\u201d and \u201cThe Chipmunk Song,\u201d which are sure to have guests cracking up.<\/span><\/p>\n There\u2019s nothing like gathering with friends, family, and coworkers to enjoy some <\/span>holiday cheer<\/span>, and we hope this list sparked your own creativity. Don\u2019t forget that sending online invitations is one of the best ways to save time and money.<\/span><\/p>\n Greenvelope lets you choose from a variety of customizable designs, track RSVPs, and so much more. While you\u2019re already in the holiday spirit, be sure to order your<\/span> holiday cards<\/a><\/strong> and<\/span> Christmas cards<\/a><\/strong> to share your merriest greetings of the season.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u2018Tis the season to be jolly and there\u2019s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than with a fabulous party. Whether you\u2019re searching for ideas to liven up your family get-together or need some office holiday inspiration, we have you covered. Even if you don\u2019t consider yourself a pro at event planning, this […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":15863,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[232,229],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7514","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-holiday","category-parties"],"yoast_head":"\r\n
\n<\/p>\nHoliday Party<\/b> Planning: Decor, Themes, and Food<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"Holiday](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/close-up-shot-of-a-Christmas-tree.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nDecor Ideas<\/b><\/h3>\n
Forage for Decorations<\/b><\/h4>\n
![\"Holiday](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/table-setting-with-candles.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLight Up the Room\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n
Place Ornaments and Spices in a Jar<\/b><\/h4>\n
![\"Holiday](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/jar-filled-with-cinnamon-Christmas-balls-and-star-anise.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nDress Up the Chairs<\/b><\/h4>\n
Add Some Gift Box Glam<\/b><\/h4>\n
Holiday Party Themes<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"Holiday](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/person-holding-a-small-gift-1.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nFavorite Things F\u00eate<\/b><\/h4>\n
Holidays Around the World <\/b>Potluck<\/b><\/h4>\n
![\"Holiday](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/family-eating-dinner-together.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nWintertime Beach <\/b>Bash<\/b><\/h4>\n
Holiday <\/b>Pajama Party<\/b><\/h4>\n
![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/woman-having-a-video-call-with-her-family.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nChristmas Party<\/b> Brunch<\/b><\/h4>\n
DIY<\/b> Ugly Sweater Party<\/b><\/h4>\n
![\"Man](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/man-dancing-at-home.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nHoliday Murder Mystery <\/b>Dinner Party<\/b><\/h4>\n
Food and Drinks<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"Various](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Christmas-dinner-table.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nFinger Foods<\/b><\/h4>\n
Hot Chocolate<\/b> Station<\/b><\/h4>\n
![\"Hot](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/portrait-of-various-desserts.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDipping Station<\/b><\/h4>\n
Champagne Bar<\/b><\/h4>\n
Holiday Party Games<\/b> and Activities<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"Friends](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/friends-taking-a-groufie.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nSelfie Station<\/b><\/h4>\n
Wrapping Paper Fashion Show<\/b><\/h4>\n
White Elephant<\/b> Gift Exchange<\/b><\/h4>\n
Do a <\/b>Cookie Swap<\/b><\/h4>\n
![\"Christmas-themed](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Christmas-themed-cookies.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nHost a <\/b>Gingerbread House<\/b> Competition<\/b><\/h4>\n
Everyone\u2019s Got Talent<\/b><\/h4>\n
Holiday Movie Trivia<\/b><\/h4>\n
Merry Textmas Showdown<\/b><\/h4>\n
![\"2](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2-women-looking-at-a-phone.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nTurn Caroling Into Christmas <\/b>Karaoke<\/b><\/h4>\n
Holiday Party Ideas<\/b> to Celebrate the Season<\/b><\/h2>\n