Tips on Planning A Holiday Party on a budget this season. Planning a holiday party doesn’t have to be stressful. It is a time to gather together and celebrate the season, so it should be enjoyed. See my tips for a stress-free party plan!

It is always a great time to celebrate with family and friends and today I want to share a few tips that help keep the stress to a minimum when throwing a party.

Today I am sharing a few favorite recipes, planning tips and a printable holiday party planner to help you schedule your next gathering.

This time of year there are many themes and I believe simpler is better. Here are a few holiday themes that you can build a simple party around.

Holiday Party Ideas

Holiday Dinner Party: A traditional gathering with a festive dinner menu. You can make this a potluck dinner.

Holiday Movie Night: Gather friends and family for a cozy Holiday movie. You can build a menu off of the movie theme.

Ugly Sweater Party: Encourage guests to wear their ugliest holiday sweaters for a fun and festive theme. Have a prize for the ugliest sweater as voted by the guests.

Holiday Baking Party: Gather friends to bake holiday treats or decorate cookies together.

Holiday Cookie Exchange: Ask guests to bring 2 dozen cookies and copies of the recipe. Everyone will get to take home a sampling of holiday cookies.

Holiday Brunch: Host a casual and relaxed early day gathering with brunch food and drinks.

Holiday Tea Party: Host a Brigerton-esque formal tea party with finger sandwiches, scones, and tea. Hats are optional.

Holiday Craft Party: Invite creative friends to make a holiday-themed craft.

Secret Santa/White Elephant Gift Exchange: Either assign secret recipients to guests or host a gift exchange where guests can “steal” a gift a few times before it is frozen.

Invitations

Use online invitations or send emails to get the word out to your guests. It is the easist way.

 

Plan the Holiday Party Menu

Keep your budget in mind as you plan your party. While dinner parties are fun, everyone enjoys the company of one another more than anything else.

If you are hosting a dinner party, decide whether you will provide the full menu, or if you would like for guests to bring a dish.

Plan on at least 2-3 additional servings for those that you are expecting just in case.

A cocktail party can be easier to put together than a full on dinner. You can ask guest to bring an appetizer or finger food to share.

Holiday Appetizers

We love appetizers and finger foods. Check out some of our favorite simple and affordable appetizer recipes

• Glazed Chicken Wings – a nice chicken wing recipe that is kid friendly and not spicy.
• Reindeer Charcuterie board – A fun way to present snacks.
• Baked Jalapeno Poppers – a slightly spicy recipe that is great with cocktails.
• Hot Chorizo Dip– a nice hot appetizer for a cold day or evening. Great with tortilla chips. 
• Spicy Hummus – Hummus with a little spice.
• Blue Cheese Chive Dip – a wonderful easy dip that goes with vegetables.
• Chorizo Deviled Eggs – a nice twist on traditional deviled eggs, with a touch of spice.

 

Holiday Drinks

Sometimes it is fun to Include a signature holiday drink. It can be alcoholic or not and is a great way to make the party more memorable. Include a fun sign with the drink description.

A hot cocoa bar is another fun way to make a festive beverage bar for everyone.

Holiday Desserts

For an easy dessert, make these Reindeer Brownies or this Melted Snowman bark. If it is a formal dinner, try this Christmas Cheesecake.

Planning the Holiday Party Decor

Simplicity is again the best here. If your home is already decorated for the holidays, you won’t need to do anything. If you are having a theme, like an ugly sweater party, or Christmas tea, gather up a few items that help embellish the theme.

Consider cute centerpieces or signs to place around the food and beverage bar. If you have hosted the same party in the past, consider adding some photos from past celebrations as part of the decor.

Activities for Holiday Parties

Sometimes it is fun to have an activity planned like a Secret Santa, white elephant gift exchange, sweater contest or donation collection for a good cause.

Crafting parties such as wreath decorating, gingerbread house or cookie decorating are also fun activities. Let your guests know in advance what is on the agenda so that they can plan accordingly.

Or for a fun spin, make it a Fondue party! A fun way to enjoy a meal together!

Holiday Party Music

Create a playlist for the evening so that you do not have to think about music. Or even better, you could use an app to play various holiday music.

Music is the soundtrack of life and good music can make a party better and energized.

Holiday Party Favors

It is always fun to have a small favor or take-away from the party. Something as simple as a wrapped candy or cookie can be a fun way to thank a guest for coming.

Here are a few ideas:

• Crock Pot Peanut Clusters
• Reindeer Rice Krispie Treats
• Mexican Hot Chocolate Fudge
• Holiday Trail Mix
• Homemade Milk Chocolate Bark
• DIY Hot Chocolate Mix

We hope these tips help you throw a wonderful and memorable, stress-free party.

We hope you enjoyed these tips on planning a holiday party Don’t forget to pin this post so you have it handy when you need it.

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