How to Host the Perfect Christmas Party
Hosting a Christmas party is all about creating a warm, festive, and inviting atmosphere that delights the senses and fosters holiday cheer. Here's how you can turn your party into a memorable Yuletide celebration through thoughtful details in lighting, entrance decoration, soundscape, props, food, and centerpieces:
1. Lighting:
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Warm Lights: Opt for dimmable warm white fairy lights to adjust the brightness throughout the night. String them along walls, weave them through garlands, and place them inside glass jars to create elegant light points. Use battery-powered lights for areas without nearby outlets and avoid cords that disrupt the space.
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Candles: Use a combination of real and LED candles to balance safety and ambiance. Cluster candles of varying heights on trays with pinecones and ornaments for visual interest. Scented candles are great, but avoid overpowering fragrances in dining areas.
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Outdoor Lights: Use different lighting colors to highlight specific areas, such as red or green around the doorway and warm white along the path. For an elevated touch, hang battery-operated lanterns in trees or bushes to create a magical outdoor entryway.
2. Entrance:
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Interactive Wreath: Upgrade the interactive wreath idea by using small envelopes with riddles or clues that guests must solve for a prize or small token later in the evening.
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Welcome Sign: Add a rustic wooden or chalkboard welcome sign at the entrance. Include a short message or even a holiday pun to make guests smile before they enter.
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Snowy Scene: Use a faux snow blanket and layer it with glitter or faux snowflakes for extra shimmer. Scatter pinecones, wrapped presents, or stuffed animals (like reindeer or penguins) to make it feel like a real winter wonderland.
3. Soundscape:
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Custom Sound Zones: Set up different music styles in various rooms. Play lively holiday tunes in the gathering areas and soothing instrumental versions in quieter zones. In transition areas, create a relaxed atmosphere with sounds like crackling fireplaces or soft wind chimes on low volume.
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Ambient Sound Effects: To enhance the Christmas vibe, add subtle sound effects like jingling bells when guests enter or wind whooshing softly near windows.
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Sing-Along Add-ons: Have a karaoke machine or a smart TV connected to YouTube with Christmas karaoke songs queued up for guests to join in easily!
4. Props and Extras:
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Photo Booth Upgrades: Use a themed photo frame prop with your party name and date so guests have a keepsake. Add a Polaroid camera or instant photo printer so people can leave with their photos.
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Santa’s Sack with a Twist: Include serious and silly gifts in Santa’s sack (e.g., a nice ornament or gag gift like a reindeer nose). Let each guest pick blindfolded for a fun surprise factor.
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Themed Game Corner: For additional activities have a small corner with a holiday-themed game like Pin the Nose on Rudolph or a Guess the Ornament Count jar.
5. Food:
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Festive Finger Foods with a Showstopper: Serve classics but include one “wow” item like a Christmas charcuterie board in the shape of a tree or a tower of stacked macarons in red and green.
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Hot Chocolate Bar Add-ons: Include specialty items like caramel drizzle, chocolate-covered spoons, or different flavored marshmallows (peppermint, chocolate, or vanilla). For the spiked version, add a selection of liqueurs like Irish cream, hazelnut, or rum.
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Signature Cocktails: Besides punch, offer one or two signature holiday cocktails, like a “Merry Cranberry Mule” or a “Mistletoe Martini,” and serve them in fun, themed glassware.
6. Centerpieces:
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Natural Elements with a Twist: Add cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, or star anise to centerpieces for added visual and aromatic appeal. Secure with twine for a rustic look.
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Edible Centerpieces Upgrade: Create an interactive dessert table centerpiece by layering treats in different heights and adding a small sign saying, “Please Take a Sweet Treat.”
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Floating Candles Variation: Use vases with different shapes and heights for a more dynamic look. Add greenery and ribbon tied around the vases for an extra holiday touch.
7. Table Setting and Decor:
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Themed Tableware and Textures: Mix and match textures like velvet napkins, burlap runners, or sequined placemats to add visual interest. Use small Christmas ornaments as napkin rings or scatter miniature baubles along the table.
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Personalized Place Cards with a Gift: Tie small holiday trinkets (like candy canes, mini ornaments, or keychains) to each place card as a take-home gift. Write fun holiday facts or jokes on the back of each card to spark conversation.
Correct Formal Table Setting:
Plates:
The dinner plate should be placed in the center.
If serving a salad before the main course, place the salad plate on top of the dinner plate.
Utensils:
Forks are placed to the left of the plate, with the larger dinner fork closest to the plate and the smaller salad fork on the outer left.
The knife goes to the right of the plate, with the blade facing inward.
Place the spoon to the right of the knife.
The dessert spoon or fork should be positioned horizontally above the plate.
Glasses:
The water glass is placed directly above the knife.
Wine glasses (red and/or white, depending on the menu) are positioned to the right of the water glass.
Napkin:
The napkin can be placed to the left of the forks or on top of the plate.
Bread Plate and Butter Knife:
The bread plate should be placed above the forks, with the butter knife laid diagonally across it.
Additional Elements:
Place cards can be positioned above the dessert utensils for a personal touch. Decorative elements, such as pine cones or ornaments, should be kept minimal to avoid clutter.
Bonus Tips:
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Create Cozy Corners: Use blankets, oversized pillows, and a small heater in sitting areas to create a warm, inviting space for quieter conversations.
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Scent Control: Scented candles are great, but consider using reed diffusers or potpourri in out-of-the-way spots for continuous, low-maintenance fragrance.
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Holiday-Themed Games and Prizes: Introduce quick party games like Christmas Pictionary or Holiday Trivia with small wrapped gifts as prizes for added excitement.
By focusing on these refined elements, you'll elevate your holiday party and ensure that every corner of your home feels magical and thoughtfully designed for a memorable Christmas celebration!
MENU SUGGESTIONS
Always ask for nutritional requirements of your guests with the RSVPs to determine if they have any allergies or objections to particular ingredients.
RUDY’S STUFFED MUSHROOMS
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup garlic breadcrumbs
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 package large whole mushrooms (stems removed and diced)
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1/2 cup cooked, crumbled sausage
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1 egg
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2 tablespoons butter (plus extra for drizzling)
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove the stems from mushrooms, dice them, and place the caps on a baking sheet, scooped side up.
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Combine diced stems, breadcrumbs, sausage, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and melted butter in a bowl.
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Spoon the mixture into each mushroom cap and sprinkle with extra breadcrumbs.
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Drizzle melted butter on top of each cap.
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Bake for 20-30 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant. Serve hot.
Tip: Substitute sausage with diced lobster for an upscale twist!
POINTY EARS SALAD
Ingredients:
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1 lb. mixed salad greens
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1/2 cup sliced almonds (toasted for extra flavor)
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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4 oz. crumbled blue cheese
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1 cup raspberry vinaigrette dressing
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, almonds, red onion, and blue cheese.
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Drizzle with raspberry vinaigrette. Toss gently until well combined.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tip: Add dried cranberries for a sweet contrast and festive touch.
SANTA’S FAMOUS STUFFED CHICKEN
Ingredients:
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2 cups cooked white rice
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1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
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1 can cream of mushroom soup
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3/4 stick butter (divided)
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1/2 cup chopped green onion
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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4 tenderized chicken breast fillets
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1 cup garlic-flavored breadcrumbs
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Sauté mushrooms and green onion in 1/4 stick butter until tender.
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Mix sautéed veggies, rice, cream of mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper in a bowl.
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Tenderize chicken fillets. Place 1/2 cup of filling at one end of each fillet and roll tightly.
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Place in a baking dish, seam-side down. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
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Bake for 40 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Tip: Substitute cream of mushroom with cream of celery or chicken for variation.
NORTH POLE CASSEROLE
Ingredients:
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2 bags frozen broccoli (thawed and drained)
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1 tube Kraft garlic cheese
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1/2 cup jalapeno jack cheese, shredded
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2 cans Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup
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1 can Campbell’s cream of celery soup
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1/2 onion, diced
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1/2 stick butter
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Sauté onion in butter until golden.
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Melt cheeses in a saucepan, then add soups and stir until smooth.
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Combine broccoli and sautéed onion in a 9x12 baking dish. Pour cheese mixture over.
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Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Tip: Add a layer of crispy fried onions on top for extra crunch.
RUDY REINDEER’S CAKE
Ingredients:
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1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
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1 1/2 cups sugar
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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6 large egg whites (3/4 cup)
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3/4 cup milk
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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White frosting
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Brown, black, green, and red squeeze frosting for decorating
Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour two 9-inch round pans.
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In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add flour, baking powder, and salt in parts, alternating with milk and egg whites.
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Pour batter into pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool for 5 minutes in pans, then turn onto a wire rack. Cool completely.
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Frost with white frosting. Use squeeze frostings to draw Rudy Reindeer and write a festive message.
Tip: Freeze the cake for 20 minutes before decorating to prevent crumbs.
COCKTAILS FOR ADULTS:
SWEET ENDING HOT COCOA
Ingredients:
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1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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3/4 cup white sugar
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/3 cup boiling water
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3 1/2 cups milk
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3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 cup half-and-half cream
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1/4 cup chocolate sprinkles
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1/4 cup caramel sauce (optional)
Directions:
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In a saucepan, combine the cocoa, sugar, and salt. Slowly add the boiling water while stirring.
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Bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring frequently. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
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Turn off the heat, add milk, vanilla, and half-and-half. Stir well and heat gently without boiling.
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Divide into 4 mugs. Top with whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, and a caramel drizzle if desired.
JINGLE BELL JUICE
Ingredients:
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1 oz. orange juice
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1 oz. grapefruit juice
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1 oz. passion fruit juice
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1 oz. mango juice
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1 oz. pineapple juice
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1/4 oz. lime juice
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1/2 oz. kiwi syrup
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Pineapple, strawberries, orange slices, and cherries for garnish
Directions:
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Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.
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Shake well until chilled. Pour into a festive glass.
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Garnish with pineapple chunks, sliced strawberries, orange slices, and cherries.
TOYLICIOUS SHAKE
Ingredients:
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1 cup milk
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2 cups vanilla ice cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 cup crushed Oreo cookies
Directions:
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Blend milk, ice cream, vanilla, and cookies on low speed until smooth.
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Serve in a tall glass. Top with whipped cream and a whole Oreo cookie.
EGGCELLENT EGGNOG
Ingredients:
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4 cups milk
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1.5 cups sugar
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5 whole cloves
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2 1/2 cups light rum
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4 cups heavy cream
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1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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12 egg yolks
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (initial)
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract (final)
Directions:
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Combine milk, cloves, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Heat over low for 5 minutes, slowly bringing it to a gentle boil.
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In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until fluffy. Slowly add the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture while stirring.
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Return to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes until thick. Do not boil.
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Remove cloves by straining. Let cool for 1 hour.
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Stir in rum, 2 teaspoons vanilla, nutmeg, and heavy cream. Refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.
BONUS ACTIVITIES!
GUESS THE CHRISTMAS MOVIE BY THE EMOJIS
GAME OBJECTIVE: To be the team that guesses the most movies correctly by their emojis.
RULES: Get a timer and set it for 10 minutes (or simply keep your eye on a clock). Pair your guests into teams of 5-6 and hand a 'Guess the Christmas Flick’ sheet to each team. Start the time and make the announcement to ‘get started!’ The first to ‘correctly’ answer all the Christmas movies according to their emojis correctly is the winning team. If nobody gets all of them correct within the time, the winning team is the one who gets the most correct. In the event of a tie - scissor, paper, rock tournament 3/5.
PROPS NEEDED: Copies of the ‘Guess the Christmas Flick’ sheets. The answer key is within this file - only print page 1 for each team and save the answer key for judging (pg. 3 of the file)
PLAYING TIME: ~15 minutes.
CHRISTMAS SCRAMBLE
GAME OBJECTIVE: To be the first team to correctly unscramble all of the ‘Christmas-related’ words or phrases.
RULES: Get a timer and set it for 10 minutes (or simply keep your eye on a clock). Pair your guests into teams of 5-6 and hand a ‘Christmas Scramble Challenge’ sheet to each team. Start the time and make the announcement to ‘get started!’ The first team to ‘correctly’ answer all of the scrambled words or phrases – wins! After the winner has been declared – the rest of the teams continue until the timer goes off. Rank the teams in the order that they correctly guess all of the scrambled words or phrases. If there are teams that did not answer all of the words /phrases, rank these teams in order of the most correct guesses.
PROPS NEEDED: Copies of the ‘Christmas Scramble Challenge’ sheets , answer key is below
PLAYING TIME: ~15 minutes.
CHRISTMAS SCRAMBLE ANSWER KEY:
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JACK FROST
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CHRISTMAS EVE
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TOY MAKING ELF
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CHESTNUTS ROASTING
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ORNAMENT
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EVERGREEN TREE
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TINSEL
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WHITE CHRISTMAS
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GIFT WRAP
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NAUGHTY OR NICE
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PUMPKIN PIE
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TEN LORDS A LEAPING
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CHRISTMAS MORNING
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ANGELS
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DEPARTMENT STORES
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SNOW MAN
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YULE LOG
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SANTA CLAUS
ELF AND REINDEER DANCE CONTEST
GAME OBJECTIVE: To perform the best elf and reindeer dance.
RULES: Pair the guests into groups of 2 (or 3 if there’s an odd person out). Give the teams 10 minutes (or more) to create a unique 30 second dance routine to be performed to the holiday song of your choice. Play the song repeatedly in the background so the teams have ample time to practice with the music. Important caveat of the competition: one member must dance as an elf and the other member must dance as a reindeer but they must have a uniform, coordinated routine - you just can’t go out and act like an elf and reindeer for 30 seconds! Be creative! If there is a team with 3 players, the 3rd person must act as Santa Claus in the routine.
When the time is up and / or the guests are finished creating their routines, one at a time, the guests are to perform their routines for the other guests. The host will judge or the guests will vote via a ballot for the best dance routine. In the case of a tie, the host will be the tie-breaker.
PROPS NEEDED: any type of music playing source and a dance song.
PLAYING TIME: approximately 30 minutes.
BUILD A BETTER SNOWMAN
GAME OBJECTIVE: To build the best snowman out of toilet paper on a human model.
RULES: Separate your guests into teams of 4 (or 5). They are to elect one team member to be the snowman or snowwoman. Using toilet paper (provided by the host), they are to build a three tier snow person with toilet paper on their model. They cannot cover the face or use any other materials besides toilet paper. The host can decide to allot a specific number of rolls per team, or have enough for the teams to use as much as they need. More is definitely not better! Give the teams a 5 minute strategy session before saying ‘go.’ Then, allow for a designated amount of time by setting a timer, such as 7 minutes.
The host will call time and judge the best snowperson. Proportion, uniqueness, and efficient use of each sheet of toilet paper are to be judged.
PROPS NEEDED: toilet paper rolls (minimum of 4 rolls per team of 4/5); timer (can use a smart phone).
PLAYING TIME: ~ 15 minutes
BIRTH YEAR GIFT EXCHANGE
GAME OBJECTIVE: A fun twist on Secret Santa exchange by finding the perfect gift from the year of your recipient's birth.
RULES: Prior to the party, have each guest tell you their birth year. Make a drawing with their name and birth year on small, folded sheets of paper. One by one, draw a slip for each guest and notify them on who there are to purchase a gift for and the year of which it must have been released. For example, if someone was born in 1980, they could get the person a Rubik’s Cube toy. You can keep this as a secret Santa exchange and allow the guests to slip their presents under a tree upon their arrival.
PROPS NEEDED: each guest is to be notified in advance of a person and birth year of which they are to find a gift that was released in that birth year for this person. As the host, you are to set a price limit for the exchange.
PLAYING TIME: ~ 10 minutes to open the gifts and compare, etc.
CHRISTMAS KARAOKE REINVENTION
GAME OBJECTIVE: To put the most creative twist on a Christmas song.
RULES: to be the one to come up with the most original 30-second performance of a chosen song. Choose any 30-second segment of a popular Christmas song. The guests who will compete are to reinvent the song in any manner that they choose (i.e. change up the lyrics, sing in a different accent, etc.) and perform this 30-second masterpiece for the rest of the group. The one who reinvents the song the best wins!
PROPS NEEDED: a chosen karaoke song and a stage / performance area.
PLAYING TIME: ~ 15 -20 minutes.
U STEALTH LIKE AN ELF?
GAME OBJECTIVE: To cross the bubble wrap river without popping a bubble - or at least popping the least.
RULES: Purchase about 1.5 meters (~5 ft.) of bubble wrap packing material. The guests take turns walking the length of the bubble wrap. The first one to walk the length of the wrap without popping a bubble is the winner. If everyone does it without a pop – then change it up to walking on their knees, crab walks, front rolls etc.
PROPS NEEDED: strips of bubble wrapping material.
PLAYING TIME: ~ 10 minutes
HOLIDAY RAP CONTEST
Courtesy of: The Official Party Host Handbook.
GAME OBJECTIVE: to be the team that gives the most awesome rap duo performance!
RULES: divide the guests into groups of two or three. Give the teams 10 minutes (or more) to write the most awe-inspiring and hilarious rap lyrics about the holidays. Play a steady rap beat in the background so the groups can get inspired and practice.
When the time is up, allow each team to perform their rap song in front of the group. Each member of the team must play a role in the duo (or trio). The host will choose the best upcoming rap artist duo at the party!
PROPS NEEDED: a cool rap beat (instrumental) to play in the background and during the performances.
PLAYING TIME: ~ 15 -20 minutes.
O' HUMAN CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING CONTEST
GAME OBJECTIVE: to decorate your human Christmas tree the best.
RULES: Divide your group in teams of 4-5 players. Each group is to select a ‘Christmas Tree’ team member and they are to stand quietly while the other members of the team ‘decorate’ them using items you present for the challenge. You can offer Scotch tape, string, crepe paper, aluminum foil, sequins, etc. The teams are to assemble their own ornaments and decide how to hang them on the human Christmas tree. Give a set amount of time (i.e. 15 minutes) and then when the time is up, you choose the best decorated human Christmas tree.
PROPS NEEDED: any type of materials to decorate the human Christmas trees that you can find – but make sure each team has a set of the same items.
PLAYING TIME: about 20 minutes – give time for instructions, the challenge, and judging.
GIFT WRAP RELAY
GAME OBJECTIVE: be the first team to cross the finish line after wrapping all of your presents.
RULES: divide your guests into two (or three) teams. Create a start/finish line and ‘lanes’ for your guests to race in with a wrapping station at the end of each lane for each team. Each team is to line up at the start/finish line and when you say go; they will race to the other end of their lane and wrap a present using the box, paper, tape, and ribbon you have provided for them. Have pre-cut paper ready for them, as you don’t want them rushing with scissors to cut gift wrap paper. Once the box is properly wrapped, they can race back and tag the next player in line who will rush to the end of the lane and repeat the process until all presents are wrapped. You can decide how many boxes to give the teams to wrap (should be at least one per player) and also you can vary the sizes of boxes as well – maybe give them each a jewelry box, tie box, shirt box and big box, etc. If, at any time, the judge finds that a box is not properly wrapped (taped down properly with the ribbon tied), the team member must come back to fix it. There can only be one team member per team at the wrapping station at any given time or you are to assess a 30 second penalty where their team becomes immobilized and cannot move.
PROPS NEEDED: boxes (a box per number of guests is preferred), tape, pre-cut gift wrap paper (or allow them to tear it with their hands), and ribbon (pre-cut).
PLAYING TIME: about 20 minutes.
FILLIN' DA STOCKING RELAY
GAME OBJECTIVE: be the first team to fill your stocking with Christmas treats!
RULES: divide your guests into two (or three) teams. Create a start/finish line and ‘lanes’ for your guests to race in with a stocking at the end of one lane and a bucket of candy and small Christmas toys and large wooden spoon at the other. Each team is to line up at the start/finish line and when you say go; they will race to the other end of their lane, scoop as much candy / toys as they can with their spoon and race back to the start/finish line to put the candy inside of the stocking. The next person in line is to be the stocking holder. The next team member will give the stocking to the person behind them and repeat the process and so on until the stocking is filled to the brim and no further candy pieces can fit. Any candy that is dropped on the floor at any time cannot be picked up and put into the stocking.
PROPS NEEDED: a stocking for each team and enough candy to completely fill each stocking (and extra to cover the candy that will drop on the floor.)
PLAYING TIME: about 10 minutes.
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT GUESS
GAME OBJECTIVE: To guess the most of who belongs with which ornament.
RULES: Before the party, instruct each guest to bring an ornament to the party. Upon their arrival, take their ornament and put it away in a secret place. When ready, pull out all of the ornaments and place them on a table. It would be easiest to assign each ornament a number/letter for ease of guessing. Give each player a sheet of paper and ask that they write match the person with the ornament. The one who guesses the most correctly, wins!
PROPS NEEDED: each player to bring an ornament (and not show/tell anyone). A sheet of paper and writing utensil for each guest. A way to label the ornaments (by writing a number on a small sheet of paper and placing in front of the ornament on a display table.
PLAYING TIME: ~ 5-10 minutes
WORST GIFTS EVER
GAME OBJECTIVE: To rack up the most points by guessing each person’s lie.
RULES: Give each person a small strip of paper for the number of guests you have and a writing utensil. One by one, each guest will stand and list three items they have been given as Christmas gifts in the past – but they are to tell the worst gifts they’ve ever received – with a twist that two are true and one is a lie. The players must correctly guess which is a lie for a point in the game. They write down the lie on the slip of paper as proof of their guess. The person with the most points at the end, wins. In the event of a tie, a rock, paper, scissor tournament best two out of three will decide the winner.
PROPS NEEDED: strips of paper (the # of guests for each guest) and a writing utensil.
PLAYING TIME: ~ 15 minutes
CHRISTMAS PICASSOS
GAME OBJECTIVE: to draw the most awesome Christmas scene on the paper plate on your head.
RULES: give each player a white paper plate and a non-toxic marker. Set the timer for 5 minutes. When you say go, the players are to put the plate on top of their head and draw a Christmas scene. When the timer goes off, they are to put the markers down. The host will judge the best scene drawn.
PROPS NEEDED: white porous paper plates for each player (not glossy). A non-toxic marker for each guest.
PLAYING TIME: ~10-15 minutes.