As soon as the sun sets on Thanksgiving Day, it seems like the holiday season jumps full force into our radio stations, store shelves, and living room décor. If you're like me, you cannot wait until this day comes when it is FINALLY acceptable for you to start playing Michael Buble’s Holiday Album on repeat, and break out the candy canes and hot cocoa. But besides all of this stuff that becomes so prevalent during the Holiday season, it's also a time we use to celebrate. With family, friends, and loved ones; a reminder of just how grateful we are for their continuous love and support throughout the year. It’s a great time of year to organize a get-together-- with friends new and old, family from around the country-- and why not throw some new holiday party plans in the mix this year!!! Here are some of my recommendations to ensure your loved ones, and yourself, have some rockin festivities on your calendars:
1. Cookie Swap.
This one is simple… every bakes their favorite holiday-inspired cookie and brings it with them to the party. Each person then pulls a name from a hat, and whoever’s name they pull is the lucky recipient of their delicious treat! Inevitably you’ll all be trying each others sweets all night, but it’s the thought that counts.
2. Cookie Decorating Party.
Keeping with the cookie theme, this party idea is super easy and fun! Run to the grocery store and grab some premade sugar cookies, along with plenty of decorating supplies—festive frosting, sprinkles, candies and more. Each person gets a few cookies to decorate and share with friends. This is a fun way to get in the holiday spirit, and almost guarantees some laughs comparing each other’s horrible artistic abilities.
3. Santa Clause Movie Marathon.
For a more low-key party idea, why not hit the trilogy that is sure to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Tim Allen-turned Santa never fails to get people laughing, and somehow makes me tear up every time I watch. And unlike the Harry Potter series, you can definitely accomplish completing all three movies in one night. Grab the popcorn and a bottle of wine (Olivia Pope style), and enjoy a relaxing evening of movies and friends.
4. Potluck.
The holidays is all about comfort food! Tell everyone invited to make their favorite holiday dish…from appetizers, side dishes and desserts. Bake some chicken breasts to go with all the contributions, and you’ve got yourself plenty of food for a great meal with friends. To satisfy the Martha Stewart in all of us, have everyone bring the recipe to the dish they made. You’ll end the night stuffed and with a stack of new ideas next time you have to contribute to a holiday meal!
5. College Apparel-Inspired Secret Santa.
My friends from high school and I have done this a few times since we’ve been in college and it's always super fun! Check out the website https://www.elfster.com/login/ to set up the party. All you have to do is make an account, specify the swap details (like location, date, time, and specifics on the gifts to bring), and include everyone’s email to the event. Once all your friends have RSVP’ed, the website will automatically shuffle up names and email everyone with their Secret Santa! Have everyone grab a piece of apparel from their respective bookstore before they head home for the holiday break, and exchange presents when you all get-together. That way you’ll be able to rep each other’s college apparel next time you go visit!
6. Ugly Sweater Party.
Always a crowd pleaser. Make sure everyone comes dressed to the nines in their oversized, over patterned holiday garb. From a Walmart sweater vest adorned in snowmen and snowflakes to that old Christmas sweater your mom wore when she was in middle school, everyone will get a good laugh when your friends walk in the door, and you'll definitely get some Instagram worthy-pictures out of it too.
7. Yankee Swap.
A more family friendly party theme, tell all your guests to bring a gift in a certain price
