KICK THE PARTY SPIRIT UP A NOTCH
If formal festivities aren’t your style and the thought of hosting yet another cocktail party leaves you cold, consider getting the gang together for seasonal shenanigans designed to kick bah-humbug to the curb.
Send in the elephants
We’re bringing back the white elephant party.
Ask each guest to bring a wrapped, untagged white elephant gift — an item that might be awkward, unattractive, cumbersome, silly or outrageous — but mostly unwanted. Think: velvet Elvis painting; a strangely scented candle; fruitcake; giant summer sausage; poster of an aging boy band; framed (autographed!) photograph of yourself; a Snuggy — you get the idea.
After socializing has ensued, draw numbers to determine the order of gift opening, and explain that guests have the option to “steal” an opened gift rather than choose from the wrapped pile. If a gift is stolen, that person picks from the pile again. The guest who goes first has the option to make the final move and “steal” at the end after all gifts are opened.
Ugly sweater party
As the name suggests, guests are invited to wear the ugliest, tackiest holiday gear they can find. A sweater that requires a battery pack for blinking lights? Golden! A design that ingeniously combines plaid, embroidery, rhinestones and bells? Awesome.
This party combines goodnatured fun and hilariously bad taste with touches of nostalgia. Serve popular 1970s or ’80s appetizers, add the Chipmunks to the playlist, create a backdrop for funky photo sessions, and have guests secretly vote for the Ugliest Sweater. Award the winner a gift card to a clothing store, perhaps?
Hot chocolate bar
To set up a hot chocolate bar, arrange large mugs next to carafes of hot chocolate. Offer assorted toppings in cute containers. Think: chocolate chips (semisweet, dark, white); butterscotch chips; sprinkles, candy canes; marshmallows (store bought or homemade); whipped cream; chocolate syrup (for drizzling); and consider spiking the cocoa for adults with peppermint schnapps, cinnamon liqueur or whipped cream vodka (yes, that’s a thing).
Ask each guest to bring a plate of cookies, cue the music and you’re done.
Frugal festivities and sanity savers
Whatever the gathering, consider the following strategies for maintaining sanity and savings during the holiday crush: Set a budget: Knowing how much you have to spend is freeing and reduces stress. It creates focus, sets parameters, and encourages creativity in the planning process. Evite.com provides a free Party Budget Estimator online to help calculate costs. Plan early: The sooner you commit to hosting a party, the sooner you can create a plan, watch for sales and get organized. RealSimple.com offers a free Party Planning Checklist. Email invites: Save postage, paper, time and money using online services like Paperless Post, Evite, Minted, Punchbowl, Celebrations and Greenvelope. Signature drink: If serving alcohol, pick a signature cocktail. It will feel festive, and allow you to choose ingredients that match your budget. Don’t forget nonalcoholic options for non-drinkers and designated drivers. Borrow stuff: Ask friends and family attending the party if you can borrow an extra table or serving trays instead of buying. Make sure items are labeled with the owner’s name and return pieces in good condition right away. Party tip: If you can’t afford to replace it, don’t borrow it. Decor: Decorating with one or two signature colors streamlines decisions and saves time and money. Easy options: all white, or gold, or red. Buy little white twinkle lights early and on sale. For ambience, light candles and dim the lights. Say yes: If friends want to contribute a side dish or help set up, let them. Most people are happy to pitch in.