How to throw a Christmas party that will leave your guests speechless

Many of us are more than eager to put on our best Christmas party attire for the real-life festivities after a holiday season full of virtual celebrations last year. If you're hosting this year, there are a few things to consider while arranging a Christmas party, whether it's for a small group of family and friends or a party large enough to cover the North Pole.

We've got tips and techniques from the pros with years of festive party-planning expertise on how to organize and throw the perfect Christmas get-together, from creating the perfect guest list and deciding on a Christmas party outfit to party etiquette to carry you through the festive season and beyond.

10 BRILLIANT IDEAS FOR HOSTING A CHRISTMAS PARTY

1. CHRISTMAS PARTY IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY

With this traditional Christmas party theme, you may party like it's 1924. Consider gold and black Christmas decorations, and urge visitors to dress to amaze in stunning suits and gowns. Look to the Kardashian-Jenner clan for inspiration, who threw momager, Kris, a Roaring Twenties-themed 60th birthday party back in 2015.

2. CHRISTMAS MOVIE MARATHON PARTY

Grab the popcorn and settle down for a Christmas movie marathon that is suitable for the entire family. Curl up with your loved ones and watch holiday classics like Home Alone and Miracle on 34th Street. Serve hot chocolate and cookies to the kids, as well as mulled wine to the adults.

3. CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAPPING PARTY

Invite friends over for a wrap party this year to make present wrapping a little more thrilling. Play your favorite Christmas music, set out some lovely gift wrap (extra points if it's made from recycled paper), and enjoy your favorite festive beverage.

4. PARTY WITH CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS

A Christmas cocktail party can add a festive touch to happy hour. While gathering up with relatives and friends, sip on festive cocktails like mulled white wine and crimson Aperol fizz.

5. CHRISTMAS PARTY IN UGLY SWEATERS

Ugly sweaters are another popular Christmas party motif. Put on your best Christmas sweater and join in the fun.

6. CHRISTMAS PARTY IN A COZY CABIN

Bring the warmth and comfort of a ski chalet into your own home. Faux fur wraps, rustic décor, and a lot of layering help to create a comfortable ambience. Is there a dress code? Plaid.

7. CHRISTMAS PARTY IN WINTER WONDERLAND

Transform your home into a winter wonderland for a charming snowy atmosphere. The use of white and silver Christmas decorations, as well as an all-white dress requirement, are excellent places to start.

8. COSTUME PARTY FOR CHRISTMAS

This year, throw a Christmas costume party. Invite your friends and family to dress up as their favorite holiday movie character. Do you require some motivation? Here are the top Christmas movies to get you in the mood for the holidays.

9. CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH HOLIDAY GAMES

Host a unique game night by playing Christmas-themed games like antler toss and Elf Monopoly.

10. KARAOKE PARTY FOR CHRISTMAS

At a festive carol-oke party, put on your Mariah Carey and scream out some Christmas favorites.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PLANN A BANGING CHRISTMAS PARTY?

A lot of work goes into having a Christmas party, from creating a guest list to deciding on food and drink. Read on for a step-by-step guide to throwing a successful Christmas party, whether it's your first or 100th.

1. REDUCE THE NUMBER OF GUESTS ON THE LIST

Consider how many guests you want to invite to your Christmas party. Consider your available space—you won't be able to fit 100 people in a two-bedroom house—and choose a date that will appeal to the bulk of your visitors.

2. SELECT A THEME.

Is it possible to go all out for the holidays? A Christmas PaJama party with a matching theme? Stick to the topic you've chosen. Make it clear on the invitation what will be happening so that your visitors are prepared.

"You want to make sure that your attendees are informed of the dress code in advance," says Jess Clarkson, a freelance event planner.

"Most of the parties I plan have a more formal dress code, such as black tie, so guys are aware that they must wear a suit and look presentable." Female attendees, on the other hand, are more likely to wear midi or more festive gowns that fit the winter theme.

Velvet suits, black bow ties, blazer dresses, and sequin dresses were some of the most popular wardrobe choices in 2019." However, I believe that this year's attendees will go above and above by dressing in an attire that complements the event's theme and makes them feel good."

3. CLEAN UP YOUR AREA

Make sure the party area is clutter-free before you start decorating for the big day. Make sure your hallway is clean because it will be the first thing visitors see. Make sure there's enough seating in the main party area, and clear some room for a dancefloor if that's the mood you're aiming for.

4. DECORATE THE ROOM

Whether you're serving a full dinner or just a few bites, a stylish tablescape is essential to any celebration. Truffle Tablescapes' founder, Kate Fairlie, recommends that hosts prepare their event's style, look, or theme ahead of time, especially when it comes to the fine and wonderful elements of a festive tabletop (see our guide to Christmas centerpiece ideas if you want more inspiration)

Consider how you want your party or event to seem and feel on the big day. Consider the ambiance, whether it's music or the aesthetic of your decor or table layers. Also, keep in mind that table decoration does not have to be costly," she advises. "When it comes to table scaping, for example, once you have good quality tableware basics, you can utilize flowers to change the look of your table every season." Above all, have fun with your tablescape elements; experiment with different set-ups or seasonal additions on your table to truly personalize the appearance. Also, be daring and inventive!"

5. PREPARE THE IDEAL MENU

When it comes to food and drinks, keep your visitors' preferences and dietary restrictions in mind. Also, examine whether your menu is in keeping with your overall theme.

"At Christmas parties, it's easy for visitors with special dietary needs to feel left out. It can be disheartening for your guests to learn that they are unable to consume any of the great food and beverages on offer. Have a variety of vegan or vegetarian options; there are some delectable dishes out there that everyone will like," adds Eventurous' Lorna Boyer. "Think about placing a notice on invites about food restrictions as well, so that anyone with allergies or intolerances can be readily accommodated." Remember that some of your visitors may not be able to consume alcohol, so if you're making festive cocktails, make some nice mocktails as well. A cranberry-ginger fizz or an orange-cinnamon mocktail are both festive and easy to make.

ETIQUETTE TIPS FROM EXPERTS FOR CHRISTMAS PARTIES

You're in control of the comfort and enjoyment of your visitors. Do you want to be the best party host in the world? Kate Fairlie offers some of her knowledge:

"For parties with friends and family throughout the holiday season, don't stress too much about rules and formal etiquette; instead, focus on the areas where you should always be clear," says the author.

1. FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE VERY IMPORTANT

"On arrival, greet them with a glass of something effervescent and celebratory," Farlie advises. "When they arrive, offer to take coats and make introductions to others,"

2. PLAN AHEAD

"Remember that the ideal host is always planning ahead! If a guest brings an unexpected guest, have an extra seat or place setting ready, and make sure you have alcohol-free and vegan options for all tastes and requirements "Farlie observes.

3. PAY ATTENTION TO THE COMFORT OF YOUR GUESTS

While many people are eager to resume their celebrations, it's crucial to keep post-pandemic anxiety in mind.

"As with anything, the ideal host will be considerate of each guest's specific expectations or comfort levels," says Farlie. "When it comes to attending a covid-time event, hugs and handshakes may be off the table for some but not for others. Always be willing to flex and bend in order to make your guests as comfortable as possible."

WRITER

CHAMILA HERATH