Just like that, it’s officially the most wonderful time of the year. And while you may still be stuffed from all the turkey, it’s time to start planning the ultimate holiday party. I’ve included some tips and tricks to make sure it is the absolute best time for your guests.
Setting the atmosphere is crucial. The mood is subjective to the type of party you’re having, though. This could include a tree in the corner, an advent wreath on the table, a menorah on the counter, or other decor aligning with your celebration. Either way, I personally recommend lighting a fire in the fireplace or playing a looping video of one on your television to create a festive and cozy ambiance.
Holiday games act as engaging entertainment. I once played a game where little trinkets from the Dollar Tree were wrapped in a massive ball of plastic wrap, and guests had 30 seconds to unwrap as much as possible before passing it to the next guest, claiming the unwrapped trinkets as their prize. It definitely gets the adrenaline up and provokes quite a few laughs at the random items wrapped inside.
Food and drinks play a massive role in the holiday party scene. Whether a simple apple dip (8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup toffee bits served with apple slices) or a festive drink, such as a cranberry Moscow Mule (2 oz vodka, 1 oz cranberry juice, 1/2 oz fresh lime juice, ginger beer, and fresh cranberries with a sprig of rosemary for garnish), serving holiday-themed food and drinks amplifies the atmosphere.
The playlist is, in my opinion, the most important part of any holiday party. While everyone is mingling, it is crucial to have some festive background noise. And, while the classics are well, classic, here are my go-to, more modern song choices for some great holiday fun!
"Christmas Isn’t Cancelled (Just You)" - by Kelly Clarkson
"Drummer Boy" - by Justin Bieber
"Fancy Like Christmas" - by Walker Hayes
"Hot Chocolate" - by Tom Hanks (From the Polar Express soundtrack)
"It’s Not Christmas Till Somebody Cries" - by Carly Rae Jepsen
"Naughty List" - Liam Payne featuring Dixie
"Redneck 12 Days of Christmas" - by Jeff Foxworthy
"Stretchy Pants" - by Carrie Underwood
"Text Me Merry Christmas" - by Straight No Chaser featuring Kristen Bell
"The Chanukah Song" - by Adam Sandler
Now go create your own, special playlist, pour yourself a mug of eggnog, and dance the night away!