My family has been hosting a Christmas party every year for practically my whole life, and with a HUGE family (I’m one of 13!), we don’t do anything small. We’re talking 60 to 70 people some years—total chaos, but the best kind!
Over the years, through trial and error with games, gifts, and recipes (plus figuring out how to squeeze everyone in!), we’ve discovered the secret to hosting a Christmas party that’s an unforgettable holiday celebration. Now, these holiday gatherings are some of the most memorable and anticipated days of the year for us all!
We’re not just hosting a Christmas party each year; we’re creating multiple Christmas moments! From cozy game nights to elegant sit-down dinners, we celebrate the season with everyone. So, if you’re looking for tips on hosting a Christmas party that all your guests will love, I’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
Hosting a Fancy Christmas Dinner
Setting a Gorgeous Tablescape
If you’re hosting a fancy Christmas dinner, décor is essential. I LOVE putting together a beautiful tablescape; it elevates the evening, sets the mood, and adds a touch of elegance. When I’m hosting a Christmas party, I want my guests to feel special, and a gorgeous table setup does just that.
Planning the Menu
With your tablescape ready, the next step to hosting a Christmas party is planning a dinner menu. You might want to cook everything yourself, bring in catering, or keep it simple with a potluck. My go-to is a “fancy potluck”: I make the main dish, and guests bring sides and desserts. This way, the dinner feels elegant yet manageable.
For a main dish that’s delicious and affordable for a crowd, brisket is a fantastic choice. Cooking it low and slow gives it a tender, mouthwatering texture. If you’re looking for ideas, I’ve got a great smoked brisket recipe and a video tutorial to guide you through it.
I have so many delicious recipes for sides and desserts in the recipe section of my blog. Everything from the easiest dinner rolls recipe you’ll ever try, a scrumptious pomegranate salad, a classic and simple apple crisp, the best brussel sprouts you’ll ever eat, and so much more!
Need fancy drinks for your fancy party? These are both yummy non-alcoholic options that feel special. You can find the recipe for Copycat Martinelli’s here and Lolly’s Gold Drink recipe is posted here.
Hosting a Christmas Game Night
Another favorite around here is our Christmas game night! Everyone shows up in their most festive attire—think Santa hats, ugly sweaters, or reindeer onesies. It’s the perfect way to let loose and kick off the holiday cheer, and trust me, it’s a riot!
We usually do a White Elephant Gift Exchange or play Holiday Family Feud. I have a separate post with all the details on hosting a Christmas Game Night if you’re interested. Even if you’re hosting a more formal Christmas party, you might enjoy playing a few games after dinner to keep the fun going!
Hosting a Gingerbread House Party
One of the absolute highlights of all our Christmas parties has to be our gingerbread house decorating night. My kids count down to it every year! It’s a laid-back evening filled with laughs, creativity, and holiday spirit as everyone builds their sugary masterpieces.
We’ve hosted gingerbread house parties with both family and friends, and I’ve learned some genius tips to make it easy and stress-free. Here’s a hint—glue guns and graham crackers are game-changers! Check out my post for more on how to host a gingerbread house party everyone will love.
Setting the Mood
When you’re hosting a Christmas party, setting the right mood is key. I always start with music—I’ve created a playlist of classic Christmas songs that plays softly in the background to create that warm, festive vibe.
Another way I love setting the scene is with a simmer pot. As soon as guests walk through the door, they’re greeted by the warm, spicy scents of Christmas. It’s a simple but welcoming touch that makes the whole house feel festive. I’ve posted instructions for my Christmas simmer pot if you’d like to try it yourself.
Encouragement for Hosting a Christmas Party
When my husband and I were newlyweds in college, I couldn’t make it to my family’s Christmas party, so we threw one ourselves. We lived in a tiny studio apartment with a Murphy bed that took up half the space when it was down, and our bathroom sink was in the shower! But we made it work, fitting 20 friends in that cozy space and eating picnic-style on the floor.
If you haven’t been invited to a holiday party, I encourage you to host one yourself! You don’t need a large home or fancy table settings—just a countertop for the food and a floor for games.
Whether you want to go big with a fancy Christmas party or keep it simple, don’t let budget or space stop you from gathering with loved ones. Hosting a Christmas party is about bringing people together. The tablescapes, gourmet menus, and gift exchanges? They’re just extra sparkle. What truly matters is being surrounded by people you care about—that’s what makes it magical!
For a large Christmas party, choose foods that are easy to serve in big batches, like slow-cooked brisket, baked pasta, or casseroles. Sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or pomegranate salad are both festive and simple. For dessert, cookies or dessert bars are ideal for groups. A “fancy potluck” setup works well—prepare the main dish, and let guests bring sides and desserts. This keeps the meal special yet manageable.
Choose games that are fun for all ages! A White Elephant Gift Exchange is always a hit and easy to customize. Holiday Family Feud and Christmas Bingo are interactive and perfect for mixed-age groups. Gingerbread house decorating can also be a highlight, letting everyone get creative and into the festive spirit.
For budget-friendly Christmas décor, start with string lights, candles, and simple greenery like wreaths or pine cones. For the table, use a plain tablecloth with some holiday napkins and create a centerpiece with ornaments, seasonal fruit, or pine cones. Adding DIY touches like handmade place cards or paper snowflakes adds charm without breaking the bank.
Set the tone with holiday music and a Christmas simmer pot filled with cinnamon, cloves, and oranges to create a festive scent. Dim the lights, add candles or fairy lights, and your home will feel cozy and inviting. This warm ambiance is the perfect way to welcome guests and make them feel at home for the holidays.
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