MAIN Home Life Holidays Christmas Holiday Party Ideas

Holiday party planning can be relaxed and casual... or as elaborate as you like. After all ... it's Christmas!

Our favorite is a laid-back celebration at home - with a Christmas movie family night spent 'round the DVD or video player, or with friends and neighbors featuring holiday carol sing-alongs or an exchange of favorite Christmas recipes.

If you're inviting a crowd, remember that this is also a busy time of year for friends and family, so remember to send out Christmas party invitations early.

Buy invitations at your favorite party store, or print them up yourself using Christmas clipart.

Write clever headlines announcing "It's that time of year! Please join us for some Christmas cheer..." or how about "All we want for Christmas is YOU!" and don't forget to include date, time, location, and RSVP details.

Whether it's a casual affair or a formal Christmas dinner party, remember that holiday entertaining begins with great ideas and party themes for all age groups including kids and adults. Host a few Christmas games and activities where everyone can join in, or break the ice with a Christmas sing-along or holiday trivia game. Serve festive cocktails, but also include non-alcoholic drinks for kids and non-drinkers.

The holidays are the time to start baking! Add home-made Christmas cookies to party dessert
platters, and be sure to include them in festive goodie bags to send guests home happy,

And, whenever possible, serve crowd-pleasing make-ahead meals so you have time to enjoy the party, too!

When the holiday party is over, send guests home with holiday party favor bags filled with goodies such as candy canes, small Christmas ornaments, holiday chocolate kisses, or a batch of fresh-baked Christmas cookies.

Have fun!

also see related features -> Decorating the Office for Christmas

Holiday Office Party Ideas | Christmas Party Etiquette | Christmas in July

More about Christmas party ideas around the Web:

30 Holiday Party Ideas from House Beautiful - Check out tips & advice for a memorable holiday party including DIY Christmas crafts, ideas for party activities, music and lots more.

Christmas Party Ideas and Games for Kids - More holiday kid stuff with instructions for Trim the Tree, Santa Says, Toss the Goodies, and related holiday fun.