‘Tis the season ofholiday hosting!

Christmas parties can take on many forms, from intimate dinners to open-house-style gatherings with large guest lists.

Colorful felt garland, candy shapes, and pastel hues all fall into this theme.

Christmas Party Ideas

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The natural light will make for great photos.

A big wreath on a backyard wall, fence, or door will do the trick.

These budget-friendly items will create festive decor and also add a subtle pine smell to your home.

garland above door

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Hang some gold tinsel garlands for an extra dose of bling.

Outfit a Porch Seating Area

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Holiday parties can get a little crowded.

To encourage guests to disperse, set up separate seating areas all around your house.

Ginger bread Christmas

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A play hot cocoa bar doubles as decor and toys.

Bottlebrush trees and balloons are non-breakable decor pieces that are perfect for this purpose.

Light a bonfire nearby, and they won’t mind the winter chill one bit.

Christmas Wreath Backdrop

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(you could use a slow cooker to keep mulled drinks warm.)

Decorate With Honeycomb

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Honeycomb paper decor is a classic party choice.

Pair Blue and White

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Anotherholiday color schemeto consider is blue and white.

Christmas Table Setting

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It evokes a cool and icy feeling that’s fitting for winter.

you’re free to even set the party up in an outdoor igloo to fit the snowy theme.

These velvet mice with candy canes as tails make adorable ornaments for your guests to take home.

bow and bell christmas party decor

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Opt for Adorable Disposables

Christmas is a time when we’ve all got growing to-do lists.

Any cocktail can become a Christmas cocktail with the right garnish.

If you have chandeliers in your home, add some evergreen garland and Christmas ornaments.

Christmas display

Design and planning by@beijosevents/ Photo by@navasclickstop/ Backdrop and balloons by@the.pop.shopllc/ Flowers by@earthandgrace.co/ Instagram

A chandelier is also a conspicuous spot to hide some mistletoe.

Embrace a Toy Theme

Kelsey Klos

Toys are an important part of Christmas.

Choosing one iconic toy and then centering your theme around it will make your decor choices easy.

Christmas Porch Seating

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This Care Bear Christmas party is a great example.

Think gumdrops and candy canes, and try out a pink-and-red color scheme.

Plus, you could reuse some of your decor for a Valentine’s Day party.

kid hot cocoa area

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Place them near your hot cocoa bar for use or just for show.

They can even be cocktail glasseswhy not?

Make Angel Ornaments

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Christmas party crafts don’t necessarily have to be colorful.

Christmas Set Up

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Understated neutrals can be a hit and will match with anyone’s Christmas decor.

Patterned craft paper, tissue paper, wood beads, and string are all you need.

If you have a clear drink decanter, add raspberries and mint leaves.

Kids Christmas party set up

Design by@kf201/ Photo by@annemolnarphotography/ Instagram

They not only taste delicious in water but also look super festive.

Candy-striped paper straws and green bottles of sparkling water can also be functional decor accessories.

A bar cart makes the perfect spot for a hot cocoa station.

Outdoor hot cocoa bar

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For an adult’s only party, add a flavored liqueur to the cart for a fun twist.

Embellish a Vase

A beautiful arrangementdeserves a beautiful vase.

Elevate a basic glass vase by simply adding a festive ribbon with an ornament.

Christmas Decor in Fireplace

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While you’re at it, tie an ornament or two to any wall sconces or porch lights.

Sweeten Table configs

Gingerbread cookies tucked inside cloth napkins make a beautiful and easy place-setting accessory.

Your guests can even munch on them before dinner since dessert before dinner is absolutely allowed at Christmastime.

Christmas table setting

Design by@beeline_design/ Photo by@gemmola/ Instagram

Make Paper Snowflakes

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Christmas party decor doesn’t have to be expensive.

Dozens of DIY paper snowflakes make a big impacton a small budget.

Aside from decorating your tabletop, give your chairs some extra pizzazz.

Christmas picnic

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Here,Maria Sadowski of Life Stylishlyadorned the back of her dining room chairs with wreaths.

All it takes is some budget-friendly paper snowflakes and twinkle lights to evoke those warm and fuzzy feelings.

For Christmas, you might decorate it with evergreen garland and red foliage.

Christmas Party Ideas

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Set Up Fireside Snacks

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A cozy fire is like a magnet for guests.

Add in a few rosemary sprigs along the edges to complete the look.

Make Ugly Sweater Photo Props

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Ugly Christmas sweater parties need to be documented.

Christmas place setting

Design by@kf201/ Photo by@annemolnarphotography/ Instagram

Set up a photo booth and provide kitschy photo props with witty on-theme phrases.

Hang them up and use them as additional decor during the party.

We’ve alreadyoutlined all the steps for you.

Christmas Cocktail

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Stack them on a cake stand, and they will double as party decor.

It should inspire you to bust out the fine china to serve your tea and finger foods.

The addition of candy canes and a cute little gingerbread man makes this one an extra great example.

candy cane candle sticks

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This kind of arrangement would look great on really any empty surface.

Choose a Book Theme

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Alice in Wonderlandand Christmas are both whimsical by nature.

Pair the two and host a Christmas in Wonderland party.

Christmas Chandelier

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If you want the crooked candles to glow, go for LED ones rather than risk a tipping flame.

Simply take a peg board and tuck magnolia leaves into the holes in the shape of a Christmas tree.

Don’t forget to add garland for added color and texture.

Care Bear Christmas

Kelsey Klos

These adorable snowmen and reindeer desserts practically beg you to play with your food.

confirm to serve it in clear mugs to show it off.

Lay Table Garlands

Christmas garlands aren’t just for your mantel or doorways.

Santa Baby Party

Design and planning by@beijosevents/ Photo by@jessicalynn_photo/ Backdrop and balloons by@the.pop.shopllc/ Flowers by@earthandgrace.co/ Instagram

Best Christmas Party Tips

santa mug display

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Christmas angel craft

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Christmas party set up

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Christmas picnic

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Christmas Coffee Bar

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Christmas arrangement

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Christmas table decor

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Christmas party porch

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paper snowflakes

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paper snowflakes on porch

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Christmas wreaths on chairs

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bike with presents

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Christmas arch above table

mStarr Design Studio

Christmas Party Spread

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Charcuterie Christmas Tree

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Christmas Party Props

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Ugly Christmas Sweater Craft

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flamingo Christmas theme

Twinspirational

Christmas table setting

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Christmas Table Decor

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Santa boot centerpiece

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Christmas tea party

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Christmas tree balloon

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Christmas vignette

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Christmas Alice in Wonderland

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Colorful kids party

Cake and Confetti

Cute Christmas Food

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pink hot chocolate

Cake and Confetti

Christmas table

mStarr Design Studio