Christmas for those who've been Naughty . . .

March 08, 2011 Written by:

Christmas Party

It’s the innocence of children that makes Christmas so exciting, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the holiday as an adult. This Christmas invite over your closest friends and throw an adults-only party. Quick, schedule your babysitter now!

Invitations

Choosing the right invitation is essential when throwing a fantastic Christmas bash because it sets the tone for the party. Choose an invitation that will let your guests know that this is an adult-only event. Something like a Las Vegas or holiday cocktail themed invite clearly implies that kids aren’t allowed.

Decorations and Party Supplies

Outdoors

Festively decorate the outside of your house to make it look warm and inviting. Drape pine branch and Poinsettia garland around your lamppost and door frame for a fresh winter look. Decorate the front of your door with a wreath, red velvet bow or a holiday door cover. In addition to your traditional Christmas lights, string some electric star lights around your bushes and gutters for an extra sparkle.

Remember when you were little and the party house always had balloons out front? Take that concept but make it more adult-like by lining your driveway and sidewalk with luminary bags. Or, if you want to include a child-like element, let a bunch of Lumi-Loon balloons float around the front of your house. Lastly, for a soft glow, place faux candlesticks in each window of your house. Your guests will feel welcomed before they even enter your home.

Indoors

Bring the outdoors in by applying Winter Wonderland scene setters and snowy village borders to your walls. Stick with the winter wonderland theme by hanging snowflake decorations from the ceiling. If you’re going for more of a red and green theme, try the holiday swirls or flower danglers. Pop the Yule Log DVD into your TV and warm up your party with traditional Christmas music. And of course, don’t forget the Christmas tree!

Dining Décor

If you’re throwing a large party, it’s best to serve drinks and appetizers rather than a whole meal. Set out a variety of dips like hummus, tangy bean dip and spinach artichoke with platters of pita chips, veggies and crackers. All dips are very easy to make, but if you’re crunched on time just run out to your local Trader Joe’s. Luckily, a lot of their dips can look homemade when placed in a medium sized bowl and topped off with a garnish. Decorate your appetizer table with a snowflake lace tablecloth. It will keep your table clean and is much classier than a plastic table cover. Place appetizer plates and napkins on the table so guests can help themselves.

The most important part of your grown up Christmas party is the bar. Stock your bar with all kinds of alcohol to please each of your guests. Windy City makes serving alcohol at your party a cinch with the Christmas cocktail party kit.

Hire a bartender so your guests don’t have to serve themselves. If they’re a good sport, have the bartender dress up as Santa or Mrs. Claus. Feature at least one holiday drink, like the Candy Cane Martini. Save time and a plethora of broken glasses by using fancy plastic-ware from the Be Square collection.

Entertainment

So what if Halloween was two months ago? If your guests have a silly side, make this a costume party! Have the women dress up in sassy Miss Santa costumes (we told you this wasn’t a children’s party!), while the men dress up as Santa. If you want to win best costume though, you’re going to have to dress as a Christmas tree, reindeer or snowman! If your guests aren’t in the mood to fully dress up, a goofy Santa hat will do!

Favors

Don’t let your guests go home empty handed! Send your friends home with a red or green light up martini glass with a fun cocktail stick or stirrer.