Fun Holiday Party Ideas and House Prep Tips

The holidays are an exciting time of year, full of parties, house guests and good food. If you’re hosting a holiday party, you want to make sure everyone is feeling the holiday spirit. These holiday party ideas and tips are sure to help you and your guests make the most of the holiday season!

Holiday party ideas

Here are 5 entertainment ideas to make your holiday party a hit:

1. Organize a gift exchange

Have everyone sit together and pass around gifts. If you’re feeling adventurous, try out a white elephant gift exchange. If you plan on buying a large amount of gifts for all your guests, here are some tips to help you save for holiday shopping.

2. Host an ugly sweater contest

A holiday party is the perfect time to reach into the back of your closet for those old, ugly sweaters. Tell guests in advance about the contest, and have a small gift or goodie for the worst dressed!

3. Create a photo booth

Set up a simple area with holiday props for guests to take pictures with. If you don’t want to limit the fun to one spot, you could even place instant cameras around the house to encourage guests to take pictures throughout the party.

4. Cookie decorating station

If you’re expecting children at your holiday party, a cookie decorating station is a sure-fire hit. All you need for this delicious activity are plain sugar cookies, frosting, candy, gumdrops, sprinkles and chocolate chips.

5. Set the holiday mood

Don’t forget to set a merry ambiance suited for the holiday season. Customize a playlist with holiday tunes, or stream an instrumental holiday station. You can even play a classic holiday movie on silent in the background with a projector or TV.

Some other mood-setting ideas:

• Hang vintage ornaments like mini chandeliers
• String holiday lights around the house
• Get flickering LED candles to add a feeling of warmth
• Place festive blankets and pillows on furniture
• Decorate with special objects that remind you and your family of the holiday season

Check out the infographic below for some fun holiday statistics and more tips for throwing a merry holiday party.

Holiday house prep tips

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