What better way to celebrate
Christmas than throwing a houseparty? Whether you are planning an intimate gathering, or a larger bash with all your friends and family, here are some tips and tricks to help you prep.
Send out invites
Create a digital invitation using a graphic designing software, or a free online platform. Video invites are also a great way to be creative. Include details like date, time and residential address.
Let your guests know if you need them to RSVP.

Send out invites for the Christmas house party (Image: iStock)
Plan the decor
Transform your home into a winter wonderland with fairy lights, wreaths, and other Christmas ornaments. A classic
Xmas tree is a must! You can also set up a photo booth with fun props and backdrops.

Decorate your home for the Christmas house party (Image: iStock)
The delicious part
Ensure there’s plenty of finger food – hot and cold both, along with mocktails and cocktails. Picture Spiked Eggnog, or a Peppermint Martini. A cheese-cracker-fruit board is always a great idea.
Plan a buffet, if the guest list is big, or, a sit-down meal if it’s an intimate party. You can also set up a cookie decorating station, or a hot chocolate bar. Be mindful of dietary restrictions and allergies when planning the menu.

Prepare a great meal for your friends who are coming over (Image: iStock)
Get the music flowing
No party is complete without music! Create a playlist of your favourite
holiday tunes, keeping the Christmas theme in mind. You can even set up a karaoke machine for some fun singalongs.
Songs to keep in mind? Elvis Presley’s
Jingle Bell Rock
, Bruce Springsteen’s
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
,
Mariah Carey’s
All I Want for Christmas is You
, Wham!’s
Last Christmas
, Frank Sinatra’s
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
, and Bing Crosby’s
White Christmas
.

Create a playlist for this Christmas party (Image: iStock)
Let the games begin
If you want to plan some fun activities and games for your guests, we have got you covered.
*
Secret Santa:
Make your guests draw names at random, prior to the party. Ask them to get gifts for the person whose name they get. Exchange the presents at the party.
*Christmas charades:
Write down Christmas-related words or phrases on pieces of paper. Divide players into teams. One person acts out the word or phrase, while their team guesses.
*Christmas movie trivia:
Prepare a list of trivia questions related to popular Christmas movies, your guests can take turns answering the questions.
*Holiday pictionary:
Players take turns drawing holiday-themed items, while their team guesses what it is, within a time limit.

Plan a few games to save people from boredom at your party (Image: iStock)
Make it comfy for your furry friends
You can make the party a pet-friendly one by preparing a cosy nook with cushions and toys. Make sure to inform your guests about the pet-inclusive nature of the party. Keep pet-friendly treats, and make sure to keep sweets away from their reach.

Make it comfortable for your pets at the house party (Image: iStock)