Christmas Expo Holiday Lighting & Decorating Conference

Sugar & Charm

If you want to host the best holiday bash on the block, it's going to require more than a strand of string lights, store-bought cookies, and Christmas music on repeat (though that also sounds pretty great). Elevate your get-together with our favorite recipes, activities, and decorating ideas. From creating an Instagram-worthy photo backdrop to whipping up (lots of) baked brie, these party ideas are sure to be a hit. We even included dress code options in here, like formal attire and pajamas only. Enjoy the inspo, then get ready to throw the merriest holiday party ever. Oh, and many of these ideas can even be translated to virtual parties. You can whip up a meal together or watch the same movie online just as easily as you can IRL.

christmas tree with gifts under it

Sara Ligorria Tramp

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Organize a Gift Exchange

Organize a game of White Elephant. If you and your guests need some inspiration, allow these gift exchange ideas to guide you.

1980s night before

ClassicStock Getty Images

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Plan a Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Before you gather around the TV for a movie marathon, get a little exercise by hosting a scavenger hunt. If you need help with holiday-themed ideas, you can buy this deck of more than 200 cards.

Plant, Ivy, Wall, Flower, Botany, Floral design, Flowerpot, Twig, Herb, Wreath,

Courtesy of Sugar and Charm

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Break Out the Garlands

Is it even Christmas if you don't have a garland? Dress yours up by crafting a modern wreath out of three gold rings. Add some mistletoe for extra greenery and romance.

Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm.

Suit, Standing, Formal wear, Tuxedo, Dress, Temple, Smile,

Cheetah Is the New Black

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Make It Black Tie

Make it a really special occasion with a black-tie dress code. We're talking formalwear, hors d'oeuvres, and maybe even a harpist in the corner. Invite the whole neighborhood or keep it intimate—just make sure you tell all your guests the attire on the invitation.

Christmas decoration, Christmas, Pink, Event, Christmas ornament, Christmas tree, Table, Plant, Food, Interior design,

Courtesy of Sugar and Charm

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Set Up a Hot Cocoa Stand

Make sure everyone's favorite holiday drink is flowing. Add marshmallows, peppermint sprinkles, and red cups (booze, too, if it's a grownup event).

Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm.

Facial expression, Fun, Smile, Official, Sitting, Laugh,

Time Life Pictures

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Watch Christmas Movies

Invite your nearest and dearest over for a viewing party of all the classic Christmas movies. Make it an all-day marathon or vote on a favorite movie to screen for a night in.

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Ingredient, Produce, Filo, Staple food, Puff pastry, Recipe, Finger food,

Chelsea Lupkin

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Serve Christmas Classics

Sorry, it's simply not a party without pigs in a blanket. They get even cuter when formed into a holiday wreath.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Pink, Peach, Sweetness, Illustration, Heart,

Courtesy of Sugar & Cloth

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Create a Balloon Tree

Assuming you already have a typical evergreen tree (whether real or faux), create a celebratory vibe with an additional pyramid of balloons.

Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth.

bingo

waahome

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Play Holiday Bingo

Bingo is a go-to game that can be played by guests of all ages. Order this holiday-themed one for an easy before or after-dinner activity.

Drink, Punch, Cranberry juice, Tinto de verano, Sangria, Food, Ingredient, Cranberry, Cocktail, Grenadine,

Jonathan Boulton

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Stir Some Punch

You absolutely need to know about jingle juice, especially if you're a big fan of cran-apple juice and lime.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Sweetness, Pink, Food, Confectionery, Dessert, Buttercream, Baked goods, Cuisine, Cake, Icing,

Courtesy of Tell Love and Party

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Use Festive Gift Wrap

Just when you thought presents couldn't get any more fun, this wrapping comes along.

Get the tutorial at Tell Love and Party.

Christmas Tablescape

Ngoc Minh Ngo

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Cover the Ceiling

Fluffy paper snowflakes make this dining room feel like a winter wonderland.

Table, Tablecloth, Tableware, Furniture, Christmas decoration, Linens, Textile, Event, Food, Plant,

Courtesy of Sugar and Charm

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Pretty Up Your Tabletop

Attach holly leaves to napkin rings, then add a garland as a runner. The festive, nature-inspired table is sure to impress all of your guests.

See more at Sugar and Charm

Food, Dish, Cuisine, Ingredient, À la carte food, Garnish, Produce, Recipe, Camembert Cheese, Fish,

ETHAN CALABRESE

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Bake (Lots of) Brie

Melty, gooey cheese is always the star of cocktail hour. Set out a fresh-from-the-oven wheel with crackers, pita chips, or sliced apples.

Get the recipe from Delish.

candy cane cake

Becky Luigart-Stayner

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Set Up a Candy Cane Hunt

If you love Easter egg hunts, try this Christmas-themed version. It's a truly sweet game of hide-and-seek!

Food, Ingredient, Cuisine, Cranberry, Dish, Drink, Cranberry sauce, Colada morada, Dessert, Punch,

Jonathan Boulton

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Brew Cocktails in Your Slow Cooker

Delegate bartending duties to your crockpot this year. This mulled wine is a classic everyone will be obsessed with.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Cactus, Flowerpot, Pink, Plant, Houseplant, Flower, Succulent plant, Caryophyllales, Plant stem,

Courtesy of Sugar & Cloth

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DIY an Alternative Christmas Tree

Save your evergreen for your fam on Christmas morning and DIY a fun, unconventional tree for your party, like a Christmas cactus.

Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth.

christmas bar cart

Ngoc Minh Ngo

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Stock Your Bar Cart

People are inevitably going to gather around the drinks station. Pretty it up with a garland, sparkly glassware, and, of course, plenty of booze.

smores board

EMILY HLAVAC GREEN

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Make a S'mores Board

After you devour a charcuterie board, you'll need a dessert board to dig into, too. Try this one completely dedicated to making the best s'mores ever.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Furniture, Table, Orange, Yellow, Room, Dining room, Interior design, Chair, Coffee table, Brunch,

Kate Sears

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Make Everything Smell Like Christmas

dish, food, cuisine, dessert, cake, ingredient, torte, baked goods, cheesecake, raspberry,

Jonathan Boulton

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Combine the Centerpiece With Dessert

Don't rush out to buy boatloads of flowers. An over-the-top cake can also be the star of the room.

Get the recipe from Delish.

Green, Candle, Leaf, Plant, Herb, Food, Herbal,

Courtesy of Sugar and Charm

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Light Lots of Candles

Dress up your mantel or table with a mishmash of red and green tapers instead of generic white ones, or DIY a few of these festive pine-scented candles.

Get the tutorial at Sugar and Charm.

Glass, Fruit, Natural foods, Produce, Still life photography, Barware, Berry, Serveware, Drinkware, Cherry,

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Dress Up Drinks

Thread a skewer through frozen cranberries or raspberries for a flavorful chiller.

pjs

Getty Images

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Make It a PJ Party

Forgo formal attire this year in favor of your best, cheesiest Christmas pajamas.

Photo Backdrop

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Hang a Photo Backdrop

Want to have an insta-worthy party? Give people a picture-perfect background for some fun snaps.

See more at Studio DIY.

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Sweet Rolls, Baking, Ingredient, Dessert, Baked goods, Finger food, Snack,

Lindsay Conchar

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Send Guests Home with Treats

Friends don't let friends leave empty-handed!

Get the recipe from Delish.

card

mayholic

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Make Christmas Cards

Gather your friends for a night of endless crafting in which you all make your own Christmas cards.

mini gingerbread houses

GingerbreadCutterCo/etsy

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Make Mini Gingerbread Houses

If your friends are particularly crafty, you can all gather to decorate gingerbread houses. Not so architecturally inclined? We won't tell if you cheat and order a kit from GingerbreadCutterCo on Etsy.

christmas celebration with family and friends