Serving as host or hostess of any party is always stressful, but doing so around the holidays provides another level of anxiety. Whether you’re hosting a gathering for friends, family, co-workers or a combination of all of the above, you’re going to want to make it one to remember! The easiest way to do so is by picking a rockin’ theme.
Themed parties are pretty easy to pull off, with a little creativity, Elmer’s glue, and help from Pinterest. There is still plenty of time to send out a quick Facebook invitation or a formal and festive holiday invite for your party, so let’s pick a theme and get to planning. Here are the “Top Five Themed Christmas Parties of 2014,” in no particular order:
The Ugly Sweater Party
You may be thinking “overdone and cliché,” but let’s be honest, there are an endless supply of hideous sweaters on planet Earth, and until our eyes have bestowed them all, I think we owe it to ourselves to continue throwing ugly sweater parties.
UglyChristmasSweater.com, which is based in Walled Lake, has a selection of ugly sweaters, jackets, NFL sweaters, and even 3D sweaters. What is an ugly 3D sweater, you ask? An ugly 3D sweater, my friend, is what is going to win you the prize at your pal’s party.
As for party snacks, make a few trays of these tasty Gingerbread Men cookies, and deck these little fellas out in their very own ugly sweaters!
Should you be feeling a little nervous about hosting, head to Clubhouse BFD, 2265 Crooks Rd., Rochester Hills, tonight to see how it’s done. The restaurant/bar is having an ugly sweater party featuring Atwater Brewery from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
If ugly Christmas sweaters are good enough for the Detroit Lions’ defensive line, they’re good enough to build your holiday party around.
Christmas Carol Karaoke Party
Everyone loves to karaoke, right? Well, maybe not in public, but if you’re in the comfort of your own home, surrounded by your closest friends and family, it’s okay, right? Decide whether you and your crew want to stick with the classics, pop Christmas songs or a mix through the years.
You can purchase holiday karaoke discs anywhere from Target to Walmart, or if you’re more of an MP3 type of guy or gal, download (legally, of course!) online.
Any typical party snacks are great for a Christmas song karaoke party, as long as you’ve got the booze a-flowing, in case anyone is shy and doesn’t want to belt out ‘N Sync’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” until they’ve got a few glasses of bubbly in them.
If your inner “American Idol” diva feels the need for some pipe tuning before the big event, you’re in luck! Bayside Sports Grille, 142 E. Walled Lake Dr., Walled Lake, is hosting Christmas Carol Karaoke Night on Wednesday, Dec. 17. The singsong extravaganza begins at 9 p.m. and drink specials will be served until 11 p.m.
Winter Wonderland Party
A winter wonderland-themed party is one that is great for those of you who are really into decorating and the monochromatic. From the décor to the menu, everything must be white and ice blue!
Spend an afternoon crafting some simple but alluring centerpieces, and then get ready to put together the menu! These shot glasses made of ice are incredibly necessary for your winter wonderland party, and will leave your guests a) happy because their shots of Jager are ice cold and b) impressed with your crafty skills.
For those who don’t drink alcohol, a hot chocolate bar would be a nice touch. As for the food, this White Chocolate Almond Cake, White Chocolate Party Mix, and cute Appetizer Wreath with veggies are good places to start.
Your inner child, or any real ones who will be running around at the party, might enjoy gingerbread house making supplies so guests can channel their inner Ted Mosby and pretend to be an architect.
Christmas Cookie Swap
The classic Christmas cookie swap is an excellent choice for you self-proclaimed “foodies.” Do you have a favorite type of Christmas cookie? What an absurd question. Of course you have a favorite Christmas cookie, we all do! The idea is to bake your favorite, bring it to the party, and everyone gets to taste test.
If you’re new to baking, you can always purchase some break and bakes or premade cookies from the store, but everyone will know that you sit on a throne of lies! Peruse the web for some recipes, because the only way to learn is to practice.
Should you need some cookie inspiration, try Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies, Cocoa Thumbprints, The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies or Peppermint Crunch Christmas Cookies.
Whether you are new to the kitchen and a little nervous or a seasoned pro just looking to brush up on your skills, you may be interested in the Holiday Cookie Exchange Cooking Class Cellar Door Wine Academy, 1091 Centre Court Ste. 150, Auburn Hills, is offering on Thursday, Dec. 11.
There, you’ll learn how to make everything from stained glass sugar cookies to Christmas bark to pinwheel cookies to traditional sugar cookies. The class runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and costs $59 per person.
Tree Trimming/Ornament Making Party
Last, but not least, is the party centered around the 7 foot Christmas tree situated in your living room. Since inviting everyone to come over and decorate your tree can sort of be a selfish practice (what about everyone else’s tree??), turn it into an ornament making party at the same time!
Do your research, find a few different reasonably priced, yet classy ornament crafts for everyone to enjoy, pick up all of the supplies and you’re basically good to go. Don’t forget the snacks, too, because no party would be complete without snacks.
This candy cane ornament, 15 different ornaments made out of wine corks and bird seed ornament are all certainly crowd pleasers at any party.
No matter which themed party you choose to go with, all that matters is that you are surrounded with friends and family, celebrating the joys of the season. Who cares if your cookies didn’t come out quite right or one of your ornaments is a little off. ‘Tis the season to be jolly!