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Nobody wants to be known as the host who throws a dull holiday party. Red and green plates and a Yankee swap may leave people underwhelmed and as if they experienced deja vu. Didn’t this exact thing happen last week somewhere? If you’re about to host a holiday party and want it to be something like out of a Hallmark movie, here are some pretty easy ideas to make it more festive.

A Little Razzle and dazzle on the invite

Oooh what do we have here?! Starting off with some pizazz on an invite is the best first impression you could make. Use a program like Canva to send out an e-invite that grabs people’s attention right off the bat. :::Thumbs up::: because the RSVP count = higher than expected.

Make color-themed cocktails

Red and green cocktails, not plates, will get people excited. Imagine a sea of green and red drinks and people passing by as if they aren’t interested? It will not happen. People will be interested, people will stop and stare and people will happily start sipping.

Offer some exciting non-alcoholic drinks

Not everyone drinks alcohol. But everyone will drink something fancy and fun if it’s there. Make sure to offer just as festive non-alcoholic beverages too. Need an exciting suggestion besides soda water with lime? Betty Buzz drinks!

Serve some fancy hot chocolate

Get your fancy hot chocolate here! A hot chocolate station is a great focal point of any party. Fight the urge to cut corners and say no to the typical boring stuff and go all out with a traditional homemade recipe to this hot cocoa with a turmeric twist.

Provide a healthy and innovative food section

You probably won’t be the talk of the town if you have a bunch of salads and veggie platters but what will get people talking is a spread full of all different options. So many parties lack an exciting healthy food assortment so this will come in big. Here are 55+ healthy vegan Christmas dinner recipes for inspiration.

Get the pets involved

The more the merrier! Love pets and know many people that you're inviting do as well? Bringing pets along to play with other pets could be what makes this a party to remember. Ugly sweater party...for your furry friends!

Play a holiday channel in the background

My ideal holiday party features The Waitresses Christmas Wrapping on repeat the entire time. Hate it or love it, this unique classic is too cute and worthy to be on any holiday party playlist. To keep the mood jolly, get the crowd pumping with your holiday favorites.

Have a wreath-making contest

Break out the ribbon and head to your local arts and crafts store because a wreath-making contest is about to go down. A wreath-making contest is what I would consider the epitome of good-old-fashioned fun. Artsy yet not too difficult, interesting yet not too complex, and holiday-like yet not too corny.

Give out a thoughtful party favor

I can’t remember the last time I got a party favor...guess I’m going to the wrong parties. A sentimental ornament or a thoughtful stocking stuffer will end the night on the perfect note. Love this idea but can’t figure out what to give? Check out Etsy for some creative options.

Set up something for charity

Make your party also double as a toy drive or coordinate beforehand with a charity so people can donate to a cause near and dear to your heart. Now that’s what I call a “hostess with the mostest” getting in the spirit.

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