How To Host A Joyful Friendsmas Party This Holiday?
You’ve likely heard of a Friendsgiving party, but have you heard of a Friendsmas party? Friends + Christmas = Friendsmas and it’s a fun way to celebrate the season with your closest friends. Whether you’re looking for creative themes, festive Christmas decor ideas, delicious food and drinks, or engaging activities, there are plenty of ways to make your gathering unforgettable.
These Friendsmas party ideas will help you host a memorable event that reflects your style and spirit. You’ll find options that suit every group, from classic themes to creative ideas. We’ll also dive into decor tips to transform your space into a winter wonderland, with ideas on choosing the perfect accents, lighting, and festive touches.
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Of course, no Friendsmas is complete without great food and drinks. From holiday-themed snacks to signature cocktails, you’ll learn how to build a menu that keeps your guests satisfied. Fun activities like gingerbread house decorating and charades will keep the energy up, while thoughtful favors like personalized ornaments or hot cocoa kits ensure everyone leaves with something special.
Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a larger festive bash, these Friendsmas ideas will help you create a fun and welcoming atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
What is a Friendsmas Party?
A Friendsmas party is a fun and festive gathering where friends come together to celebrate Christmas or the holiday season. Unlike traditional family Christmas celebrations, Friendsmas is more laid-back, with a focus on enjoying time with friends, exchanging gifts, and indulging in delicious food and drink. It’s a wonderful way to bring your favorite people together, especially for those who may not be able to celebrate with family or who want an additional seasonal get-together.
How to Host the Best Friendsmas Party
Hosting a Friendsmas party is all about creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a larger bash, here are some key steps to make sure your get-together is one for the books.
Hosting a Christmas party with friends is all about creating a festive, stress-free environment where everyone can enjoy themselves. Follow these steps:
- Plan Ahead: Choose a date early and send Christmas party save-the-date invitations.
- Pick a Theme: This will help guide your décor and activities.
- Invite Friends: Send more formal Christmas party invitations — digital or printed.
- Create a Cozy Atmosphere: Use seasonal decorations, soft lighting, and festive touches to set the mood.
- Prepare Food and Drinks: Provide a variety of appetizers, main dishes, desserts, and drinks.
- Plan Activities: Incorporate games, gift exchanges, or crafts to keep the gathering fun.
Friendsmas Party Themes
Santa’s Workshop
Transform your space into a whimsical workshop where guests feel like they’ve stepped into Santa’s North Pole. Decorate with elf hats and empty Santa bags. Have each guest come with several inexpensive toys to put together for children in their families or find a local charity to donate the gifts to. Guests can participate in crafting small gifts for those in need, adding a creative touch to the evening while keeping the theme festive and fun.
Ugly Sweater Party
Host an ugly sweater party and encourage guests to wear their tackiest Christmas sweaters for a night filled with laughter and fun. Be sure your ugly sweater party invitations are as tacky as your outfit! You can host a contest for the most outrageous design, giving out prizes for categories like “Ugliest Sweater” or “Most Creative.” Decorate the space with playful, quirky items like bright string lights, oversized ornaments, and DIY garlands made of ugly sweater cutouts to match the humorous vibe.
Gift Wrapping Gathering
Host a Friendsmas gift-wrapping get-together where guests can wrap presents together while enjoying holiday music and treats. Provide a variety of gift wraps, ribbons, bows, and plenty of tape to inspire creativity. Set up a snack table with cookies, hot chocolate, and spiced cider to keep everyone energized. Decorate the space with lights, a tree with wrapped gifts underneath, and cozy blankets for a relaxed and productive gathering where everyone leaves with beautifully wrapped presents.
Holidays Around the World
Celebrate global traditions with a theme that showcases customs from different cultures. Invite guests to bring a dish representing a tradition from another country for a diverse potluck-style meal. Decorate with international flags, cultural ornaments, and a mix of global holiday symbols like menorahs, kinara candles, and Christmas trees. Include games or activities that highlight traditions from various countries, making it a fun and educational celebration of holidays worldwide.
Christmas Cookie Exchange
Invite your friends to a Christmas cookie exchange where each guest brings a batch of their favorite homemade cookies to share. Provide decorative trays for displaying the cookies, and offer take-home boxes or bags for guests to take home an assortment of treats. Decorate the space with a cozy theme, including cookie-themed tablecloths, festive garlands, and a hot chocolate bar complete with toppings like marshmallows and whipped cream. It’s a sweet way to spend time with friends while everyone leaves with a delicious selection of cookies.
Gingerbread House Decorating Contest
Set up a friendly gingerbread house decorating contest where each guest gets their own kit or supplies to build and decorate their house. Offer a variety of candy, icing, and sprinkles to let everyone’s creativity shine, and give awards for categories like “Most Creative” or “Best Holiday Spirit.” Decorate the room with candy canes, gingerbread man cutouts, and twinkling lights to create a festive atmosphere.
DIY Ornament Making
Turn your event into a crafty affair by hosting DIY ornament-making where guests can create personalized decorations. Set up a crafting station with supplies like clear ornaments, paint, glitter, and ribbons so everyone can design their own unique keepsake. For decor, use a cozy theme with a Christmas tree where guests can hang their finished ornaments for a photo op at the end of the night. Serve easy-to-eat snacks like cookies and a slow cooker mulled cider recipe to keep the focus on crafting and conversation.
Winter Wonderland
Transform your space into a magical winter wonderland with white decor, sparkling lights, and frosty accents. Use faux snow, silver garlands, and icicle lights to create a serene, snowy atmosphere that feels elegant and cozy. For food, serve upscale winter-themed treats like white chocolate truffles and chilled champagne or festive sparkling punch. A snow-inspired photo booth with twinkle lights and snowflakes can add a fun touch to the sophisticated ambiance.
Holiday Pajama Party
Invite guests to show up in their coziest holiday pajamas for a laid-back pajama party. Decorate with soft blankets, fluffy pillows, and string lights to create a comfortable, homey environment. Serve comfort foods like mac and cheese, cookies, and hot cocoa with marshmallows to complement the relaxed vibe. Play seasonal movies in the background or host a casual gift exchange, letting everyone enjoy the warmth and simplicity of the season in their comfiest attire.
Nostalgic Christmas
Take your celebration back in time with a nostalgic Christmas theme featuring vintage decor and classic traditions. Decorate with old-fashioned lights, tinsel, and retro ornaments reminiscent of the 1950s or ‘60s, along with a classic ceramic Christmas tree centerpiece. Serve traditional treats like gingerbread men, fruitcake, and hot spiced wine, and play the most popular Christmas songs from artists like Bing Crosby or Nat King Cole to set the mood.
Christmas Cocktail Party
Elevate your gathering with a more formal Christmas cocktail party, featuring a sophisticated vibe and festive drinks. Dress the space with elegant décor like candlelit centerpieces, gold and silver accents, and a beautifully decorated tree. Serve seasonal cocktail recipes such as spiked eggnog, mulled wine, or cranberry margaritas, along with appetizers like bruschetta and stuffed mushrooms. Encourage guests to dress in semi-formal attire for a chic evening of sipping and celebrating the season.
Friendsmas Party Decor Ideas
When selecting Friendsmas party decor, consider your chosen theme, space, and budget. Opt for festive, cozy touches like fairy lights, ornaments, and table settings in classic holiday colors.
Incorporate personal or DIY elements for a unique touch. Ensure the decor creates a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
Here are some common seasonal decor items that fit with most all Friendsmas themes.
Christmas Trees & Lights
- Set up a Christmas tree as the focal point of your space. Even a small tree can work wonders for festive vibes.
- String fairy lights or Christmas lights around the room to give your space a warm glow.
Holiday-Themed Table Settings
- Use holiday-themed tablecloths, plates, and napkins to bring festive charm to the dining area. Red, green, white, or gold are classic colors, but you can also go with blues, silvers, or other winter-inspired hues.
Holiday Ornaments
- Get crafty by making your own banners, ornaments, or garlands. Guests can even help you create some DIY decorations, doubling as a fun activity.
Cozy Touches
- Add soft blankets, plush pillows, and candles to create a warm and inviting space for your guests. A crackling fire (even if it’s just streaming the Yule Log on your TV!) or a scented candle can instantly bring coziness to life.
Friendsmas Party Food Ideas
No Friendsmas is complete without delicious food. Whether you’re preparing everything yourself or hosting a potluck-style dinner, make sure to have a variety of food options that suit everyone’s tastes.
Appetizers and Finger Foods
To keep things casual, offer plenty of appetizers and finger foods. Some favorites include:
- Pigs in a Blanket: A perfect nostalgic classic.
- Charcuterie board: Create a festive charcuterie board with meats and cheeses adorned with pomegranate arils and sprigs of rosemary.
- Spinach and artichoke dip: Dips are great for casual parties.
- Stuffed mushrooms: This is another vintage classic, perfect for a more upscale soiree.
Main Dishes
If you’re serving a meal, consider easy-to-share dishes like:
- Baked ham or turkey: These are classic mains that everyone loves.
- Lasagna or pasta bakes: Great for feeding a crowd.
- Vegetarian or vegan options: Don’t forget to include dishes for those with dietary restrictions, such as a hearty vegetable casserole or stuffed squash.
Desserts
No party is complete without something sweet. Here are some tasty dessert options:
- Christmas cookies: Sugar cookies, gingerbread, or peppermint-flavored treats are sure to be a hit.
- Yule log cake: A festive and traditional Christmas dessert.
- Hot chocolate bar: Let guests customize their hot chocolate with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and candy canes.
Friendsmas Drinks and Cocktails
Make sure to stock up on seasonal beverages! Here are some ideas to keep the drinks flowing:
- Spiked (or non-alcoholic) Eggnog: A winter classic that can be made with a boozy twist.
- Mulled Wine: A warm, spiced drink perfect for the season.
- Hot Cider: For a non-alcoholic option, hot cider is always a cozy hit.
Friendsmas Party Activities
A successful Friendsmas isn’t just about eating and drinking — it’s also about having fun and creating memories. Plan a few activities that will keep everyone entertained.
Secret Santa or White Elephant Gift Exchange
These gift-giving games are always a hit. Set a price limit and let guests either draw names ahead of time for a Secret Santa event or bring a generic gift for the group if you’re hosting a White Elephant exchange. It’s a great way to get everyone involved (and laughing).
Holiday Movie Marathon
If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, a holiday movie marathon is perfect. Play classic Christmas movies like Home Alone, Elf, or The Grinch to keep the spirit alive.
Christmas Karaoke
Who doesn’t love belting out holiday tunes? Set up a karaoke machine or simply play Christmas songs on your TV and let the group sing their hearts out.
Christmas Cookie Decorating
Set up a table with undecorated cookies, icing, sprinkles, and candy decorations. Guests can decorate their own cookies to either enjoy or take home. This is a fun and delicious activity that lets everyone get creative while indulging in some sweet treats.
Outdoor Games
If you live in a colder climate, take the fun outside with outdoor Christmas games like a snowball toss, a snowman-building contest, or sledding races. For warmer climates, set up games like cornhole, winter-themed scavenger hunts, or relay races with props like Santa hats and reindeer antlers.
Christmas Trivia
Test your friends’ knowledge with a round of Christmas trivia. Prepare some questions in advance, or download a trivia app for convenience.
Holiday Photo Booth
Create a DIY photo booth with festive backdrops, and props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and elf ears. Guests can take fun, goofy pictures to remember the night. Add an instant camera or a Polaroid printer so they can leave with physical copies of their favorite shots.
Friendsmas Party Favors
Sending your guests home with a little something to remember the night is a thoughtful touch. Here are some budget-friendly favor ideas:
Personalized Ornaments
Give each guest a personalized ornament with their name or a special message. It’s a meaningful keepsake they can hang on their tree for years to come, reminding them of your celebration.
Mini Hot Cocoa Kits
Fill small glass spice jars with hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, and candy canes. These adorable kits are a cozy treat for guests to enjoy after the event, especially during the chilly season.
Scented Candles
Send guests home with mini candles in festive scents like pine, cinnamon, or vanilla. These small but thoughtful gifts will bring warmth and cheer into their homes.
Christmas Cookie Boxes
Package up a selection of holiday cookies in decorative boxes or tins. This sweet favor lets guests take home a taste of the festivities, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee later.
DIY Ornament Kits
Provide guests with mini DIY ornament kits so they can craft a decoration at home. Include items like clear ornaments, paint, glitter, and ribbon for a fun, creative project they can enjoy later.
Customized Mugs
Give personalized or festive mugs featuring Christmas designs or each guest’s name. Pair them with a packet of hot cocoa or tea for a cozy, practical gift that’ll remind them of your gathering.
Mini Holiday Plant Pots
Gift small potted plants like poinsettias, succulents, or mini pine trees. These festive plants are a perfect seasonal gift, bringing a bit of natural greenery into your guests’ homes during the holidays.
Cheers To a Memorable and Festive Friendsmas Party
Friendsmas parties are all about celebrating the joy of friendship during the holiday season. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a larger event, following these tips will help ensure your event is a huge success. With festive decor, delicious food, fun activities, and thoughtful favors, you’ll be ready to host the ultimate Friendsmas that your friends will remember for years to come!Friendsmas Party Themes
Photo by: Kateryna Hliznitsova, Eugene Zhyvchik, Hannah Pemberton, Kari Shea, Marion Botella, freestocks on UnSplash
