It is that time of the year again; Christmas is on its way and you have begun planning your holiday party. Obviously, you want it to be fun and different. Secret Santa gift exchanges and ugly Christmas sweater parties are popular holiday themes and for good reason, but this doesn’t mean that you cannot try anything new. You can kick your holiday festivities up a notch by trying out some unique and fun ideas for your party. Some really good ones are mentioned right here:

Idea 1: Après Ski Party

Just because you haven’t been able to make it out to the slopes this time around is no reason to feel deprived. Why not bring the warmth of a ski lodge to your own home and host an après ski-themed party for the holidays? Use wood-finished items and vintage ski décor for decorating your place and provide faux fur blankets to your guests. If you have a fireplace, you should get it burning for creating the right environment. Even if you don’t, you can simply play a fireplace video in the background that depicts real log fire videos. They add a glowing and warm ambience and make the room feel cozy; exactly what you want.

Idea 2: Reverse Christmas in July Parties

We have all heard about people hosting Christmas in July parties, but how about doing a reversal this time around? December is the perfect time for bringing tropical temperatures. Ask your guests to put on their best beach-themed attire such as flip flops and their Hawaiian shirts. You can serve holiday themed cookies along with Pina colada to add the July touch.

Idea 3: Gingerbread House Decorating Contest

You can give your party a nostalgic touch by setting out supplies to be used for making gingerbread houses. Tell your guests that you are hosting a competition to see which one of them can whip up the sweetest abode. You can give the winner an oven mitt or something silly to commemorate the occasion. There are lots of affordable gingerbread kits you can find nowadays that are available as ready-to-assemble. Do select an official judge before beginning the competition.

Idea 4: Cookie Exchange

Ask your friends to bring a bunch of cookies with them. Use all the cookies collected at the party for making goodie bags to all the attendants. This way, everyone can try out different cookies made by different people. You can also add recipe cards which can be used by guests to add tips and recipes for their favorite desserts.

Idea 5: Have a Crafternoon Bash

Invite your crafty friends over for an afternoon of making wreaths, holiday cards, mantel décor and ornaments for your Christmas party. You can ask each guest to bring their favorite craft supplies along with them. Combine all together and let the attendees choose from a large collection to make whatever they want. Don’t forget to serve some holiday-themed snacks and cocktails to your guests; after all, they are going to work up a good appetite with all that crafting.