We wait all year to feel the crisp, cool air, hear the faint jingle of bells from unidentified sources and the chance to get together with our closest friends and loved ones. Christmas parties are guaranteed each season and grow more popular each year. If this is a year you are considering throwing your own Christmas party, here are a few tips to help you along the way.

Decide whether you would like the people that you entertain to enjoy a formal or casual Christmas party. Keep in mind that the more formal the party, the more expensive it can be with the types of appetizers, foods and beverages that should accompany such and event.

If you choose to go with a casual gathering, consider throwing a dessert party. You simply can’t go wrong with desserts and the people who will be your guest would most likely love to participate and bring one of their own creations! Even a small cookie tray is a wonderful addition to any ‘dessert’ party. If you will have kids at your party, set aside some plain sugar cookies and set up an area for the children to frost and decorate their own desserts.

Have a pizza and chicken wing party. It will seem novel and it is casual enough for anyone to get messy and not mind! It is also great when kids are a part of the party. This is a meal that is sure to entice even the fussiest tummy.

A party doesn’t always have to take place in your home. Make your outdoor decorating an official party each year. Depending on your climate, there can be activities appropriate to the weather conditions that can be done along with the decorating.

Whatever type of party you decide to throw, a big bowl of punch can go a long way and take away the mess of soda and juice bottles. Even a punch with lemon-lime soda, lemon juice, orange juice and rainbow sherbet will look festive and satisfy everyone.
Go on a shopping party! Invite who you would like to share the afternoon with, eat a light lunch and spend a few hours shopping. If you would like to have some quiet time after the shopping, gather at someone’s home to wrap the gifts together and enjoy some quiet conversation.

If you feel you would like to give back to the community and share a gathering with special people that way, schedule a day to volunteer in a soup kitchen or sort through donations at a local charity. Invite and get a commitment from those you would like involved and consider that your Christmas party. Go Christmas caroling afterwards for a perfect ending!

These are just a few ideas to get you started thinking about the kind of holiday party you would like to share with the special people in your life. Enjoy this very special time of the year!

This article first appeared in the Christmas 2004 issue of 'Celebrating Christmas PDF Magazine'. To download a FREE copy of the entire magazine, go to http://www.celebrating-christmas.com/magazine.shtml