Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
‘Tis the season to be tacky, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la! I’ve noticed that every year, as my holiday spirit grows, my holiday decor gets just a little more ostentatious. Let’s just say it looks like Santa and his elves came to town and threw up holiday cheer all over my home. The Griswolds have nothing on my family. I decided to share some tips on hosting the ultimate ugly sweater party.
Time to invite people over and spread some holiday cheer . If, like me, you’ve decided to dive into the festive madness and throw an ugly sweater party that would make even Santa’s elves jealous, I’ve got you. Here’s your foolproof guide to ensuring that your party is the talk of the tinsel town.
1. Invitations: Deck the Halls (and Your Guests!)
Craft invites that rival a North Pole scroll. Drop hints about wild sweater competitions, mistletoe shenanigans, and a potential visit from the Abominable Snowman. Remember, the more mysterious, the merrier!
2. Dress Code: Ugly Sweater Game Strong
Encourage guests to unleash their inner holiday fashionista meets chaos coordinator. The uglier, the better. Bonus points for tinsel, jingle bells, and questionable holiday puns. Crown the ugliest sweater wearer with a gaudy tiara or a blinking Rudolph nose!
3. Decor: Go Big or Go North Pole Home
Transform your space into a winter wonderland on steroids. Think inflatable snowmen, tinsel on every surface, and fairy lights rivaling the Milky Way. Bonus: Set up a DIY ugly sweater station with fabric paint, glue guns, and enough sparkly things to blind a yeti.
4. Jingle & Mingle: Playlist Perfection
Craft a playlist that sleighs! From Mariah Carey’s high notes to jazzy renditions of Jingle Bells, curate a mix that keeps the festive energy soaring. Don’t forget the classics — who can resist a little Wham!? Or my personal favorite, Pentatonix Christmas essentials and why not up the holiday ante and do a little Christmas Karaoke?
5. Games: Merriment Olympics
Elevate your party from ho-ho-hum to ho-ho-hilarious with festive games. Ugly sweater contests, pin the nose on Rudolph, and a gingerbread house building competition will have your guests belly laughing between sips of eggnog.
6. Naughty or Nice Libations
Ensure the spirits are as high as Santa’s sleigh. Mix up festive cocktails with names that would make the elves blush. A Christmas Cosmo or Mistletoe Mojito, perhaps? And don’t forget the non-alcoholic options for your designated sleigh-ber driver. And I’m not just talking about those Shirley Temples the kids love, mocktails have come a long way, baby. Think, Bougie not Boozy, Jøyus Sparkling wine for the sophisticated non-drinker. I keep a bottle chilled at all times. Or how about THC infused seltzers or some of the new social tonics like Hiyo? I don’t have time for hangovers this holiday season.
7. Snack Attack: Noshing in a Winter Wonderland
Craft a snack table that rivals the grandeur of Mrs. Claus’s kitchen. Think candy cane charcuterie, Santa hat cupcakes, and gingerbread everything. Pro tip: Label each dish with a witty holiday-themed tag.
8. Photo Booth Extravaganza
Create a photo booth with more props than Santa’s toy shop. Ugly sweater-themed hats, elf ears, and Grinch masks are a must. Encourage your guests to strike a pose — these pics will be your holiday cards for the next decade.
9. Parting Gifts: Send Them Off with Sleigh Bells Ringing
Thank your guests for gracing your festive fête with small parting gifts. Think mini gingerbread men, a sprig of mistletoe, or even a DIY ornament. It’s the little things that spread the most cheer!
10. Hashtag Magic: Document the Merry Madness
Create a party-specific hashtag to immortalize the hilarity. Whether it’s #SweaterSpectacle or #TackyTidings, make sure every social media Santa and his reindeer use it liberally.
Now, off you go, merry-makers! With these tips, your ugly sweater party will be the stuff of holiday legend. May your sweaters be as ugly as your holiday spirit is bright! Jingle all the way! Go forth and party like Santa would.
