Come December and all we can think of is celebration – snowflakes, Christmas tree, cookies, bells, jingles and Ho! Ho! Ho! our beloved Santa. No matter how old we are, we equate Christmas with Party Time and such fun it could be to host one at home. This Christmas, we spell some Christmas Carnival Ideas, just for your own space. Read on to get your Christmas Fix, however, before we begin, remember this quote from W.T. Ellis:

“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air!”

There is so much you can do at a Christmas party, but whatever you do, know your guests and organize accordingly. eg: If you have teetotalers coming to your party, don’t forget to keep a mocktail or two.

Okay so enough of prelude, now comes the BIG 5!

1) Décor: Christmas is all about décor- that bedazzled tree, those sparkly stars, the dangling bells and what not. Here is what you can focus on

a) Christmas Tree – You can buy them at any gift store (such as Archies or Party In A Box), and buy small tree danglers like stars, balls, gifts, etc to spruce it up.

b) Christmas Bell: Dangle a BIG bell somewhere in the party room (near a fireplace or bar) so that whenever someone shares a funny joke or enjoys some drink or starter, they can ring the bell and give a little pat to the organizer (in this case, it’s you!)

c) Pillar Candles & snowflakes – You can place few pillar candles at identified spots in the room and scatter few snowflakes around them to give that Christmassy vibe.

d) Dinner table – Spread out a nice tablecloth with matching table-mats. What dishes you serve in, is totally what is comfortable for you. You can always keep a big candle stand or small bouquet of flowers to create a Christmassy aura.

e) Santa hats: Hand out Santa hats to everyone who comes to your party. What a lovely selfie it can make!

Note: Keep 5 simple elements as above so that it is easy to clean up later and the décor does not get messy as the party progresses.

2) Music: A party lacks a punch if the music is not according to the theme. Create a playlist of popular carols (to begin with) that slowly progresses to pop music (if you and your guests prefer). A right mix of carols and pop should get people singing and moving and hey! Music is a great ice breaker too.

3) Drinks: While Christmas is so ideal for mulled wine, remember to serve an interesting mix of cocktail and mocktails.

a) Welcome Drink: Whether it’s a watermelon jello shot infused with vodka or simple sake shot, choice is yours!

b) Mulled Wine – Perfect for winter, it consists of spices, fruits and wine that are sippy fun! And in case you are in warmer temperatures, don’t fret. Prosecco should be your best bet. It’s refreshing and oh-so yum.

c) Champagne – No celebration is complete without popping the bubbly. Our favorite is Dom Perignon, but we would recommend to go for either what your guests like or what is easier to get hold of.

d) Mocktails – For our dear ones who like their drinks clean, this one’s for you. While you can always serve soft drinks or juices, it is ideal to prep a mocktail with a combination of juices. Don’t forget to add scooped up pieces of fruit like watermelon or kiwi for that extra punch!

e) Your regular favourites (the ones your guests always prefer) –  Have a selection of drinks that are your guests preferred drinks. e.g: Rum, Vodka, Scotch.

4) Food – With so much to do, plan your menu well in advance. With wine and champagne on the serve, keep your starters easy and main course delectable.

a) Starters – A small plate of olives, Cheese Platter and Christmas canapés to serve with drinks before dinner.

b) First course – A simple salad of Beetroot & Rocket Leaves along with crispy fried prawns.

c) Main course – Roast Chicken/ Christmas Turkey, Mushroom Lasagne, Vegetable/ Chicken Frittata

d) Dessert – Bundt Cake and Yorkshire pudding

Note: If you are pressed for time and you don’t want to do catering, you can also explore “potluck / food-pool” with your closest buddies; where each person brings “their signature dish”. Make sure the menu remains cohesive though.

5) Gifting – It may be rare but it’s always nice to have a fancy farewell for your guests especially for Christmas. You could do small return gifting box that consists of Christmas cookies and a small “Christmas coaster”.

Well, with these bundle of suggestions and recommendation, take a deep breath before you get cracking. Sort your guest list, date, time & venue and get set roll! We wish you a Merry Christmas! But hey, don’t forget to ENJOY the party.