Dress // Garland // Tree // String Lights // Drink Dispenser // Table Runner // Pillow Covers // Cabinet Bows
The holiday season is always the perfect time to gather with loved ones, enjoy delicious food, and create unforgettable memories. This year, we hosted our first Christmas party, and I wanted to share how we made it cozy, festive, and fun—without feeling overwhelmed. From decor to food and drinks, we found that keeping things simple and meaningful was the key to a successful celebration! 🌲
1. Creating a Cozy Atmosphere with Simple Decor
When it came to our Christmas decor, less is more! We didn’t need to go overboard to create a festive ambiance, and here’s how we achieved that:
• Christmas Tree & Mantel: We decorated our tree with soft, warm lights and a mix of ornaments. For our mantel, we added greenery and twinkling lights, which gave the room a cozy, inviting feel.
• Table Settings: Our table looked elegant with a red plaid table runner. We kept the centerpiece simple with an ornament shaped drink dispenser and string lights.
• Mini Hot Cocoa Station: This was a huge hit! We set up a self-serve cocoa station with hot cocoa, marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate chips. Guests could personalize their drinks with crushed candy canes, cinnamon sticks, and sprinkles. It was the perfect way to warm up and add some extra fun to the evening. OPTIONAL: Festive Signage & Lighting: add a cute “Hot Cocoa Bar” sign next to the station and string fairy lights around the room to add a magical glow. ✨
2. A Delicious Pasta-Themed Dinner
We decided on a pasta and potlucks styled theme for the evening. Everyone made a little something and kept things simple with delicious dishes that were easy to prepare but still felt special:
Starters:
• Ricotta Cheese Dip + Charcuterie: This can be made sweet or savory depending on preference. We went with a sweeter variety this year, mixed with honey and lemon zest, topped with crushed pistachios. It paired well with assorted nuts and thin apples/pears for dipping.
• Shrimp Cocktail: A light but tasty crowd pleaser.
• Toasted Ravioli: A St. Louis classic with an Italian touch (gave it that homey feel).
Main Dishes:
• Chicken Marinara: Our aunt brought this homemade and it was so delicious and hearty.
• Pasta Carbonara: A classic comfort dish with bacon, eggs, and parmesan cheese, which was a hit with everyone.
Sides:
• Garlic Bread: What’s pasta without garlic bread? Grandma served up some buttery, warm garlic bread to complement the meal.
• Caesar Salad: A simple salad with crisp lettuce and parmesan added a fresh and light element.
• Roasted Vegetables: We roasted a medley of carrots, Brussels sprouts, and zucchini, which added color and flavor to the spread.
3. Drinks That Kept Everyone Refreshed
We knew our guests would appreciate some festive drinks to sip on as they mingled. Here’s what we served:
• Cranberry Spritzer: We made a light, bubbly cranberry spritzer by mixing cranberry juice, sparkling water, and a splash of orange juice. It was a refreshing drink that everyone loved!
– For the adults, just add a splash of Prosecco, which makes it extra festive.
• Mini Hot Cocoa Station: This was definitely a highlight. We set up a thermos of homemade hot cocoa with all the toppings—marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate chips, and mini cookies. It was so much fun for guests to personalize their drinks, and it kept everyone warm and cozy all night. ☕️
– Make it boozy by adding an ounce of your favorite Irish cream or peppermint schnapps.
Hosting our first Christmas party was such a joyful experience, and we learned that keeping things simple was the key. By focusing on what really mattered—quality time with family and friends, delicious food, and creating a cozy atmosphere—we were able to enjoy every moment of the celebration.
If you’re planning your own holiday gathering, I encourage you to take a page from our book: don’t overcomplicate things. Focus on making the evening personal and meaningful, and everything else will fall into place. We were so grateful to spend time with our loved ones and make memories that will last a lifetime. 💖
Have you hosted a holiday party before? I’d love to hear your tips and favorite traditions in the comments!
