Christmas Cheer Gathering

Say "cheers" to the merry Christmas season with none other than a lively Christmas cocktail party. Join me as I plan to gather the girls for a special get-together I'm dubbing ‘Christmas Cheer’ - a gathering all about relishing in the anticipation of the impending festivities, getting in the holiday spirit, and making spirits bright.  

 

The Gathering  

 

My Christmas Cheer gathering will take place in my home in early December to really kick off the season of festive holiday gatherings. As soon as guests arrive, they will be greeted with a freshly made cocktail and small bites at the ready.  

 

The bar cabinets will be set with colorful cocktail glasses, festive holiday serveware, and adorning Christmas décor. I’ll fluff the tinsel trees and fill them with festive Christmas ornaments to bring in the whimsical look. 

•  The Inspiration
• The Serving Spread
• The Menu
• The Favors
• The Ornament Exchange

The Inspiration  

 

Guests will arrive to a home full of colorful holiday hues inspired by our Christmas in the Village Collection. Rows of vintage Christmas homes will line the shelves, along with a nearby tinsel tree (or two) adorned with punchy ornaments. I’ll place a few of my new favorite Belsnickel Santas, a new addition to my collection this year! They fit right in with my colorful bar and brought a different element that fit right into the theme. 

 

Add to the Christmas Cheer with Your Serving Spread   

 

Since this is a cocktail party, I plan to have a few set stations for guests to mingle over small bites and drinks. I’ll arrange a few appetizers in the living room along with a “bar” on my dining room table stocked with cocktail ingredients and a few bottles of red and white wine. 

Menu Ideas for a Christmas Cocktail Party

 

I plan to feature a traditional Old Fashioned as the signature cocktail of the evening. This classic drink features the perfect combination of smoky bourbon, a dash of bitters, and a zesty orange peel finish. I always find that this is the perfect sip and mingle drink and I can’t wait to serve it at my gathering. 

 

Holiday Guest Favors  

 

Each guest will take home a Christmas in the Village Appetizer Bowl paired with an Appetizer Spoon. This has been my GO-TO gift this Holiday season.

Another festive addition to the favors will be our new Standing Santa Toothpick Holder. An adorable design that’s perfect for the holiday season. Plus, now each guest will have something they can use to host their own cocktail party!

 

Host a Holiday Ornament Exchange for Your Guests

 

To make the evening feel extra festive, I’m planning on hosting a little Christmas Ornament Exchange where guests choose an ornament to bring to the party for a re-invented take on a White Elephant gift exchange. This is a fun and inclusive way for everyone to take home a keepsake without feeling the pressure of finding that perfect gift to bring. 

How to Host a Christmas Ornament Exchange

 

1. Once you get a confirmed guest list, have everyone draw names and instruct guests to select and purchase an ornament for the person they chose and bring the ornament wrapped to the party.  

2. One of the special parts about drawing names ahead of time is the opportunity to pick a Christmas ornament that captures a special memory or milestone that the recipient may have experienced that year. Make it even more special by adding personalization to the ornament. 

3. As guests come through the door, number the gifts at random with gift tags to make the unwrapping process seamless and quick - no more “No it’s okay, YOU unwrap first!”