A Kitschy Christmas Ornament Exchange Gathering

What better way to kick off the holiday season than with a gathering that’s unapologetically over-the-top? Picture this: Bing Crosby crooning in the background, vintage baubles aplenty, and a coffee table full of finger foods - forks and knives not invited! Inspired by Christmases past — and a deep appreciation for kitsch — I invited my crew to don their vintage {of course} fur coats and sparkliest shoes for an A Kitschy Christmas Ornament Exchange. Let’s revel in the festive fun, shall we? 

 

  

The Gathering 

 

My Kitschy Christmas Ornament Exchange party is casual but elevated, with just the right dash of nostalgic flair—because, of course, I had to live up to the name! The dress code? Vintage fur coats {time to raid Grandma’s closet!} paired with shoes that sparkle brighter than the ornaments themselves. The menu? A mix of caviar, shrimp cocktail, and whatever finger foods pair best with bubbles. 

The main event is the ornament exchange, where we “ooh and aah” over each other’s picks and swap to our hearts’ content — each one a conversation starter! With Bing Crosby crooning in the background and "White Christmas" playing on repeat, we sipped, swapped, and sighed dramatically over Vera-Ellen’s legs. It was the perfect way to kick off the holiday season — with just the right amount of kitsch and class. 

 

 

The Décor 

My home was already decked out for the holidays, so I didn’t need to do much extra work to bring the vintage Christmas theme to life. The spaces were already filled with treasures I’ve gathered over the years—whether from travels, thrift stores, or special gifts from friends and family. Each item has its own story, and that mix of sentimental and quirky pieces made the perfect backdrop for my kitschy celebration. I tied a velvet bow on almost everything in sight, adding just the right touch of festive flair. 

 

 

One of my favorite vintage finds? A spinning candlelight Anglaspel, or as I like to call it, the Angel Chimes. This little gem hails from Sweden, and when you light the candles, the heat causes the fan to spin, gently ringing the chimes as it goes. It's one of those charming, old-school pieces that instantly transports you to a different time — and of course, it was a total hit with my guests. It’s those little nostalgic touches that made my vintage Christmas gathering feel just right. 

 

The Table + The Serving Spread 

 

To keep things cozy and comfortable, instead of setting up a formal table or stations, I gathered the girls around the coffee table in the living room. But, of course, I couldn’t leave it completely casual — I had to dress it up a bit with one of my favorite holiday tablecloths. A little sparkle never hurt anyone! 

 

 

The star of the show? The Shrimp Cocktail! Served as a show-stopping centerpiece, the Deco Gold Scallop Oval Handled Bowl was absolutely perfect for plating the shrimp. I crushed ice with a cutting board and a heavy pan—my go-to trick for keeping everything extra cold — and nestled those little crustaceans into the bowl. To add a touch of flair, I served the spicy cocktail sauce in a crystal shot glass, because why not make the small details feel a little extra glamorous? The result was a festive, fuss-free spread that still felt perfectly put together. 

  

The Menu

 

For my Kitschy Christmas menu, I set two rules: no knives and forks — finger foods only — and prep had to be simple, but the flavors decadent. The centerpiece was an oversized shrimp cocktail served with tangy cocktail sauce (because what’s a retro party without it?), accompanied by caviar and a bowl of classic potato chips for a playful nod to elegance. Dessert was a no-fuss assortment of store-bought Christmas cookies, perfectly festive and sweet. 

 

 

The signature cocktail, however, was where I decided to shine. I served up the Spicy Sweet Holiday Storm, a concoction of cranberry juice, vodka, and jalapeño-infused honey syrup topped with ginger beer and sugared cranberries. It was the perfect mix of tart, spicy, and sweet — just right for sipping while swapping ornaments. Simple, festive, and a little unexpected, the menu struck the perfect balance for my vintage-inspired gathering. 

 

The Bar 

 

My home bar was already stocked with all the cocktail-making essentials, but I added a touch of celebration by including some bubbly Champagne — because what’s a holiday gathering without a little fizz? To keep things easy and stylish, I used our Crew 18 Handled Traditional Tray to carry cocktails from the bar to my guests, ensuring everyone stayed comfortable on the couches. 

 

Over the years, I’ve curated a collection of vintage-colored glassware, and this party was the perfect opportunity to showcase it all together. To add a little extra seasonal flair, I tied ribbons around the stems, giving each glass its own festive “outfit.” After all, it was a cocktail party — the glassware deserved to be as dressed up as the guests! 

 

The Music 

 

I had old black-and-white Christmas movies flickering in the background on mute—purely for the aesthetic, of course — while Bing Crosby and Elvis crooned their holiday hits on repeat. Because, let’s be honest: no one sets the mood for a kitschy Christmas quite like those two! 

 

The Tradition 

 

Of course, the main event of the night — and the reason for gathering — was the ornament exchange. There are three classic ways to play: Free Style, White Elephant Style, and Secret Santa Style. I went with Free Style, where everyone brought an ornament of their choice to swap however they pleased. The more unique, the better! Bonus points for anything vintage or sentimental that came with a story to tell. 

What I love most about an ornament exchange is that it’s more than just a fun party activity. It’s about creating something lasting.  

 

Coton Colors ornaments are designed with this exact sentiment in mind—each one a keepsake meant to commemorate special moments and milestones. If you’re planning to host your own ornament exchange, another fun idea is to opt for the Secret Santa Style, where the gift-giver selects a commemorative ornament specifically for their recipient. It’s a thoughtful way to reflect on the year’s highlights or celebrate a milestone, making the ornament even more meaningful. 

  

The Favors 

 

As a party favor, I gifted each guest a special ornament. It is so great to pick personalized ornaments for each person on my guest list. One guest recently bought a house, one had a big anniversary to celebrate...there was simply so much to celebrate! In addition to celebrating big life celebrations, I love selecting everyday ornaments to personalize with little inside jokes. 

   

 

The Final Look 

 

If you’re searching for the perfect theme to kick off your holiday season, look no further than this playful mix of cocktails, classic Christmas movies, and your favorite people. So, grab your boldest fur coat, pour the bubbly, and gather your crew for an ornament exchange that’s as memorable as it is merry. Trust me, it’ll be a night your guests will talk about — and cherish — for years to come! 

 

Cheers! 

- Sara Kate