One of our favorite Christmas traditions is throwing a drop-in Christmas party where we invite a mish-mash selection of friends and neighbors. We’ve done cookie decorating parties, we’ve had dear friends come and play piano and offered craft tables for kiddos, and for several years we hosted a birthday party for Jesus, where guests brought gifts that we donated to a family in need. A favorite I wanted to share with you, though, is how to host a cocoa and caroling party. There’s something so magical (and amusing!) about getting people together who don’t normally perform in public, feeding everyone sugar, and singing our hearts out to celebrate the coming of the King!
(Scroll below for a free printable Christmas party invitation!)
I try to make allergy-friendly recipes to serve at get-togethers, so that even if it’s a potluck, there’s something for everyone to eat. To save on the budget, though, often I will make two batches of recipes – one that’s gluten/dairy free and one that’s “traditional.” For this spread, all the recipes are both gluten and dairy free!
(Find the cookies and cocoa in Everyday Welcome: Cozy Holidays – and get a discount code when you sign up below.)
We kept the palette pretty neutral – making easy pompom swag and old-school cutout snowflakes, and using cut, un-hemmed cream colored burlap to cover the table. We also moved our dining table against the wall and set dining chairs around the room to improve traffic flow and create seating for conversation.
Make it easy on yourself and mix up a big batch of hot cocoa in the slow cooker and let guests help themselves.
Homemade marshmallows coated in cocoa are so decadent and you’ll have to stop yourself from eating them all before your guests come… but if any survive, they’re also delicious in hot cocoa. 😉
Print Christmas carol lyrics for guests.
Try the free printable Christmas lyrics at Print A Song, Blue Bonkers, or Christmas Carol Words. Choose 2-4 well-known and meaningful Christmas carols and print them two or more to a page. Have everyone bring along cell phones and use the flashlights once the evening fades (or provide battery-operated candles – I loved this idea!).
Make a few goodies a day or two in advance.
Choose easy-to-hold items like cookies or small cupcakes and you won’t need to worry about silverware or juggling plates. Guests can grab a napkin and a treat and hit the road, or come back to sweets after you’re finished. Consider making a big pot of chili if you’re in a cooler climate, and everyone can warm up after the caroling is finished!
Set up a cocoa bar
Set up your table the morning or night before to avoid last-minute stress (leave room if you like for treats your guests may bring!). Include hot cocoa mix-ins like toffee candy, chocolate and peanut butter chips, and cinnamon sticks. (A tip: if you use lidded mason jars for your toppings, you can set them up a day or two ahead and just remove the covers to serve.) If allergies are a concern, be sure to note which treats have common culprits like dairy, soy, or gluten. Use real mugs like these white coffee mugs (very similar to mine) in a pretty basket or for more fun and easier clean-up, or pick up pretty to-go cups like these and guests can take them on the move! (You could also purchase pretty mugs for guests to keep as a Christmas gift. I love these adorable cocoa mugs! I also like these Christmas mugs and these pretty campfire mugs. Having a small party? These travel mugs are beautiful and would make a wonderful Christmas gift!)
Want to throw your own get-together? I’ve created this adorable free printable Christmas party invitation you can use to invite friends and neighbors to your own gathering. Join the mailing list below and I’ll send you this printable plus a discount code for “Everyday Welcome: Cozy Holidays – just in time to inspire you with more recipes and gathering ideas for your holiday celebrations! (It’s a PDF sized at standard 8 1/2 x 11” – we printed ours two-to-a-page.)
Some more Christmas party ideas from around the web for you:
Ok, these printables from Laura’s Little Party are adorable, and I especially love the cocoa sweater garland and the “hipster santa” quote, which I definitely used in my design.
This post really spoke to this tempted-to-be-a-perfectionist heart with practical tips for RELAXING into hosting!
We’ve made our own stamped spoons as gifts, and I think this one is also adorable!
What are your favorite holiday traditions? Leave a comment below – I’d love to share!
A gift to inspire welcome!
Grab your free invite printable and a discount code for Everyday Welcome: Cozy Holidays!
