Send an e-vite
My favorite (and free – as long as it’s under a certain amount of guests) e-vite is paperlesspost.com. Practical and just plain pretty, these invitations will be sent straight to your guests’ inboxes, will get them excited and let you know how many people are coming, rather than receving a barrage of yes or no text messages.Create a signature drink
Among the bottles of red and white, create a signature drink for guests. I recently channeled my inner Giada and concocted a Cranberry Lime Bellini that was also the perfect shade of red with a green garnish, an appropriate (and tasty) holiday cocktail.Have a tradition
My girlfriends and I have been doing a “Secret Santa” gift exchange for ten (count it, ten) years strong now. One friend organizes the name-picking and another friend hosts the dinner party where we exchange gifts. The tradition has outlasted middle school, high school, and college. Traditions can start at any time, so pick a party favorite and make it unique for you and your friends.
Deck the halls
I know you’ve been pinning all those festive DIY decorations. Now is the time to show off your skills and put your Pinterest knowledge to the test. A creative centerpiece, a seasonal mantle, or a few mood-setting candles do the trick.
Play that (maybe funky) music
Ah, what is a good party without good music? Create a playlist that you think will be universally appealing to your guests (save the screamo music for your alone time if your friends are more of the Taylor Swift variety). As much as it pains me to admit, I played for my friends at our holiday party…and I actually enjoyed it, too.
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