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How to Host a Christmas Party

Planning the perfect Christmas party involves more than just decorations and food; it’s about creating an unforgettable experience for your guests. In this blog, we will guide you through every step, from planning the type of party and choosing a festive theme to setting the scene with decorations, curating a delicious menu, and providing entertainment ideas. We’ll also offer expert tips for making sure everything runs smoothly so you can enjoy the holiday season stress-free.

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Planning your Christmas party 

Decide on the type of party

The first step in planning your perfect Christmas party is deciding what type of gathering best suits your guests and your space. Are you envisioning an intimate dinner, a casual cocktail party, or perhaps a buffet-style meal for a larger crowd? Each type of party has its own vibe and requirements. A sit-down dinner provides a more formal, elegant atmosphere, while a cocktail party or buffet offers a more relaxed, social experience. Consider your guests and the amount of time you have when deciding on the party type.

Choose a theme 

Choosing a theme can elevate your party and tie everything together, from décor to food and drinks. Here are a few ideas:

  • Classic Christmas: Red, green, and gold with traditional elements like holly, wreaths, and candles.
  • Winter Wonderland: White, silver, and blue with snowflakes and icicle accents for a cosy, snowy vibe.
  • Kiwi Summer Christmas: Light colours, beachy décor, and fresh, summery touches for a warm-weather twist.

Set the scene with festive decorations 

Entryway and ambience 

Your guests' first impression starts at the door. A beautifully decorated welcome wreath, some fairy lights, or Christmas plants at the entrance will set the tone. Inside, ambient lighting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Use Briscoes’ selection of string lights and lanterns to achieve a soft, festive glow that will impress your guests the moment they arrive.

Table decor and place settings 

A beautiful table setting is essential to creating the festive mood. Start with a stunning centrepiece, such as candles surrounded by greenery or small ornaments. For your place settings, use Christmas-themed napkin rings, placemats, and name cards to add an elegant touch. Don’t forget about your drinkware: festive glassware from Briscoes will complement your theme and make your beverages look as good as they taste.

Holiday tree and extra touches

If you’re hosting in a larger space, place your Christmas tree in a central location where it becomes a focal point of the room. Decorate it with baubles, garlands, and ornaments that match your theme. Consider adding small touches around the room, such as Christmas-themed pillows, throws, or mistletoe, to create a fully immersive holiday environment.

Christmas party menu: food and drink 

Festive finger foods and starters 

Start your party off with grazing platters and easy-to-serve appetisers. A holiday grazing board filled with cheeses, fruits, nuts, and dips is a crowd-pleaser. For something a little more formal, mini quiches, prawn cocktails, and stuffed mushrooms are elegant yet simple starters that guests can nibble on while mingling.

Main dishes and sides 

A classic Christmas dinner often includes roast meats like ham or turkey, accompanied by seasonal vegetables such as roasted potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. For a summery twist, consider barbecued meats or a fresh seafood platter that suits New Zealand’s warm-weather Christmas vibe. Complement your mains with light salads, such as mango, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.

Festive desserts 

No Christmas party is complete without dessert! Classic treats like pavlova, trifle, or fruit mince pies are must-haves in New Zealand. You can also create a dessert platter with chocolates, macarons, and Christmas cookies. For an effortless serving solution, Briscoes offers a range of bakeware and serving platters that will make your desserts look as festive as they taste.

Drinks and cocktails

Get into the holiday spirit with some festive cocktails, such as holiday sangria, mulled wine (hot or cold), or a minty mojito. If you're looking for non-alcoholic options, berry spritzers or ginger lemonades are perfect for guests of all ages. Briscoes’ drinkware and pitchers will help you serve these drinks in style.

Hosting tips for a stress-free party 

Prepare in advance 

To avoid last-minute scrambling, decorate the day before the party and set up key areas such as the dining table and drink stations in advance. Pre-make dishes and store them properly to ensure everything is ready when your guests arrive.

Welcome and engage your guests 

Make sure to greet each guest as they arrive and introduce them to others they may not know. Encourage mingling by setting up snack and drink stations around the room to get everyone moving and interacting.

Keep things flowing

Throughout the party, ensure that food and drinks are replenished regularly so guests always have something to enjoy. As the host, stay relaxed and enjoy the event—your guests will follow your lead and feel more comfortable if you're calm and present.

Shop everything you need for the perfect Christmas at Briscoes 

From themed tableware to elegant serving platters and drinkware, Briscoes has everything you need to host a festive, memorable Christmas party. Visit Briscoes to shop for your Christmas party essentials today.

 

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