Everything You Need to Host an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
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There are many traditions that come with the holiday season. Some of us have Christmas movie marathons all month long; others make it a point to go to the annual tree decorating ceremony in their neighborhood every year; and there’s usually always a holiday party or two to get dressed up for. Between white elephant exchanges and all the other Christmas games, there’s no shortage of ways to have fun together this time of year. But one of our favorites has always been an ugly Christmas sweater party! Instead of getting buttoned up for your usual Christmas bash, the ugly sweater party lets everyone enjoy the season’s festivities a little more casually.
Ugly Christmas sweater party ideas can include anything from an ugly sweater competition to a game of “Who Wore It Best” to an ugly sweater gift exchange and more. It’s all up to you to decide the order of events and—as the host of this silly Christmastime soiree—to make sure the party goes off without a hitch! Wondering where to start? Below, you’ll find everything you need to for an epic ugly sweater party, including themed invitations and decorations, our best ugly Christmas sweater picks, and plenty of party games and snacks for a jolly good time.
The Cutest Ugly Sweaters
Just because they’re ugly doesn’t mean they can’t be cute! Well… We can try, at least. Pick a sweater with one of your favorite holiday motifs or characters, and run with it. Some ugly sweaters even come with battery-powered lights so you can literally be the star of the show.
Holiday Party Games
No party is complete without fun games to enjoy. You can set up a few stations throughout your house, like displaying a puzzle on a small table or laying out card games on the coffee table near where folks will be sitting. You could even go the extra mile during dinner by placing party crackers on each plate. Just a little something to make the night even more fun!
Festive Snacks and Treats
This time of year is so fun for themed treats and festive snacks. Of course, you can get handy in the kitchen and whip up some delicious Christmas charcuterie boards or peppermint popcorn. But you can also display limited-edition holiday packs from your favorite brands, too.
Christmas Serving Platters
Of course, you’ll need some cute serveware to display all of your fun party treats, too. Place your snacks and finger foods on holiday-themed platters, and make up a hot cocoa bar with winter mugs and spoons. You don’t need to do it all, but having a few pieces of staple Christmas serveware on hand will help make the holidays even jollier year after year.
Themed Party Invitations
For an ugly Christmas sweater party, these invitations sure are fabulous! Illustrated sweater motifs on the front of your invites are a sweet nod to the theme, and receiving a paper invite in the mail adds that extra thoughtful touch. It serves as its own decoration on your guests’ refrigerators, too.
Holly-Jolly Holiday Decorations
Now here comes the fun part: Decorating the house! Holiday party decor can be modern, eclectic, or anywhere in between. Add in some extra color, string lights, and plenty of ornaments for that festive touch. Have fun with the little spots in your house, too, like with holiday scented bathroom soap or Christmas kitchen towels. Don’t be afraid to deck the halls as much as you like—it’s a party, after all!
Cute Holiday Party Favors
One way you can ensure everyone remembers how much fun they had? Goody bags! While it’s not necessary to gift your guests something, it is a nice touch, especially for a laid-back themed party. Things like sweater-patterned drink sleeves, funny ornaments or stocking stuffers they can take home, and a little sweet treat or two can land you on their Nice list for years to come.
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Bree Pulver
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
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