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Four Oaks Manor Blog

Holiday Party Inspiration to Get You in the Spirit

12/14/2021

1 Comment

 
Merry Christmas bucket peeks out from a Christmas tree decorated in lights and knitted ornaments
Get in the holiday spirit this season alongside friends, family, or coworkers with these Christmas party tips!
Setting the Mood

The holidays bring back childhood memories of Christmas dinners, opening presents under the tree, and drinking hot cocoa by the fire. For some of us, Christmas was a gourmet eating experience, filled with mouthwatering recipes that only appeared once a year and presented on the family’s best china. For others, Christmas was about elbowing for room at the dinner table, sneaking pieces of the ham, and laughing at grandma’s burned rolls. Whether you decide to go elegant or rustic, whimsical or cozy, your party is bound to reflect your own Christmas memories.
Christmas party table setting with wood slice chargers, holly berry plates, red lanterns, and red glasses.
Christmas party place settings with snowflake plates, holly berries, greenery, and red chargers.
Christmas dinner banquet table set up. Gold candlesticks, mini Christmas trees, and flannel accents on dark green runners. Parchment menus with key favors sit on top. Christmas mugs are used as glasses.
Close up of red lanterns for Christmas party or dinner centerpieces. Pine and fir tree inspired décor is added to the side with holly berry greenery on the other.
Christmas party or dinner set up. Green runners are decorated with gold candlesticks and mini Christmas trees. Place settings are simple gold or silver rimmed china with parchment menus on top.
Wooden bench decorated for Christmas. A brown sled with white snowflakes is propped behind. A red lantern is on the side. A grey pillow with a red deer cushions the bench.
Appetizers

Whether hosting lunch with Santa or the company holiday dinner, providing a selection of appetizers or finger foods is never a bad idea. The heavier meat and cheese selections of charcuterie boards are perfect for the cooler weather, and these can act as filling additions to a brunch or stave guests over until the main dinner event.
Large charcuterie board of assorted meats, cheeses, and sides for holiday or formal parties.
Bruschetta platter for parties
Charcuterie board for holiday parties with assortment of meats, cheeses, spreads, and other items.
Desserts

Santa isn’t the only person who loves cookies! Desserts are a staple for most holiday traditions. Yule logs, gingerbread, and fruitcakes are just a few of the big hitters. That being said, we’re not all professional pastry chefs. Look into local bakeries for fun options like European Christmas cookies or specialty cupcakes to wow your guests without the extra stress.
Rudolph the red nosed reindeer cake from Baking Ground
Assorted Christmas Cookies from Baking Grounds
Grinch Christmas cake from Baking Grounds
Beverages

Desserts aren’t the only Christmas traditions from the kitchen. Hot cocoa and apple cider are seasonal favorites that never get old. We like to dress up our hot cocoa with whipped cream and chocolate chips, and don’t be afraid to offer guests cinnamon or peppermint sticks to personalize their cup of cocoa. Want to amaze guests without breaking a sweat? You can make apple cider at home using a stock pot or crock pot in a few simple steps. 

Looking to impress older guests? Need a break from the sweets? Ali Francis from Bon Appétit compiled a list of 79 Festive Christmas Cocktails to Get You Through the Holidays. Pre-make a punch bowl, designate a mixologist, or hire a bartender to add an adult-only perk to your party.
Festive holiday mimosa bar chalkboard sign by the smokehouse bar for Christmas or holiday party
apple cider ingredients in red pot
Christmas and holiday cocktails
Keeping the Crowd Merry and Bright

If you’re worried guests may want more to do than mingle, consider adding a family-friendly activity to your party. Organizing a meet and greet with Santa is sure to win over the kids, and parents will love having a memory to take home with them. S'mores are a timeless classic, and it's a great way to spread guests out or encourage them to use outdoor spaces. Crafts can be fun for all ages, and there’s a wide variety in level of difficulty to choose from. From making Christmas cards to supporting a local toy drive, Good Housekeeping came up with 40 Christmas Party Themes That Are Guaranteed to Excite Your Guests.
2 kids on chair with Santa at rustic garden event venue
Amy Mikan Photography

Interested in hosting a winter party or wedding? Check out our calendar and reach out to us!
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1 Comment
Mia Evans link
1/18/2023 09:56:17 pm

It really helped when you said that having heavy meat and cheese selections for the appetizer will be a great option when you host lunches whether you hire a Santa or just for a company dinner. Since I was not able to do that last year for the kids, I will definitely start planning in advance for the Christmas activities that my kids will love together with their cousins. Last year, I was not able to do it because of my hectic schedule.

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