Create This Free Holiday Party Invite Today!

1. RSVP "no" early

As soon as you receive an invitation, you probably have an idea of whether or not you can or want to attend. Decline ASAP so the host has an opportunity to invite someone else, get a refund on your seat, and plan accordingly. Plus, you don’t want to carry the burden of accepting and dreading the event for weeks. It’s way more emotionally draining, and confusing for the host.

If you do want to attend, but are unsure if you can, check your calendar and let the host know your circumstances. Perhaps your sister is expecting her first baby around the same time as your college roommate’s wedding. Reach out to your friend directly and let them know that you may be able to come, or would like to come, but it’s dependent on another important factor.

Chances are, the host will respect and appreciate your honesty. And remember: for big events like weddings, guests = money, so giving the hosts as much time as possible to make adjustments before their event is imperative.

2. You don't have to explain yourself

This is a bit contradictory to what we just said, but if it’s not an up-in-the-air type of situation, you can just say “no.” Plain and simple. Hosts don’t need a laundry list of reasons you can’t go, and you don’t need to share yours.

3. Declining is *actually* quite respectful

Responding to someone, whether it’s an enthusiastic “yes” or a “no,” is way better than not responding at all – or worse, canceling at the last minute. It shows that you care enough about the person to give them an answer, and that your friendship allows for open communication. With anyone in your life, you should be allowed to ask for what you want, and what you need. If you can’t do this for yourself, do it for Future You.

4. Don't make up excuses

It’s just a no-no. If you fabricate an excuse, it can lead to way worse (and certainly more awkward) situations. For example, if you say you can’t go deep sea fishing this Saturday (when it’s really about not wanting to fish), the person might ask you to go with them another time, evidently putting you on the hook (pun VERY intended) for future excursions.

Alternatively, if you opt for blowing them off and they find out, they’ll probably feel worse and assume your response was personal to them. Whether or not that’s true is besides the point.

Being a bit more honest always goes a long way. Oh, and BTW, refusing an invitation isn’t that deep! Truly. It’s literally fine.

5. How to say "no"

Saying no is all about what you say and how you say it. Aim for a warm, neutral and matter-of-fact tone paired with a short, candid response. Don’t beg for forgiveness (and TBH if you have to do this, they’re probably not a great friend in the first place), give them a vague reason as to why you can’t go, or get defensive if they have questions. Repeat after us: saying no is normal!

BTW – by declining an invite you have to allow others to do the same. So if someone declines an invitation to your birthday party (which we know will be totally amazing), it’s OK.

Rifle Paper Co. Fall Foliage Invitation

Rifle Paper Co. does it again with this gorgeous fall foliage-inspired digital invite. The cute squirrels, owls, birds, and acorns in the design are absolutely the icing on the cake (or the whipped cream on the pumpkin pie, as it were).

minted. Give Thanks Wreath Invitation

If you're leaning toward a thick, rustic cardboard-inspired invitation, you still digital options in the digital world. This design even has a grainy texture for that lived-in, elevated casual vibe.

Mint Parcel Gourdness Gracious Invitation

Dot your invites with colorful gourds with this super cute and playfully chic design. As a bonus, you can use this color palette for your fall tablescape at the big event.

minted. Friendsgiving Wreath Invitation

Another cardboard-inpired option, this evite is the perfect complement to a party decorated in farmhouse or rustic fashion. Accent your table with wheat and pampas grass, add a burlap table runner, and tie fall leaves with little swigs of twine to create the perfect aesthetic.

Paper Raven Co. Lovely Oak Leaves Invitation

If you're the designated Friendsgiving host this year, consider this impeccably styled evite. If this isn't your exact color scheme, never fear — this design comes in three different colorways so you can be sure your invitation matches your event.

minted. Harvest Table Invitation

Tell your guests this year's party is going to be just as stylish as its pre-COVID precursors with this stunning invitation hued with neutrals, peach, and green.

Signature Green Envelope Give Thanks Invitation

Not one to shy away from making a statement? This elegant invite stands out with a boldly showcased message about what the holiday is really about: Gratitude.

Mr. Boddington's Studio Hands Full Invitation

Keep things chill with this casual, fun, and beautiful design. If you're not one to take yourself too seriously but still plan on hosting a stunning event, this paperless invite is for you.

Rifle Paper Co. Harvest Floral Invitation

Celebrate the harvest with this beautiful and on-trend invitation that showcases all the colors of fall. Your guests will expect the *most* pretty event when they receive this in their inbox.

Lori Danielle Autumn Warmth Invitation

Another Friendsgiving-specific option, this invitation showcases the rich, deeply saturated jewel tones for which autumn is known. Bonus points if you coordinate your outfit with this one.

Paperless Post Good Friends Good Food Invitation

Go modern with this typography-focused design that practically begs to be used if you live in a loft (or have an industrial design scheme in your home).

Felix Doolittle Falling Foliage Invitation

Forgoing the in-person gathering this year in lieu of a virtual party? Fancy up the occasion with an elegant invite so your friends and family can rest assured your new tradition is just as exciting as ever.

Sparkles are extremely festive this time of year – go all out with a sequined dress to really embrace the Christmas spirit! You can find so many similar options at Anthropologie and Nordstrom. When paired with some cute ballet flats, you'll be feelin' like a little Christmas fairy in no time.

A blazer will never fail to make your Christmas outfits look sophisticated. Layer one on top of a basic cable knit sweater for a classic feel (that'll also keep you super warm)! From there, trousers or tailored jeans will do. Don't forget to accessorize with red Christmas nails and a bold red lip color!

Layers, layers, layers: it's the name of the Christmas outfit game, especially if you live somewhere super cold. But a practical 'fit doesn't have to be boring! Start with a comfy turtleneck and pants (over some leggings for extra warmth), then go crazy by mixing colors and patterns. This plaid + leather combo will be on repeat. Step into your favorite winter boots to bolden up the look!

Statement jackets are the way to go. This leather one is lined with a furry material that not only holds in your body heat during outdoor excursions, but looks so chic, too. Layer one with some leggings, a black mini dress, and a bright red sweater like this one so you feel cozy all day long! Don't forget the boots, either! 😍

Hair bows are the perfect accessory to rock alongside your Christmas outfits. From sleek sweaters like this one to more formal dresses, they fit the occasion oh-so nicely.

For a *spicier* holiday get-up, don't hesitate to reach for your fave tall boots and little black dress. It's a no-fail combo! With an all-black situation like this one, you won't have to spend extra time worrying about if your outfit is matching perfectly or not. Wear the two pieces with some sheer black tights, or get creative with colored ones, like a bold red or sparkly white.

If your personal style leans more preppy, this is the Christmas outfit idea to copy: loafers and a pleated skirt instantly make you look dressed up, but the nice part is you're not sacrificing comfort for style one bit. This outfit formula can span over endless color combos, but we particularly love the burgundy-leaning look with this one.

You can never go wrong with a good green or red plaid dress. Bonus points if it's vintage, like this one! You can easily dress it up with tights and a cardigan, with boots or ballet flats to match!

Velvet dresses have our hearts (and closets). The material evokes a very vintage-y Christmas vibe that you can style over and over again. We're currently eyeing similar styles to this one from Target and Anthropologie!

Sequins shine again! If it's Christmas party time, you truly cannot go wrong with an eye-catching ensemble like this one. You'll leave the whole crowd stunned. A sequined dress also makes for some ahh-mazing Instagram pics! 📸

Bundling up this winter doesn't have to be drab. Throw on a plaid scarf on top of a layered look to embrace all the Christmas vibes!

Playing with different materials and non-traditional color combos might just surprise you when it comes to creating the coolest Christmas outfits. For instance, this 'fit combines leather and suede, which contrast each other beautifully. You also might not immediately think of black and brown working well together, but this outfit idea defies all fashion "rules" in that regard.

For a Christmas-y night out (ahem, bar crawl, anyone?), don your cutest holiday sweater with some comfy jeans and boots. We've found some really great options for fun holiday sweaters that are still super stylish!

Get you a good tall black boot, and your Christmas outfit ideas will go far. They work wonderfully with everything from maxi dresses to midi skirts!

No matter what you wear this Christmas, there's always room for a playful (and festive!) hair bow.