It's the most wonderful time of year for presents, festive recipes, and *all* the Christmas party ideas. Now is the time to start your holiday decor pinboards, stockpile entertaining essentials, and dream up your party menu. Instead of throwing the same old gathering you've been hosting for ages, mix things up with a holiday shindig that's totally epic this year. Check out these 35 DIYs, decor ideas, and creative themes that'll have your guests RSVPing Yes!
Dried Orange Garland
Shutterstock
String dried oranges with twine for garlands, attach them to gifts, or use them as natural ornaments on your tree.
Festive Charcuterie Board
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash
Serve up the most festive charcuterie board with gingerbread, pomegranate, chocolate, rosemary, and candy canes!
Disco Ball Wreath
Bring a little dance floor vibe to your holiday door with this disco wreath. (via Brit + Co)
Honeycomb Backdrop
If you’re looking for a colorful, swoon-worthy backdrop for your dessert table, you can’t go wrong with a wall covered in honeycomb shapes. How pretty are those jewel tones with pops of gold? (via Sugar & Cloth)
Wreath Witherspoon
This tribute to our fave legal blonde is now our new favorite holiday decoration. Invite some friends over, and make one together! (via Brit + Co)
DIY Snow Globe Cake
The best way to do snow globes? DIY edible versions, duh. Take your cake to the next level with a little fondant and some cheerful cake toppers. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Edible Chocolate Trees
Foil-wrapped chocolates will make these pretty trees the main attraction. Line them up along the mantel or use them as an inexpensive table centerpiece at your holiday dinner. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Punny Tree Ornaments
DIY queens will love the idea of putting their own spin on ornaments. Stock up on plain glass balls at the dollar store and let your friends have a blast coming up with holiday puns. They can then take their handiwork home at the end of the night as a fun party favor. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Candy Cane Treat Box
Peace, love, and peppermint! These candy cane gift boxes are a breeze to put together. Fill ’em with chocolate truffles dunked in pink chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Disco Ball Tree
A disco ball tree beats vacuuming up pine needles any day. It’s bold, it’s glam, and it’s actually pretty easy to put together. (via Studio DIY)
Glass Ball Terrariums
Amazon
Fill these glass ball ornaments with pine stems, snow, gift bows, even sprinkles for your festive decor!
DIY Advent Calendar
Marble backdrop with tiny packages full of goodies? Now you’re well on your way to counting down to Santa’s arrival in style. (via Brit + Co)
DIY Hot Cocoa Bar
Don’t forget the hot chocolate! You need all the fixings, though: marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles, and even a little caramel drizzle. (via PMQ for two)
DIY Blendo Ornaments
Decorate your tree with gold stars, red ribbon, and soft sage leaves for an extra pop of texture. Then follow this DIY to recreate the soft pastel ombre ornaments. So pretty. (via A Kailo Chic Life)
Christmas Bar Cart
It doesn’t get much more festive than a bar cart full of presents and gold barware. Layered garlands and mini bottle brush trees create punchy decor accents for any holiday get-together.(via Sugar & Cloth)
Pink Gingerbread Car
Don’t pass up a chance to put a fresh spin on this party staple. Just add gumdrops, candy wheels, and sugar dust! (via Studio DIY)
DIY Christmas Light Balloon Garlands
String these on the tree, hang them across the mantel, or use them as a photo booth prop. These light bulb garlands can do it all. The best part is that you can totally customize the colors! (via Studio DIY)
DIY Printable Holiday Gift Wrap
Round up a group of friends for a spur-of-the-moment holiday wrap party. Make sure to get plenty of tape at the store, then warm up your printer and go crazy with this tropical-themed gift wrap. (via Studio DIY)
DIY Confetti Cannon
Shutterstock
It’s not a party until the confetti shows up. Pop the bubbly, then pop these DIY confetti cannons to kick off your bash in style. (via Brit + Co)
THEME IDEAS
White Elephant Gift Exchange
Skip the grand festivities in favor of a cozy night in with the people you love. Order in pizza, break out the Trader Joe's wine, and get ready to share some hilariously weird and wacky gifts. (via Brit + Co)
Gift Wrap Gathering
Photo by Marko Klaric
Grab your besties for a night of warm cocoa, gift wrapping, and holiday festivities at your house. Stock up on pretty wrapping paper and cool DIY gift toppers for a fun gift wrapping extravaganza.
Tree Decorating Party, BYOO
Turn your tree lighting into the main event. Invite your pals over for coffee and cocktails, then get your decorating on by DIYing a few baubles. You can even ask everyone to bring one DIY ornament with a prize for the most creative! (via Brit + Co)
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This post has been updated.