Hosting a Christmas party this year? Lucky you! The holidays are a lovely time to gather and bond…and party. If you’re in the market for some fresh new festive ideas for Christmas party decorations or refreshments, we’ve compiled a list of quite a few winning party ideas.

Whether you’ve got an open week or two to prepare or you’re down to the wire, we think you’ll find inspiration and DIY ideas here for making your Christmas party one to remember for years to come.

Red and White Colored Décor.

A bonus of having a color palette or theme at your Christmas party is that it’s easier to decorate for…while looking fantastic. Red and white is a good choice because (a) you can find seasonal décor in those colors, (b) one is neutral, one is bold, and (c) the combination is classic Christmas!

Ornamented Chandelier.

One easy way to add height to your Christmas party decorations is to use your existing light fixtures! Takes half the work out of your decorating time when the hang-ability is taken care of. Ornaments, garland, or greenery hung on or from the light fixtures throughout your house are a fun, simple, and festive way to decorate for your party.

DIY Yarn Tree Centerpieces.

Grab some cardboard cones from your local craft store, along with some yarn in your Christmas party’s colors, and wrap around and around. This is a simple and inexpensive DIY project that will make your party’s decor exception.

Christmas Ice Wreath.

If I’m being honest with you all, I’m not sure how an ice wreath like this could be incorporated into your Christmas party decorations, but it sure is pretty! Maybe hang it on a chair or the door outside, if your party falls on a day that’s frozen outside, to help welcome your guests during the chilly season.

Glitter Paper Garland.

I’m sure we can all agree that sparkly, glittery things are appropriate at this time of year especially – the sparkles mimic the glitter of fresh snowfall and all that jazz. Put this rule of thumb to good use in decorating for your Christmas party this year – a circle punch, some baker’s twine, and a few sheets of glitter paper are the perfect ingredients for a lovely, simple mantel garland that sets the stage for your festivities.{found on usefulbeautifulhome}.

Christmas-Themed Photo Booth Props.

Photo booths are one of the best activities to have at any party, and a Christmas party is no exception. They’re great for everyone – the introvert, the extrovert, the shy cousin, the loudmouth (uninvited but still shows up) neighbor. Have plenty of Christmas-themed props at the ready to make the photo booth an ongoing source of entertainment for the evening.

White Elephant Gift Exchange.

One of my favorite things about Christmas parties is the potential for a white elephant gift exchange. If you’re not familiar, google it. There are all sorts of variations out there, and it’s great fun for everyone.{found on theunlikelyhomeschool}.

Deck Your Everyday Halls.

Sure, very few of us have a perfectly enormous white moose head hanging above the mantel…but you might have another animal head hanging on your walls, or a piece of art, or a shelf that can be party-ready in minutes just by throwing a bit of Christmas decorating cheer their way. Details like this are witty and fun for the guests to discover through the course of the Christmas party.

DIY Twinkle Lights Garland.

I really don’t think party décor gets any easier than stringing up some Christmas lights. Add a teensy bit of effort by “decorating” some of the lights (with mini cupcake papers?), and you’ll give yourself plenty of time to vacuum AND dust before your guests arrive. That’s a win-win.{found on dosfamily}.

Hot Cocoa Bar.

Everyone likes to warm up with a cup of cocoa on a cold night, and what better way to pamper your Christmas party guests than by offering them a scrumptious cocoa bar? Include a variety of mix-ins, and you’ll have guests coming back for more…and more…and more as they try out all the flavors.{found on catchmyparty}.

Santa’s Belt on Plastic Cups.

These might be the cutest disposable cups I’ve ever seen – and so easy to DIY! Simply take some red plastic cups, black ribbon, and beads, sequins, or actual buckles (like these, found at Walmart in the sewing section) and spend a few minutes with your hot glue gun. A very jolly beverage indeed.

Rice Krispie Ornaments.

Add food coloring to your melting marshmallows, then form the rice krispies into balls. Top with a gold foil-covered rolo, and you’re going to make your guests ooooh and aaaaah over your cleverness. Edible cleverness? Win-win.{found on mommysavers}.

Melted Snowman Water Bottles.

If your friends are kind of, well, health nuts, you might feel the need to cater the refreshments toward their organic tastes. Consider transforming a boring old water bottle into a “melted snowman” with a quick label cover. Festive and fun, and you won’t hear any complaints! (Except, maybe, from the snowman…

Christmas Dinner Party Setting.

Red gingham napkins, white tablecloth, and a couple of industrial or vintage red lanterns make a sweet setting for your Christmas dinner party. I love the simplicity of the red berry sprigs as centerpiece, too.{found on kaylovesvintage}.

Edible Candy Cane Centerpieces.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a colorful, unique centerpiece or you’re just looking for a decorative corner-filler, this candy cane candle idea is fantastic. Loosely attach some upside-down candy canes to a candle, jar, or vase (or whatever cylindrical object you’ve got around) with a ribbon, and let your guests munch as the night goes on.

Decorated Chair Backs.

It’s a small detail in this particular party-ready room, but throwing a Christmasy décor piece on the backs of your dining chairs is a fantastic way to make them (the chairs) feel included in the overall decorated scheme of things. Doesn’t have to be anything fancy – a thick ribbon or a small wreath, for example, will go a long way in adding to the party’s décor.

Snowman-Kabobs.

Don’t feel bad for these adorable snowmen when they get gobbled up immediately. Rather, relish the fact that your sweet treat was a big hit. It really can’t get easier to serve refreshments at a kid-centered party than skewering some powdered donuts, can it? (Answer: Nope.){found on dukesandduchesses}.

Stocking Utensil Holders.

If your Christmas party involves dinner, you’ll love these little stocking utensil holders. These little cable knitted numbers are to die for, of course, but in a pinch you could achieve the same festive effect with a DIY felt stocking-making party. Grab some felt from your local fabric or craft store, cut out the stockings, and hot glue away.

Gingerbread Party Theme.

A gingerbread (or any candy) decorating theme for the party lends an air of sweet festivity, even if very little sweetness actually gets decorated during the party hours. The theme (this one or similar) provides a fun jumping off point for the refreshment table’s backdrop and setup.{found on amyspartyideas}.

Tiered Finger Foods.

On varying tiers of trays, display beautiful yet easily accessible finger foods. Prime candidates are: cheese and crackers, small or diced fruits, kabobs, or bite-sized desserts. This is a beautiful way to feed your guests.{found on craftfoxes}.

North Pole Cupcakes.

Really, you can’t go wrong with anything candy cane striped, and these North Pole cupcakes prove that. The details are what make these cupcakes so festive – the white glittery sprinkles, the frosted-glued red chocolate candy, the North Pole sign. Your Christmas guests will love them.{found on everything}.

Christmas, er, Cactus Tree.

Let’s face it: not everyone lives in a place where evergreens and snow are the Christmas norm. A fun twist to your Christmas party might be to go nontraditional in your décor – have a desert theme where pom pom garland adorns a cactus plant for your “tree,” for example. This is a great way to get creative and to thrill your guests.{found on sugarandcloth}.

Christmas Candy Party Favors.

The charm of these party favors is definitely in their candy-like wrapping, but the overall effect is perfectly festive. Simply fill toilet paper rolls with peppermints or other small seasonal candies, then wrap. These can double as decorations during the Christmas party as well, then guests can easily grab one on their way out the door.