ArcaMax

So you’ve decided to throw a holiday party. Congratulations! You’re about to give your loved ones an amazing event to enjoy — and to remember for years to come. How do you create a gathering that’ll be one for the ages? Take inspiration from these holiday party ideas to add a little extra wow to your celebration.

1. Make it more intimate.

You may be the more-the-merrier type. But the recent trend toward smaller, more intimate parties may be the key to making yours memorable. It lets you spend quality time with each guest — and perhaps splurge a little more on luxe details for your celebration.

“Keep your list to those people who make you feel special, who you really want to be there,” says entertaining expert Lory Parson of To Have + To Host.

2. Give your party a glow-up.

“This year is all about sparkles — glitter, sequins, and glam,” says entertaining expert Julie Blanner. “Rim cocktail glasses with clear or gold sanding sugar, add a touch of edible gold dust to desserts, or lay it on your table.”

3. Optimize your holiday décor.

“If you tend to spread your Christmas decorations on every available surface, wall, and window, you can lose each element’s special impact,” says the host of Netflix’s “Holiday Home Makeover with Mr. Christmas,” Benjamin Bradley. “That’s why a theme often works best—or select certain areas of your home to focus upon.”

4. Let your guests know they’re special to you.

“Anything you can do to add an extra personal touch to your event will go a long way,” Parson says. She suggests placing a handwritten note on everyone’s seat, letting them know how much you care about them.

5. Create an artfully pared-down menu.

“Pick four favorite foods — a relish dish, a shrimp bowl, a cheese or dip, and one warm element — and serve those in abundance,” Bradley says. “Put your dollars into quantity, not variety. Mounds of shrimp, bacon-wrapped dates, overflowing relish trays, and scrumptious cheeses will look festive and provide something for everyone.”

Just make sure you’re attentive to your guests’ food preferences or intolerances. “Ask ahead of time about any food aversions, restrictions, or allergies,” Blanner says.

And don’t forget dessert! Individual tiny cakes or treats will be a perfect finish for your party.

6. Serve festive libations.

To host a truly memorable party, consider serving holiday-themed cocktails. Your guests will undoubtedly be impressed by the time and effort put into making holiday-inspired Negronis, which offer an aromatic twist on the classic. For added convenience and a festive touch, add a bowl of Christmas punch out on the dining table.

7. Make a party playlist.

Whether you’re playing music on a big speaker or Smart TV, be sure to curate a playlist of great holiday tunes to ensure you aren’t listening to the same song over and over again. Making a playlist beforehand will also help shape the mood for the party, so it’s best to have some cheerful songs in the mix!

8. Offer a parting gift

Party favors are always a hit — especially if it’s something tasty and tasteful. “If we do a party favor, it’s often something homemade that our guests can enjoy as a consumable treat later,” Blanner says. “It’s easy to send guests home with homemade cookies, breads, or hot chocolate bombs.”

(Real Simple magazine provides smart, realistic solutions to everyday challenges. Online at www.realsimple.com.)

©2025 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.