Be a Hostess with the Mostest

The air feels a little crisper, smiles seem a little warmer, and pockets feel a little . . . emptier. It's Christmas time everyone!! My favorite time of year for many reasons, one being that it's an excuse to throw a party! There are so many fun things you can do with a holiday party and the great thing is you can host one without spending a ton.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party:
Whoever came up with this idea was a genius, because the only thing you really need to do to ensure success is make sure everyone participates in the theme. A fun twist to this type of party is to challenge your guests to try to make their outfits cute and stylish despite the fact that they are wearing ugly sweaters. At the ugly Christmas sweater party I'm hosting this year, a prrize will be given to whoever makes their outfit look the best. Stores like Walmart and Kmart sell the sweaters in every style/pattern/color you could possibly desire. To avoid looking frumpy, go for a Kid's Large instead of a Women's/Junior's size.. Or,to be more creative, wear a large sweater, pair it with a belt to accentuate your waist, and make it into a dress. To spice the sweater up even more, choose a trendy piece to wear with the sweater to balance the antiquity of the look. Try something fun like a sequined skirt, pleather leggings or leather knee high boots.


White Elephant Gift Exchange:
Buying presents for every one of your friends can get expensive so a white elephant party is the perfect way to avoid spending an exorbitant amount. As opposed to a traditional Secret Santa gift exchange, The White Elephant spin gives you the option of trading in your default gift for something you'd rather have.. If you really want to make things interesting bring a gag gift. That way you can make sure that someone will want to trade their gift and an element of competition will be added.

Party Dresses:
Because who doesn't love an opportunity to get dressed up? How many times have you seen a gorgeous dress on a mannequin in the store window and wished you had somewhere important to go? Host a Christmas party where everyone invited has to dress up! Serve hors d'oeuvres and drink apple cider out of champagne flutes. Set up your computer to play Pandora's "All I Want for Christmas is You" station and you'll have everything you need. If you don't want to go out and buy a new dress, this is the perfect excuse to wear the Homecoming dress you wore once and never thought you'd touch again!

Baking Party:
Christmas is one of the only times it's socially acceptable to excessively stuff your face so why not take advantage? Invite your close friends over to bake with you. There are so many easy and delicious holiday recipes online. Two of my favorites are caramel pecan cookies and butterscotch gingerbread cookies. When the baking is done you can enjoy the fruits of your labor while snuggling on the couch, drinking hot chocolate, and watching the Santa Clause franchise :)

The electric charge in the air during Christmas could be due to the millions upon millions of lights strung across every house, mall, and plaza in sight, but I'd prefer to think of it as the energy of Christmas cheer. It would be a travesty not to capitalize on such a festive season with a party, and my suggestions will allow you to throw a great one without dipping into your piggy bank. I hope you all have a fabulous holiday and amongst all the Christmas sweaters, gift exchanges, and ginger bread houses don't forget the real reason for the season:)

-- Karissa Allen
Guest Blogger