Stress-Free Ideas for A Last-Minute Holiday Gathering
It’s getting dangerously close to the holidays, and your chances to get everyone together are getting slimmer by the day. If you’re short on time, don’t stress! Check out these last-minute holiday gathering ideas for everything from family get-togethers to workplace holiday parties.
Last-Minute Holiday Party Ideas for Your Friend Group
When planning a last-minute holiday gathering, you may not have time to plan a menu, grocery shop, and cook. But you still need party ideas that’ll get your friends in the spirit! Why not keep things classy — and oh so easy — with a wine and charcuterie night. Most grocery stores carry delicious varieties of cheese and sliced meats, so all you’ll have to do is choose the perfect wine pairings and serve up a few courses of stylish charcuterie.
Even if the weather outside is frightful, you can still enjoy a delightful night out with friends. If you’d rather not host in your home, find a venue for a small private party instead. You can reserve a room at your favorite local restaurant, host a white elephant gift exchange, or book your own holiday-themed private paint party, complete with your favorite drinks and appetizers. The best part? You don’t have to clean up at the end of the night!
Family Holiday Gathering Ideas
Can’t wait to see your loved ones this holiday season, but you haven’t planned any activities to do with your out-of-town guests while they’re here? Don’t fret — we can help. Check out these fun and easy activities you can do from the comfort of your own home!
Set up your own hot cocoa bar.
Set up a hot cocoa bar in your house, complete with every topping you can dream up. Then, grab your perfect cup of cocoa, put on your holiday jammies (bonus points if they match!), and enjoy a holiday movie marathon in the living room. Or, craft your holiday hearts out with a festive Twist at Home painting kit.
Play some holiday charades.
This is an easy one to set up. Just write the names of your favorite holiday movie characters on cards, set a phone timer, and enjoy some laughs together.
Plan out a holiday scavenger hunt.
Divide your guests into teams and have everyone search for things like rainbow twinkle lights, menorahs in windows, or the yard with the most inflatable décor. The team that finds the most items from your list is the winner!
Play holiday-themed digital games.
Download a holiday-themed game — like Christmas Jeopardy or the smartphone game Heads Up — and gather around your TV or another device for a fun evening that requires zero prep work.
Play a “Candy Canes” card game.
Ever played Spoons with a deck of cards and a few spoons? Try playing with candy canes instead for a fun and festive feel!
Host a gingerbread contest.
When it comes to classic family games for holiday gatherings, a friendly gingerbread competition can’t be beat. Bake gingerbread people or get ambitious with gingerbread houses. The only prep required for you, the host, is some grocery shopping for colorful candy and premade frosting!
Holiday Get Together Ideas for Your Office Crew
Hosting a last-minute holiday office party doesn’t have to be complicated! Get everyone together for some fun and simple group activities, like an office superlatives award ceremony, complete with a trophy or certificate for each winner to make things official. The goofier the award titles, the better! Serve premade cake from a local bakery or have everyone bring a favorite holiday snack or treat to share so you don’t have to worry about catering.
If you’d rather get out of the office, try a holiday party with a twist instead! After all, you and your colleagues have worked hard this year, and you deserve a little social time to celebrate the holidays. Book a private paint party for your corporate team at your local Painting with a Twist studio to get everyone out of the office and into the holiday spirit.
Last-Minute Holiday Parties are Easy at Painting with a Twist
When planning a last-minute holiday gathering, there’s no need to stress over the details. Just invite your guests to join a holiday-themed painting event or private party at your local Painting with a Twist. Bring your favorite festive wine or cocktails, your best ugly sweater, and your holiday spirit—we’ll handle the rest!
