How to Host a Merry Friendsmas Party
Friends are the family we choose for ourselves. And when it comes to the holidays, sometimes spending time with your closest pals can be just as sweet as heading home to see family. This holiday season, get ready to host the ultimate gathering with these ideas for a very merry Friendsmas!
Friendsmas Meaning
What is “Friendsmas” anyway? Simply put, it’s a Christmas party with your friends! Whether you live far away from family or just want to host a friends-only holiday party, Friendsmas is the answer you’ve been looking for.
Your Friendsmas party can be before or after Christmas itself, and it can be as straightforward or as all-out as you want it to be. And hey, if the holidays aren’t always your favorite time of year, having an extra excuse to connect and laugh with your friends can not only boost your mood, but it can also create lasting memories and new holiday traditions.
How to Plan Your Friendsmas Party
1. Send out invitations.
If you’re in the mood for a fancy Friendsmas, print up paper invitations and mail them to friends. Or, use a free app (like Canva) to make a quick and cute evite. Either way, an actual invitation instead of a regular old text makes your Friendsmas party feel a little more special before it even begins.
2. Pick a theme.
When it comes to Friendsmas theme ideas, the possibilities are endless. Ask for everyone’s input before choosing the right one for your crew. Tacky Christmas sweaters are classic. Or you could just tell everyone to let their holiday spirit run wild and give a prize to the most festive outfit of the evening.
3. Serve up holiday food.
It’s not a party without food, and it’s definitely not a Friendsmas party without lots of delicious eats. Here are a few easy Friendsmas food ideas to get you in the holiday spirit.
- Hot cocoa charcuterie board: Instead of meat and cheese, use marshmallows and candy canes!
- Holiday popcorn mix: Drizzle popcorn with chocolate and throw in some red and green M&Ms for a snack your guests will love.
- Christmas tree-shaped snacks: Even if you’re serving “normal” food, arrange crackers, cheese, cookies, or veggies in the shape of a Christmas tree, candy cane, or Santa hat.
Don’t forget to stock up on festive party supplies, like colorful or sparkly plates, napkins, and cups!
Sip and be merry.
Want to get in the holiday spirit? Add some festive spirits of the drinkable variety! Choose a wine that pairs well with your Friendsmas food, whip up a signature cocktail, or let guests make their own drinks. If you go for the latter, make sure to have a few extra goodies on hand for added flavor and garnish:
- fresh rosemary or peppermint sprigs
- whole cranberries (or cranberry juice)
- pomegranate seeds
- whipped cream (for hot cocoa or eggnog!)
- cinnamon sticks
Delegate!
Everyone in your circle probably has multiple parties to attend this year, including you. And no one wants to get stuck doing ALL the work of hosting, plus cooking, cleaning, and planning activities. Why not divide and conquer instead?
Have a few friends make food, one or two make a unique cocktail, another plan an activity, and someone else who’s willing to host in their home. That way, no one is stuck with all the logistics, and everyone gets to enjoy the holiday spirit.
Want even less work? Host your Friendsmas party at Painting with a Twist, and let someone else set up and clean up!
What to Do at Your Party: Friendsmas Activity Ideas
Some friend groups are content to sit around a cozy fire and chat. If yours isn’t one of those groups, try one of these Friendsmas party games or activities!
- Hold a gingerbread house decorating contest
- For the best Friendsmas gifts, host a Secret Santa or white elephant gift exchange
- Get crafty with holiday-themed Twist at Home Paint Kits
- Watch Christmas movies (or at the very least, put one on in the background!)
- Take a walk to look at lights together
- If you’re fortunate enough to have snow, host a snowman building contest or snowball fight
- Play holiday-themed charades
You can also play a Friendsmas drinking game by choosing a cue word like “present,” “cold,” “lights,” or “snow.” Then, have everyone take a sip of their drink every time someone says the forbidden word.
Celebrate Friendsmas at Painting with a Twist
Whether you’ve been planning your Friendsmas party since March, or you need a last-minute Christmas party idea, Painting with a Twist can help! From helping you with heartfelt Friendsmas gift ideas like pet portraits and customized home decor to handling setup and cleanup, we make it easy to have a merry Friendsmas.
Rally your crew, bring your favorite snacks and drinks, and we’ll do the rest! Relax and enjoy the festive spirit with your friends at your local Painting with a Twist studio.
