10 Christmas Party Ideas to Make Hosting a Cakewalk

It’s that time of year again when the air is filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked goodies and tinsel adorns every corner. Yep, you guessed it – it’s Christmas time! And with it comes the joys and challenges of hosting a festive gathering.

Whether you’re having your nearest and dearest over for an intimate dinner or getting into the Christmas spirit with a large get together, we’ve got you covered with our 10 tips to make festive entertaining a piece of cake. From Christmas party food to decoration and entertainment ideas, here’s how to whip up an unforgettable celebration!

1. Start your party planning early

We’re sure you hear it every year, but start planning early! Make a list of everything you knead, check it twice and set a budget. By getting ready early, you can start to buy things like decorations, drinks and dry foods as they go on special, then store them away until the party.

You’ll also want to make sure you send out those invites well in advance. Giving your guests a few weeks (or months) notice, gives them plenty of time to organise their own plans – especially if they’re travelling for it. You could opt for traditional invitations or go for something a bit easier like sending e-invites. Not only is it easier, but it can also be cheaper than sending invitations by mail – not to mention it can help streamline your RSVP process, with a simple click of a button.

2. Go all out with a festive theme

Whether you pine for a White Christmas themed party, a dinner inspired by your favourite festive movie or just a thoughtfully matched colour scheme, having a theme can help add a sprinkle of magic, and a sense of cohesion. Once you pick your theme, stick with it, reflecting it across the food, drinks, and decorations. Remember it doesn’t have to be too matchy – just a few nods to your theme can tie everything together and look as thoughtful as leaving out a plate of Lemon Tarts for Santa.

3. Get creative with your Christmas party food

When it comes to your Christmas menu, it’s time to let your culinary creativity shine. Step away from the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary with a festive spread that is sure to delight your guests.

Appetiser
Start your holiday soirée with show-stopping platters and finger food recipes. Our pick is a Christmas Tree Cheese Board. Arrange an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and charcuterie in the shape of a Christmas tree. Decorate it with fresh herbs and cranberries for that extra holiday flair.

Main course
For the main course, serve the classics with a twist. Roast meats, whether it’s succulent turkey, juicy ham, or tender beef, are essential. Complement them with a tangy cranberry salad and a lavish spread of Aussie seafood, featuring prawns, oysters, and calamari, to add a touch of Down Under delight.

Dessert
Now, let’s talk Christmas desserts that will steal the show. The Lemon Cheers Cake is a must-try, crafted from lemon tarts and cream cheese, adorned with tufts of pink fairy floss for an enchanting touch. Or go for a Zesty Christmas Pavlova, a light and crispy meringue nest filled with tart lemon, mango, sweet passionfruit pulp and whipped cream.

4. Make the most of prep time

Maximising your prep time can be key to hosting a stress-free Christmas party. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Start by organising your kitchen – clean countertops, sharpen knives, and ensure all necessary utensils and cookware are within easy reach.
• Create a timeline well in advance, outlining tasks and their deadlines. This timeline should include shopping, prepping ingredients, and cooking times for each dish.
• Delegate tasks to willing helpers to lighten your load and ensure everything runs smoothly.
• Prepare a few make-ahead dishes, such as gravy and freeze them, reducing last-minute stress.

What can I make in advance of Christmas day?

There’s plenty you can prepare in advance for Christmas day. Dessert bases like meringues for pavlova can be made up to two weeks before the big day and stored in an airtight container. You can also prep the ingredients for charcuterie boards and most salads the day before. Just avoid preparing anything that can go soggy or stale!

5. Consider a pot-luck feast

Now, if you want to take it easy and spread the love (and stress!) why not make your event a pot-luck-style party? Your guests can bring their favourite dishes, making it a true festive feast. To help coordinate pot-luck contributions, you could assign guests to a salad, dessert, or appetiser to ensure all courses are covered. Less work for you, and your guests get to show off their culinary skills. It’s a win-win.

6. Create the right atmosphere with Christmas party decoration ideas

Deck the halls, or in this case, your home, with a touch of Christmas magic. There are so many different ways to decorate, transforming your space into a festive wonderland.

Start by looking through your pantry, cabinets, and storage spaces for potential décor items. You might be surprised at what you already have on hand. Don’t be afraid to stray outside of the realms of regular Christmas decor. Here’s some ideas to get your started:

• Consider using fresh flowers and foliage from your garden to create unique centrepieces and wreaths.
• To set the mood with cosy lighting, make DIY mini lanterns by placing LED candles inside coloured paper bags with star-shaped cutouts.
• Harness your creativity and utilise what you have to make your holiday decorations special, adding a personal touch to your festive gathering.

7. Think about the entertainment

When planning your Christmas gathering, don’t forget the importance of entertainment to keep the festive spirit alive. This can be as simple as curating a fun Christmas party playlist to set the mood.

Wanting something a little more interactive? Incorporate some Christmas games to break the ice and add excitement. For kids, try pin the Nose on the Reindeer or a Santa Cookie Decorating Competition. For adults, consider a Secret Santa gift exchange or a round or two of Christmas Movie Trivia.

No matter your age, infusing festive fun into your Christmas gathering is a sure-fire way to create lasting memories.

8. Set up your gift spot

Gift-giving is a big part of Christmas, and you’ll want to create a designated area for the gift exchange for a smooth holiday gathering. Consider setting up a festive wrapping station, organise a fun gift exchange game, and incorporate cherished holiday gift-giving traditions to make this part of your celebration special and memorable.

9. Keep the clean-up simple and easy

When the party’s over and you’re feeling as stuffed as a turkey, keep the clean-up simple. Use disposable tableware, recycle those decorations, and if you’ve got some willing helpers among your guests, don’t be shy about enlisting their help. After all, teamwork makes the dream work.

10. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself!

Last but not least, remember to savour the moment. Christmas is about spending time with loved ones and delighting the joy of the season. In the stress of hosting, it’s easy to be caught up with all the things you need to do. But, remember to take the time to kick back, mingle, and enjoy the fruits of your party-planning labour.

To make things even easier, you can count on Bakers Delight this Christmas for easy recipes and delicious baked goods that will have your guests raving. Head into your local Bakers Delight and to help make this Christmas the best one yet! Cheers to a delightful holiday season!