One of the best things about the holiday season is spending time with loved ones. And what better way to do that than by hosting a festive backyard Christmas party?
Christmas day is all about family, friends, food, and fun. But if you’re the one hosting the party, it can also be a lot of work. From decorating to cooking to entertaining, there’s a lot to think about.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide will show you how to throw the ultimate backyard party that everyone will love and have Merry Christmas.
Planning Your Backyard Christmas Party
The first step to throwing a successful backyard Christmas party is, of course, planning. Here are a few things you’ll need to take into consideration as you start putting together your event:
Date and time
When are you going to host your party? Keep in mind that the weather may be a factor if you live in an area with colder winters.
Guest list
Who do you want to invite to your party? Make sure you send out invitations (or at least a Facebook event) well in advance, so people can save the date.
Location
Will you be hosting your party at your house, or will you need to rent a space? If you’re hosting at your house, make sure you have enough outdoor space for everyone to comfortably enjoy themselves.
Activities
What will people be doing at your party? Will there be games, music, dancing, or other entertainment? Make sure you have enough activities to keep your guests entertained throughout the event.
Food and drink
What kind of food and drink will you serve at your party? Will you have a full meal, or just snacks and appetizers? And don’t forget about dessert! Make sure you have enough food and drink to keep your guests satisfied throughout the night.
Now that you’ve got a general idea of what you need to do to plan your backyard Christmas party, it’s time to start getting into the nitty-gritty details.
Tips for your outdoor Christmas Party
The festive season makes us feel nostalgic, and what can be more nostalgic than having an old-fashioned Christmas party? If you want to make your party the talk of the town, follow these tips:
Start by planning early
The key to a successful outdoor celebration is to start planning early. This will give you time to take care of all the details and make sure everything is just perfect for your party.
Decide on a theme for your party
Having a theme for your party will make it more fun and memorable for your guests. It can be anything from “ugly Christmas sweaters” to “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Make a list of all the things you need
Once you have a theme for your party, it’s time to make a list of all the things you need. This includes everything from decorations to food and drinks.
Send out invitations at least two weeks in advance
This will give your guests enough time to save the date and make plans to attend your party. Having last-minute guests is never fun, so make sure you give people plenty of notice.
Make sure you have enough seating and tables for your guests
No one likes standing around at a party, so make sure you have enough seating and tables for your guests. This will ensure that everyone is comfortable and can enjoy the festivities.
Serve festive drinks and food, like eggnog and gingerbread cookies
Your guests will love sipping on festive drinks and nibbling on holiday-themed snacks. This will get them into the Christmas spirit and make your party more enjoyable.
Play games and have fun
Don’t forget to have some fun! Games are a great way to keep your guests entertained, so make sure you have some plans for your party.
How to decorate your backyard for a Christmas party
One of the best things about an outdoor Christmas party is that you can decorate your backyard to make it look festive and magical. Here are a few tips for decorating your backyard for a Christmas party:
Set up an outdoor Christmas tree
If you have a Christmas tree, string it with lights and decorations. This will create a festive focal point for your backyard. Decorate with candy canes, fairy lights, and ribbons. Children will love helping to decorate the tree.
Hang wreaths on your fences or door
Wreaths are a classic Christmas decoration, and they’re perfect for an outdoor party. Hang them on your fences or door to add a touch of holiday cheer to your backyard. It will bring the festive feel of the indoors outside.
Christmas lights
String up some Christmas lights around your backyard to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can even put them in trees or bushes to add some extra sparkle.
Set up a nativity scene
If you want to add a religious touch to your party, set up a nativity scene in your backyard. This is a great way to spread the Christmas spirit.
Use fake snow to make your backyard look like a winter wonderland
If you want to make your backyard look like a winter wonderland, use fake snow. It’s a great idea if you live in a warmer climate and don’t have any real snow. This will add a touch of whimsy to your party and make it more fun for your guests.
Food and drink ideas for your Christmas party
No Christmas party is complete without food and drink. Here are some festive ideas for your outdoor Christmas party:
Drinks:
- Hot cocoa
- Christmas cocktails
- Eggnog
- Punch
- Non-alcoholic punch
- Holiday-themed coffee drinks
Food:
- Christmas cookies
- Gingerbread houses
- Fruitcake
- Candy canes
- Christmas candy
- Hors d’oeuvres
- Christmas-themed cupcakes
- Tropical fruits
- Cold meats
- Pies
Arranging the table setting
When it comes to your table setting, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. Here are a few tips for arranging the perfect table setting for your outdoor Christmas party:
Choose a color scheme
Your color scheme should be festive and in keeping with the Christmas theme. Red, green, and white are always popular choices.
Use Christmas-themed plates, cups, and utensils
Your plates, cups, and utensils should be Christmas-themed to add a touch of festive cheer to your party. You can find these easily at your local party store.
Add a personal touch
To really impress your guests, add a personal touch to your table setting. This could be anything from a handwritten place card to a small Christmas decoration.
Use festive tablecloth
A festive tablecloth is a must for any outdoor Christmas party. It will add color and pattern to your table and make it look more festive.
Include some greenery
Greenery is a great way to add a touch of Christmas to your party. You can use it to decorate your table or as a centerpiece.
Candles
Candles are a great way to add some ambiance to your party. They will also keep your guests warm if it gets chilly outside.
Activities and entertainment for your party
Your outdoor Christmas party should have plenty of activities and entertainment to keep your guests entertained. Here are a few ideas:
Outdoor games
Outdoor games are a great way to keep your guests entertained. They’re also a great way to get everyone interacting and having fun. Some popular outdoor games include charades, Twister, and tag. Kids will love playing these games, and adults will enjoy watching them.
Live music
Live music is a great way to set the mood for your party. You can hire a band or DJ, or you could even ask a friend to play some Christmas carols on their guitar. It’s a fun and proactive way to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
Movie night
Nothing says Christmas like a good Christmas movie. Set up a projector and screen in your backyard and have a movie night. You could even make it a themed movie night and only watch Christmas movies.
Christmas karaoke
Get your guests into the Christmas spirit with some karaoke. This is a great way to get everyone interacting and having fun.
Christmas scavenger hunt
A Christmas scavenger hunt is a great way to keep your guests entertained. Hide Christmas-themed items around your backyard and let your guests find them.
Photo booth
A photo booth is a great way to add some fun to your party. Set up a backdrop and props in your backyard and let your guests take some fun photos. When guests arrive, give them a list of Christmas-themed items to find and take photos with. The first person to find all the items and take photos with them wins a prize.
Gift exchange
Gift exchange is a great way to add some fun to your party. Have your guests bring a wrapped gift and exchange it with someone else at the party.
Secret Santa
Secret Santa is a great way to add some fun and intrigue to your party. Have your guests draw names out of a hat, and then they have to buy a gift for the person whose name they drew.
Summary
A Christmas party is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. If you’re looking to throw a backyard Christmas party that everyone will love, then use these tips to make sure it’s a success. Create a memorable party that your guests will be talking about for years to come. Celebrating with friends and family is what Christmas is all about, so make sure your party reflects that.
