Shed high-stress party planning and throw together a low-fuss, meaningful get-together instead.
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In the busy-ness of the holiday season, one of the first things that can get lost among the party invitations and gift-buying is spending valuable time with the people you love the most. The solution is simple: Invite everyone over for a holiday “un-party.” No need to break out Grandma’s china or create a Pinterest board to plan. Just follow these mellow, creative ideas for a stress-less, laugh-more gathering of your closest girlfriends. You’ll all enjoy the chance to get together, unwind, and share your hopes for the new year.
Set the fuss-free tone. No letterpress or hand-printed paper invitations required. Let friends know — via email, text, or good old-fashioned phone call — that this is a casual “un-party.” Athleisure is welcome! To really dial up the cozy factor, invite guests to wear their best holiday PJs (after all, elastic-waist pants encourage belly laughs).
Play games with heart. Take the sting out of swap-and-steal gift exchanges by suggesting guests bring a present that gives back, like the Guardian Angel Charm Bangle or a piece from the CHARITY BY DESIGN Collection, where the purchase of each bangle directly benefits a designated charity. Consider the Snowman Charm Bangle, which benefits Toys for Tots, or the Candy Cane Charm Bangle, which benefits Give Kids The World Village, a non-profit that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses.
Keep the menu simple. Rather than stocking the bar and calculating how many bottles of red and white you’ll need, set out a signature drink. Try Candy Cane Martinis, made with vanilla vodka, white creme de cacao, and peppermint schnapps, and garnished with crushed candies. For a non-alcoholic option, serve club soda with a sprig of mint and a peppermint stick garnish. Arrange a festive platter or tiered serving stand with store-bought petit fours, mini cupcakes, and cookies.
Decorate with memories. Go through you and your friends’ Instagram feeds and choose some of the best memories of the year. Print the photos using a service like Social Print Studios, then use clothespins to fix them to string across a mantle, table, or a wall for a truly unique garland. The photos will inspire recollections of 2016 good times, and forecasts of 2017 adventures.
Give the gift of dreams. Hand out journals to guests (and keep one for you!), then go around the room and each share the one word that symbolizes your hope for the new year. Ask everyone to write their word on the first page right away, and throughout the year they can document the steps they’re taking to make their dream come true. At next year’s un-party, you can all review the journals and share your successes!
Written by Erin Shaw Street.