EASY HOLIDAY PARTY IDEAS FOR FRIENDS, FAMILY, OR OFFICE PARTIES

The day after Thanksgiving, I start getting calls for holiday party help... People either want to do something totally different and need ideas or it is their turn to host the annual holiday gathering and they are in panic mode. Here is a roundup of a few of my no-fuss ideas for holiday get-togethers; modify them to suit your own style. The only rule is that you need to have fun, too! xox

CAROLING PARTY: One of my favorite party themes--- kinda like Christmas karaoke! My in-laws have been hosting a neighborhood caroling party for as long as I can remember. It is a tradition even the college kids do not want to miss. Because everyone brings something, it is one of the easiest parties to host. Now, my in-laws happen to have two concert grand pianos in their living room, she's played at Carnegie Hall, and most of their friends are musicians or singers....  but even if you only have a sound system or karaoke machine, this is a party you'll want to make an annual event. GET THE HOW TO....

SANTA'S COOKIE WORKSHOP: The kids are out of school and you're going to need something fun to do... this is it. Bake up some memories with a Santa's Cookie Workshop party. Bake the cookies in advance or at least have some already baked. Cover a table with kraft paper (secure it so it won't slip) and set out bowls of sprinkles, candies, and other edible decorations the kids can use to decorate cookies and even personalize a cookie to leave for Santa. You can host this party with your girls and bake cookies to swap and gift.  GET THE HOW TO FOR A SANTA'S COOKIE WORKSHOP PARTY...

WINE AROUND THE WORLD PARTY: This party theme works for almost any occasion but it is particularly fun around the holidays. Guests bring a bottle of wine and a bite to share from a favorite travel destination; one they have already been to or one they'd like to visit. GET THE HOW TO FOR A WINE AROUND THE WORLD PARTY...

GIRLFRIEND PAJAMA PARTY: If you are like me, you probably have seen very little of your friends this year. Plan a guilty pleasure party-- filled with favorite snack food, movies, gossip, and fashion magazines. Don't let the holidays get away without getting together! GET THE HOW TO FOR A GROWN UP PAJAMA PARTY....

FAMILY PHOTO SWAP PARTY: So... your team isn't in a bowl game and you've got 8 people staying at your house for three days after Christmas. What do you do with them? A family photo swap party is an excellent way to spend some quality time together reliving family history--- and you'll all end up with copies of cherished family photos. The menu is as easy as leftovers, soup and sandwiches, or delivery pizza.  GET THE HOW TO FOR A FAMILY PHOTO SWAP PARTY

CHAMPAGNE TASTING: Warm up for New Year's Eve, test drive some bottles for your wedding, or simply try something new... invite the gang over for a Champagne tasting! This is perhaps one of the easiest parties you can host during the holidays. All you need is 3-4 bottles of Champagne, sparkling wine, Cava, or Prosecco. Add some good music, pretty stemware, and a few simple appetizers or a cheese board and you've got a party! I've even got some great tips on what to buy! Martie's TOP Sparkling Picks

Photo Credit: Arden Photography and MyRecipes.com