Create an Easy Christmas Movie Watch Party
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With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I can start talking about all things Christmas! Decorating doesn’t start around these parts until after Thanksgiving dinner, but I’m knee-deep in planning and Christmas movie-watching.
Turn it into a fun holiday event with a few close friends and family enjoying sweets and sipping hot cocoa and eggnog. Whether you are looking for a magical way to kick off the holiday season or a respite from the holiday shopping frenzy, I’m sharing a few ideas for a fun day with a Christmas movie watch party.
My three biggest holiday party tips:
- Be sure and get your party date on people’s calendars ASAP. Avoid the weekend demands by hosting your event on a weeknight as an open house. This way, guests can come and go as their schedule allows.
- When it comes to holiday decor, get inspired on Pinterest to put a new spin on your existing decor before you purchase new items. I love to see how others use their vintage and modern items and it inspires me to see my pieces in a new light!
- Keep things simple and easy to refill and maintain; a couple of holiday drinks and snacks are all that you need.
It was the recent find of the adorable Santa-with-cocoa-and-cookies nutcracker that got my wheels spinning this year. Yes, a hot cocoa bar for Christmas is not a new idea, but you can never go wrong with a classic, especially with your own personal touches.
- Set the scene (and easy clean up) with festive paper plates and napkins. Sadly, my Hallmark ones are no longer available, but they do have these napkins on their website.
- Stack cake stands on a flat plate or platter to elevate your treats and create sweet tiers. I found an awesome wood wreath at Target that nestled perfectly with my stands.
- Use tall glasses to hold tall items like candy canes and wafer cookies.
- Turn a pitcher into a popcorn or chip holder!
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Cocoa bombs are having a moment, and I’m here for it! Along with festive sprinkles, candy canes and other toppings, your hot cocoa bar is set.
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Of course, you have to have a little naughty with your nice…
- Set up a quick eggnog cocktail bar but instead of full bottles, set out mini bottles of spirits. Not only does it offer more variety, but is easy to keep an eye on guest consumption.
- Dark rum is a holiday staple, but any amber-colored spirit with a higher proof like whiskey or bourbon is just as amazing. The higher alcohol content neutralizes some of the eggnog’s sweetness.
- Make your eggnog eggs-tra special with a few other add-ins:
- Cordials: Liqueurs like peppermint schnapps and chocolate liqueurs (Bailey’s, Kahlua, etc.)
- Spices: Nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon
- Finishing touches: Whipped cream, chocolate or maple syrup, cinnamon sticks, chocolate sprinkles
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The best part, the movies! Curl up with a plate of goodies and settle in for Countdown to Christmas on the Hallmark Channel. I’m a big fan of anything with Tia and/or Tamera of Sister, Sister fame, so I couldn’t wait to watch Tamera in the latest iteration, Inventing the Christmas Prince.
If you are hosting an open house, don’t worry, Christmas movies are playing around the clock. But if you are wanting to watch a specific movie, don’t forget your holiday playlist. Here are a few of my favorites…
- This Christmas – Donny Hathaway
- Snowman – Sia
- Someday At Christmas – Stevie Wonder
- Let It Snow – Boys II Men
- Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays – N’SYNC
- Deck The Halls – Nat King Cole
- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Sam Smith
- Christmas Don’t Be Late – Norah Jones
- Hard Candy Christmas – Dolly Parton
- Ave Maria – Beyonce
- Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
- Christmas in Hollis – Run D.M.C.
- Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt
- Last Christmas – Wham!
Here’s to a wonderful holiday season and Christmas movie watch party! Need more festive ideas? Check out my other posts…
