Christmas is usually associated with spending time with family, even if it’s the only time of the year you see them.
But it’s important to not forget about your close friends, who you see throughout the year and are your ‘chosen’ family.
So, whether you can’t see you family this year or you want to celebrate Christmas with your friends, ‘Friendsmas’ may become the new yearly tradition you most look forward to. (Google it — Friendsmas is definitely a thing.)
Here is a guide on how to host the perfect Friendsmas party that is sure to impress.
Create the guest list
The secret to having the best party is ensuring a perfect guest list.
Think of the friends you would most like to celebrate Christmas with and send them an invitation ahead of time, just to make sure they have the date saved.
Decide on a theme
Are you going to have a traditional Christmas theme with ugly sweaters and all (aka Bridget Jones’s Diary) or are you going to go for a more traditional Aussie Christmas with thongs and summer gear?
Choosing the right theme will help to set the mood and ensure everyone is ready for the party that is to come.
Choose the menu
Just like the theme, you need to decide on a menu. Are you going to go for a turkey and ham and full roast dinner or will you go for a barbecue with prawns and fresh seafood?
Make sure to let your guests know what to bring so you aren’t doubling up on your food — though double the ham isn’t always a bad thing.
Entertainment
Yes, you’re going to have a feast, but what will you do between meals?
Are you going to be playing music? If so, have you got a cracker playlist lined up?
Or are you going to play some games? Pictionary, charades, cricket or ring toss are always crowd favourites.
Making sure you have your entertainment sorted will mean everyone’s going to have an unforgettable day.
Gifts
While gifts are not the most important part of Christmas, it’s important to determine what the present situation will look like.
Are you going to exchange them so no-one gets left out? If so, are you going to bring a gift for every person who’s coming or will you do a secret Santa-style exchange?
The questions are endless, and they’ll be coming your way from guests if you don’t make a sure-fire decision.