When the first Christmas carols begin tinkling through the stores and your chunky sweaters come out of SpaceBags, throwing a holiday bash sounds like a great idea. But then real life happens—your schedule fills up, your bank account empties out, and the idea of slapping together a party is overwhelming.
Well fret not, merrymakers. Star has some expert tips for how to put together a seasonal soiree that won’t land you in the nuthouse or the poorhouse!
Throwing a Holiday Party? 4 Easy Tips For A Stress-Free Soiree!
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1. Have An Angle
1. Have An Angle
A theme or planned activity not only makes your party stand out in a sea of parties, but it helps anchor the evening so you won’t stress about guests being bored. A few ideas:
Elfie Your Selfie Everyone wants an excuse to post something to Insta and this pack of fun photo props (above) will give guests an excuse to get snap happy. Bonus: come up with a clever hashtag for your bash and let all your followers see how much fun they’re missing.
Christmas trivia Grab a trivia book (or print out some holiday quizzes from the Internet), pick up a few fun prizes and designate your bossiest (or booziest) friend to play host—it’ll keep them off your back…and off the floor.
Jenga Regular Jenga is fun, but Truth or Dare Jenga is BEYOND. Pass out Sharpies and have guests write truths or dares on each block—it makes the game last a lot longer and a great option for entertaining in a small space where mingling isn’t really an option.
Elfie Your Selfie Everyone wants an excuse to post something to Insta and this pack of fun photo props (above) will give guests an excuse to get snap happy. Bonus: come up with a clever hashtag for your bash and let all your followers see how much fun they’re missing.
Christmas trivia Grab a trivia book (or print out some holiday quizzes from the Internet), pick up a few fun prizes and designate your bossiest (or booziest) friend to play host—it’ll keep them off your back…and off the floor.
Jenga Regular Jenga is fun, but Truth or Dare Jenga is BEYOND. Pass out Sharpies and have guests write truths or dares on each block—it makes the game last a lot longer and a great option for entertaining in a small space where mingling isn’t really an option.
3 of 5
1. Have An Angle
1. Have An Angle
A theme or planned activity not only makes your party stand out in a sea of parties, but it helps anchor the evening so you won’t stress about guests being bored. A few ideas:
Elfie Your Selfie Everyone wants an excuse to post something to Insta and this pack of fun photo props (above) will give guests an excuse to get snap happy. Bonus: come up with a clever hashtag for your bash and let all your followers see how much fun they’re missing.
Christmas trivia Grab a trivia book (or print out some holiday quizzes from the Internet), pick up a few fun prizes and designate your bossiest (or booziest) friend to play host—it’ll keep them off your back…and off the floor.
Jenga Regular Jenga is fun, but Truth or Dare Jenga is BEYOND. Pass out Sharpies and have guests write truths or dares on each block—it makes the game last a lot longer and a great option for entertaining in a small space where mingling isn’t really an option.
Elfie Your Selfie Everyone wants an excuse to post something to Insta and this pack of fun photo props (above) will give guests an excuse to get snap happy. Bonus: come up with a clever hashtag for your bash and let all your followers see how much fun they’re missing.
Christmas trivia Grab a trivia book (or print out some holiday quizzes from the Internet), pick up a few fun prizes and designate your bossiest (or booziest) friend to play host—it’ll keep them off your back…and off the floor.
Jenga Regular Jenga is fun, but Truth or Dare Jenga is BEYOND. Pass out Sharpies and have guests write truths or dares on each block—it makes the game last a lot longer and a great option for entertaining in a small space where mingling isn’t really an option.
2. Be The Mostess Put Together Hostess
2. Be The Mostess Put Together Hostess
Our best party advice? Get yourself together first—everything else can be microwaved, shoved in a closet or covered with a blanket. Check out these beauty hacks to get you party ready in a flash.
Go For The Gold (Dress, That Is) Ditch the top and pants look, which can be lackluster and stressful to coordinate, and instead opt for an easy luxe dress with a metallic vibe. We love this Simply Vera Wang look (above) from Kohl’s: just toss on a pair of black heels and a simple necklace and voila—outfit done!
Press-On Glitter Nails No time for a mani-pedi? NBD thanks to these babies. Tip: add some nail glue to ensure they won’t pop off as you dash around getting the party together. Finding a fake fingernail in the gingerbread is a real party foul.
Almay’s Bestsellers Kit Everything you need for a pre-party makeover. We love the foolproof eye palette and glossy mascara. Just add some bright, festive lip gloss and poof—you’re ready!
A Gilded Headband Don’t waste precious holiday cash on a blow out—rake your locks back into a low bun, secure with hair pins and then throw on one of these luxe headbands. It’s an easy chic look that also keeps hair out of your face when you’re cooking AND kissing under the mistletoe!
Our best party advice? Get yourself together first—everything else can be microwaved, shoved in a closet or covered with a blanket. Check out these beauty hacks to get you party ready in a flash.
Go For The Gold (Dress, That Is) Ditch the top and pants look, which can be lackluster and stressful to coordinate, and instead opt for an easy luxe dress with a metallic vibe. We love this Simply Vera Wang look (above) from Kohl’s: just toss on a pair of black heels and a simple necklace and voila—outfit done!
Press-On Glitter Nails No time for a mani-pedi? NBD thanks to these babies. Tip: add some nail glue to ensure they won’t pop off as you dash around getting the party together. Finding a fake fingernail in the gingerbread is a real party foul.
Almay’s Bestsellers Kit Everything you need for a pre-party makeover. We love the foolproof eye palette and glossy mascara. Just add some bright, festive lip gloss and poof—you’re ready!
A Gilded Headband Don’t waste precious holiday cash on a blow out—rake your locks back into a low bun, secure with hair pins and then throw on one of these luxe headbands. It’s an easy chic look that also keeps hair out of your face when you’re cooking AND kissing under the mistletoe!
4 of 5
1. Have An Angle
1. Have An Angle
A theme or planned activity not only makes your party stand out in a sea of parties, but it helps anchor the evening so you won’t stress about guests being bored. A few ideas:
Elfie Your Selfie Everyone wants an excuse to post something to Insta and this pack of fun photo props (above) will give guests an excuse to get snap happy. Bonus: come up with a clever hashtag for your bash and let all your followers see how much fun they’re missing.
Christmas trivia Grab a trivia book (or print out some holiday quizzes from the Internet), pick up a few fun prizes and designate your bossiest (or booziest) friend to play host—it’ll keep them off your back…and off the floor.
Jenga Regular Jenga is fun, but Truth or Dare Jenga is BEYOND. Pass out Sharpies and have guests write truths or dares on each block—it makes the game last a lot longer and a great option for entertaining in a small space where mingling isn’t really an option.
Elfie Your Selfie Everyone wants an excuse to post something to Insta and this pack of fun photo props (above) will give guests an excuse to get snap happy. Bonus: come up with a clever hashtag for your bash and let all your followers see how much fun they’re missing.
Christmas trivia Grab a trivia book (or print out some holiday quizzes from the Internet), pick up a few fun prizes and designate your bossiest (or booziest) friend to play host—it’ll keep them off your back…and off the floor.
Jenga Regular Jenga is fun, but Truth or Dare Jenga is BEYOND. Pass out Sharpies and have guests write truths or dares on each block—it makes the game last a lot longer and a great option for entertaining in a small space where mingling isn’t really an option.
2. Be The Mostess Put Together Hostess
2. Be The Mostess Put Together Hostess
Our best party advice? Get yourself together first—everything else can be microwaved, shoved in a closet or covered with a blanket. Check out these beauty hacks to get you party ready in a flash.
Go For The Gold (Dress, That Is) Ditch the top and pants look, which can be lackluster and stressful to coordinate, and instead opt for an easy luxe dress with a metallic vibe. We love this Simply Vera Wang look (above) from Kohl’s: just toss on a pair of black heels and a simple necklace and voila—outfit done!
Press-On Glitter Nails No time for a mani-pedi? NBD thanks to these babies. Tip: add some nail glue to ensure they won’t pop off as you dash around getting the party together. Finding a fake fingernail in the gingerbread is a real party foul.
Almay’s Bestsellers Kit Everything you need for a pre-party makeover. We love the foolproof eye palette and glossy mascara. Just add some bright, festive lip gloss and poof—you’re ready!
A Gilded Headband Don’t waste precious holiday cash on a blow out—rake your locks back into a low bun, secure with hair pins and then throw on one of these luxe headbands. It’s an easy chic look that also keeps hair out of your face when you’re cooking AND kissing under the mistletoe!
Our best party advice? Get yourself together first—everything else can be microwaved, shoved in a closet or covered with a blanket. Check out these beauty hacks to get you party ready in a flash.
Go For The Gold (Dress, That Is) Ditch the top and pants look, which can be lackluster and stressful to coordinate, and instead opt for an easy luxe dress with a metallic vibe. We love this Simply Vera Wang look (above) from Kohl’s: just toss on a pair of black heels and a simple necklace and voila—outfit done!
Press-On Glitter Nails No time for a mani-pedi? NBD thanks to these babies. Tip: add some nail glue to ensure they won’t pop off as you dash around getting the party together. Finding a fake fingernail in the gingerbread is a real party foul.
Almay’s Bestsellers Kit Everything you need for a pre-party makeover. We love the foolproof eye palette and glossy mascara. Just add some bright, festive lip gloss and poof—you’re ready!
A Gilded Headband Don’t waste precious holiday cash on a blow out—rake your locks back into a low bun, secure with hair pins and then throw on one of these luxe headbands. It’s an easy chic look that also keeps hair out of your face when you’re cooking AND kissing under the mistletoe!
3. Think Outside The Cocktail Wiener
3. Think Outside The Cocktail Wiener
Klutz in the kitchen? No problem. Don’t try to become Bobby Flay in a day. Instead, choose one of these easy and impressive “showstopper” elements to distract guests from the whateverish cheeseplate and Bagel Bites you threw together. Here are a few easy and impressive eats to make up for the fact that you didn’t exactly spend all day slaving away in the kitchen.
A Chocolate Fountain Once something you could only find at high-end weddings or on cruise ships, this chocolate fountain (above) is available to the masses. What a time to be alive! Get some marshmallows, fruit, and other tasty bites and—very important—wooden skewers and let guests go chocolate crazy. Just don’t station the fountain near a rug or couch. There will be dripping.
Build a Better Bellini Guess what: some elaborate expensive punch gets you just as tipsy and toasty as an easy to make cocktail, so why stress? We’re loving the Midori Sparkle: just add Midori melon liqueur to champagne or Prosecco, garnish with orange peel and serve. Voila! The festive green color will serve as a décor element too!
Chillin By The Fireplace Eatin' Fondue Not just the best lyric from any Bieber song, fondue really is a hit with guests. Let friends feed themselves with this super cute (and affordable!) fondue set. Warning: you may be tempted to call your house a "chalet" as a result.
Klutz in the kitchen? No problem. Don’t try to become Bobby Flay in a day. Instead, choose one of these easy and impressive “showstopper” elements to distract guests from the whateverish cheeseplate and Bagel Bites you threw together. Here are a few easy and impressive eats to make up for the fact that you didn’t exactly spend all day slaving away in the kitchen.
A Chocolate Fountain Once something you could only find at high-end weddings or on cruise ships, this chocolate fountain (above) is available to the masses. What a time to be alive! Get some marshmallows, fruit, and other tasty bites and—very important—wooden skewers and let guests go chocolate crazy. Just don’t station the fountain near a rug or couch. There will be dripping.
Build a Better Bellini Guess what: some elaborate expensive punch gets you just as tipsy and toasty as an easy to make cocktail, so why stress? We’re loving the Midori Sparkle: just add Midori melon liqueur to champagne or Prosecco, garnish with orange peel and serve. Voila! The festive green color will serve as a décor element too!
Chillin By The Fireplace Eatin' Fondue Not just the best lyric from any Bieber song, fondue really is a hit with guests. Let friends feed themselves with this super cute (and affordable!) fondue set. Warning: you may be tempted to call your house a "chalet" as a result.
5 of 5
1. Have An Angle
1. Have An Angle
A theme or planned activity not only makes your party stand out in a sea of parties, but it helps anchor the evening so you won’t stress about guests being bored. A few ideas:
Elfie Your Selfie Everyone wants an excuse to post something to Insta and this pack of fun photo props (above) will give guests an excuse to get snap happy. Bonus: come up with a clever hashtag for your bash and let all your followers see how much fun they’re missing.
Christmas trivia Grab a trivia book (or print out some holiday quizzes from the Internet), pick up a few fun prizes and designate your bossiest (or booziest) friend to play host—it’ll keep them off your back…and off the floor.
Jenga Regular Jenga is fun, but Truth or Dare Jenga is BEYOND. Pass out Sharpies and have guests write truths or dares on each block—it makes the game last a lot longer and a great option for entertaining in a small space where mingling isn’t really an option.
Elfie Your Selfie Everyone wants an excuse to post something to Insta and this pack of fun photo props (above) will give guests an excuse to get snap happy. Bonus: come up with a clever hashtag for your bash and let all your followers see how much fun they’re missing.
Christmas trivia Grab a trivia book (or print out some holiday quizzes from the Internet), pick up a few fun prizes and designate your bossiest (or booziest) friend to play host—it’ll keep them off your back…and off the floor.
Jenga Regular Jenga is fun, but Truth or Dare Jenga is BEYOND. Pass out Sharpies and have guests write truths or dares on each block—it makes the game last a lot longer and a great option for entertaining in a small space where mingling isn’t really an option.
2. Be The Mostess Put Together Hostess
2. Be The Mostess Put Together Hostess
Our best party advice? Get yourself together first—everything else can be microwaved, shoved in a closet or covered with a blanket. Check out these beauty hacks to get you party ready in a flash.
Go For The Gold (Dress, That Is) Ditch the top and pants look, which can be lackluster and stressful to coordinate, and instead opt for an easy luxe dress with a metallic vibe. We love this Simply Vera Wang look (above) from Kohl’s: just toss on a pair of black heels and a simple necklace and voila—outfit done!
Press-On Glitter Nails No time for a mani-pedi? NBD thanks to these babies. Tip: add some nail glue to ensure they won’t pop off as you dash around getting the party together. Finding a fake fingernail in the gingerbread is a real party foul.
Almay’s Bestsellers Kit Everything you need for a pre-party makeover. We love the foolproof eye palette and glossy mascara. Just add some bright, festive lip gloss and poof—you’re ready!
A Gilded Headband Don’t waste precious holiday cash on a blow out—rake your locks back into a low bun, secure with hair pins and then throw on one of these luxe headbands. It’s an easy chic look that also keeps hair out of your face when you’re cooking AND kissing under the mistletoe!
Our best party advice? Get yourself together first—everything else can be microwaved, shoved in a closet or covered with a blanket. Check out these beauty hacks to get you party ready in a flash.
Go For The Gold (Dress, That Is) Ditch the top and pants look, which can be lackluster and stressful to coordinate, and instead opt for an easy luxe dress with a metallic vibe. We love this Simply Vera Wang look (above) from Kohl’s: just toss on a pair of black heels and a simple necklace and voila—outfit done!
Press-On Glitter Nails No time for a mani-pedi? NBD thanks to these babies. Tip: add some nail glue to ensure they won’t pop off as you dash around getting the party together. Finding a fake fingernail in the gingerbread is a real party foul.
Almay’s Bestsellers Kit Everything you need for a pre-party makeover. We love the foolproof eye palette and glossy mascara. Just add some bright, festive lip gloss and poof—you’re ready!
A Gilded Headband Don’t waste precious holiday cash on a blow out—rake your locks back into a low bun, secure with hair pins and then throw on one of these luxe headbands. It’s an easy chic look that also keeps hair out of your face when you’re cooking AND kissing under the mistletoe!
3. Think Outside The Cocktail Wiener
3. Think Outside The Cocktail Wiener
Klutz in the kitchen? No problem. Don’t try to become Bobby Flay in a day. Instead, choose one of these easy and impressive “showstopper” elements to distract guests from the whateverish cheeseplate and Bagel Bites you threw together. Here are a few easy and impressive eats to make up for the fact that you didn’t exactly spend all day slaving away in the kitchen.
A Chocolate Fountain Once something you could only find at high-end weddings or on cruise ships, this chocolate fountain (above) is available to the masses. What a time to be alive! Get some marshmallows, fruit, and other tasty bites and—very important—wooden skewers and let guests go chocolate crazy. Just don’t station the fountain near a rug or couch. There will be dripping.
Build a Better Bellini Guess what: some elaborate expensive punch gets you just as tipsy and toasty as an easy to make cocktail, so why stress? We’re loving the Midori Sparkle: just add Midori melon liqueur to champagne or Prosecco, garnish with orange peel and serve. Voila! The festive green color will serve as a décor element too!
Chillin By The Fireplace Eatin' Fondue Not just the best lyric from any Bieber song, fondue really is a hit with guests. Let friends feed themselves with this super cute (and affordable!) fondue set. Warning: you may be tempted to call your house a "chalet" as a result.
Klutz in the kitchen? No problem. Don’t try to become Bobby Flay in a day. Instead, choose one of these easy and impressive “showstopper” elements to distract guests from the whateverish cheeseplate and Bagel Bites you threw together. Here are a few easy and impressive eats to make up for the fact that you didn’t exactly spend all day slaving away in the kitchen.
A Chocolate Fountain Once something you could only find at high-end weddings or on cruise ships, this chocolate fountain (above) is available to the masses. What a time to be alive! Get some marshmallows, fruit, and other tasty bites and—very important—wooden skewers and let guests go chocolate crazy. Just don’t station the fountain near a rug or couch. There will be dripping.
Build a Better Bellini Guess what: some elaborate expensive punch gets you just as tipsy and toasty as an easy to make cocktail, so why stress? We’re loving the Midori Sparkle: just add Midori melon liqueur to champagne or Prosecco, garnish with orange peel and serve. Voila! The festive green color will serve as a décor element too!
Chillin By The Fireplace Eatin' Fondue Not just the best lyric from any Bieber song, fondue really is a hit with guests. Let friends feed themselves with this super cute (and affordable!) fondue set. Warning: you may be tempted to call your house a "chalet" as a result.
4. Get Nifty With Your Gifties
4. Get Nifty With Your Gifties
Whether you need something for a gift swap or a prize for an ugly sweater contest, these items go beyond your run-of-the-mill scented candle (boring!) and will be sure to impress.
Le St-Germain Mini Apertif Set For just $17.99 you get a 200mL bottle of St-Germain and a mini carafe, making it a super cute addition (above) to anyone’s bar cart, especially when paired with a bottle of bubbly!
An Out-There Ornament Tinsel, schminsel. These luxe Jay Strongwater ornaments are THE must-have accessories for your Douglas Fir. But at $100+ a pop, just make sure the recipient has earned their place on your “nice” list.
A Custom Creation Want to make a present personal but don't have hours for a DIY "crafternoon"? Check out Shutterfly’s collection of customizable holiday items. Put photos, inside jokes, wedding vows or designs on anything from stockings to ornaments to wine glasses to pillows and more.
Festive Flash Tattoos Not just for Coachella! We’re loving these fun seasonal temporary tats for just $6.50.
Whether you need something for a gift swap or a prize for an ugly sweater contest, these items go beyond your run-of-the-mill scented candle (boring!) and will be sure to impress.
Le St-Germain Mini Apertif Set For just $17.99 you get a 200mL bottle of St-Germain and a mini carafe, making it a super cute addition (above) to anyone’s bar cart, especially when paired with a bottle of bubbly!
An Out-There Ornament Tinsel, schminsel. These luxe Jay Strongwater ornaments are THE must-have accessories for your Douglas Fir. But at $100+ a pop, just make sure the recipient has earned their place on your “nice” list.
A Custom Creation Want to make a present personal but don't have hours for a DIY "crafternoon"? Check out Shutterfly’s collection of customizable holiday items. Put photos, inside jokes, wedding vows or designs on anything from stockings to ornaments to wine glasses to pillows and more.
Festive Flash Tattoos Not just for Coachella! We’re loving these fun seasonal temporary tats for just $6.50.
1. Have An Angle
1. Have An Angle
A theme or planned activity not only makes your party stand out in a sea of parties, but it helps anchor the evening so you won’t stress about guests being bored. A few ideas:
Elfie Your Selfie Everyone wants an excuse to post something to Insta and this pack of fun photo props (above) will give guests an excuse to get snap happy. Bonus: come up with a clever hashtag for your bash and let all your followers see how much fun they’re missing.
Christmas trivia Grab a trivia book (or print out some holiday quizzes from the Internet), pick up a few fun prizes and designate your bossiest (or booziest) friend to play host—it’ll keep them off your back…and off the floor.
Jenga Regular Jenga is fun, but Truth or Dare Jenga is BEYOND. Pass out Sharpies and have guests write truths or dares on each block—it makes the game last a lot longer and a great option for entertaining in a small space where mingling isn’t really an option.
Elfie Your Selfie Everyone wants an excuse to post something to Insta and this pack of fun photo props (above) will give guests an excuse to get snap happy. Bonus: come up with a clever hashtag for your bash and let all your followers see how much fun they’re missing.
Christmas trivia Grab a trivia book (or print out some holiday quizzes from the Internet), pick up a few fun prizes and designate your bossiest (or booziest) friend to play host—it’ll keep them off your back…and off the floor.
Jenga Regular Jenga is fun, but Truth or Dare Jenga is BEYOND. Pass out Sharpies and have guests write truths or dares on each block—it makes the game last a lot longer and a great option for entertaining in a small space where mingling isn’t really an option.
2. Be The Mostess Put Together Hostess
2. Be The Mostess Put Together Hostess
Our best party advice? Get yourself together first—everything else can be microwaved, shoved in a closet or covered with a blanket. Check out these beauty hacks to get you party ready in a flash.
Go For The Gold (Dress, That Is) Ditch the top and pants look, which can be lackluster and stressful to coordinate, and instead opt for an easy luxe dress with a metallic vibe. We love this Simply Vera Wang look (above) from Kohl’s: just toss on a pair of black heels and a simple necklace and voila—outfit done!
Press-On Glitter Nails No time for a mani-pedi? NBD thanks to these babies. Tip: add some nail glue to ensure they won’t pop off as you dash around getting the party together. Finding a fake fingernail in the gingerbread is a real party foul.
Almay’s Bestsellers Kit Everything you need for a pre-party makeover. We love the foolproof eye palette and glossy mascara. Just add some bright, festive lip gloss and poof—you’re ready!
A Gilded Headband Don’t waste precious holiday cash on a blow out—rake your locks back into a low bun, secure with hair pins and then throw on one of these luxe headbands. It’s an easy chic look that also keeps hair out of your face when you’re cooking AND kissing under the mistletoe!
Our best party advice? Get yourself together first—everything else can be microwaved, shoved in a closet or covered with a blanket. Check out these beauty hacks to get you party ready in a flash.
Go For The Gold (Dress, That Is) Ditch the top and pants look, which can be lackluster and stressful to coordinate, and instead opt for an easy luxe dress with a metallic vibe. We love this Simply Vera Wang look (above) from Kohl’s: just toss on a pair of black heels and a simple necklace and voila—outfit done!
Press-On Glitter Nails No time for a mani-pedi? NBD thanks to these babies. Tip: add some nail glue to ensure they won’t pop off as you dash around getting the party together. Finding a fake fingernail in the gingerbread is a real party foul.
Almay’s Bestsellers Kit Everything you need for a pre-party makeover. We love the foolproof eye palette and glossy mascara. Just add some bright, festive lip gloss and poof—you’re ready!
A Gilded Headband Don’t waste precious holiday cash on a blow out—rake your locks back into a low bun, secure with hair pins and then throw on one of these luxe headbands. It’s an easy chic look that also keeps hair out of your face when you’re cooking AND kissing under the mistletoe!
3. Think Outside The Cocktail Wiener
3. Think Outside The Cocktail Wiener
Klutz in the kitchen? No problem. Don’t try to become Bobby Flay in a day. Instead, choose one of these easy and impressive “showstopper” elements to distract guests from the whateverish cheeseplate and Bagel Bites you threw together. Here are a few easy and impressive eats to make up for the fact that you didn’t exactly spend all day slaving away in the kitchen.
A Chocolate Fountain Once something you could only find at high-end weddings or on cruise ships, this chocolate fountain (above) is available to the masses. What a time to be alive! Get some marshmallows, fruit, and other tasty bites and—very important—wooden skewers and let guests go chocolate crazy. Just don’t station the fountain near a rug or couch. There will be dripping.
Build a Better Bellini Guess what: some elaborate expensive punch gets you just as tipsy and toasty as an easy to make cocktail, so why stress? We’re loving the Midori Sparkle: just add Midori melon liqueur to champagne or Prosecco, garnish with orange peel and serve. Voila! The festive green color will serve as a décor element too!
Chillin By The Fireplace Eatin' Fondue Not just the best lyric from any Bieber song, fondue really is a hit with guests. Let friends feed themselves with this super cute (and affordable!) fondue set. Warning: you may be tempted to call your house a "chalet" as a result.
Klutz in the kitchen? No problem. Don’t try to become Bobby Flay in a day. Instead, choose one of these easy and impressive “showstopper” elements to distract guests from the whateverish cheeseplate and Bagel Bites you threw together. Here are a few easy and impressive eats to make up for the fact that you didn’t exactly spend all day slaving away in the kitchen.
A Chocolate Fountain Once something you could only find at high-end weddings or on cruise ships, this chocolate fountain (above) is available to the masses. What a time to be alive! Get some marshmallows, fruit, and other tasty bites and—very important—wooden skewers and let guests go chocolate crazy. Just don’t station the fountain near a rug or couch. There will be dripping.
Build a Better Bellini Guess what: some elaborate expensive punch gets you just as tipsy and toasty as an easy to make cocktail, so why stress? We’re loving the Midori Sparkle: just add Midori melon liqueur to champagne or Prosecco, garnish with orange peel and serve. Voila! The festive green color will serve as a décor element too!
Chillin By The Fireplace Eatin' Fondue Not just the best lyric from any Bieber song, fondue really is a hit with guests. Let friends feed themselves with this super cute (and affordable!) fondue set. Warning: you may be tempted to call your house a "chalet" as a result.
4. Get Nifty With Your Gifties
4. Get Nifty With Your Gifties
Whether you need something for a gift swap or a prize for an ugly sweater contest, these items go beyond your run-of-the-mill scented candle (boring!) and will be sure to impress.
Le St-Germain Mini Apertif Set For just $17.99 you get a 200mL bottle of St-Germain and a mini carafe, making it a super cute addition (above) to anyone’s bar cart, especially when paired with a bottle of bubbly!
An Out-There Ornament Tinsel, schminsel. These luxe Jay Strongwater ornaments are THE must-have accessories for your Douglas Fir. But at $100+ a pop, just make sure the recipient has earned their place on your “nice” list.
A Custom Creation Want to make a present personal but don't have hours for a DIY "crafternoon"? Check out Shutterfly’s collection of customizable holiday items. Put photos, inside jokes, wedding vows or designs on anything from stockings to ornaments to wine glasses to pillows and more.
Festive Flash Tattoos Not just for Coachella! We’re loving these fun seasonal temporary tats for just $6.50.
Whether you need something for a gift swap or a prize for an ugly sweater contest, these items go beyond your run-of-the-mill scented candle (boring!) and will be sure to impress.
Le St-Germain Mini Apertif Set For just $17.99 you get a 200mL bottle of St-Germain and a mini carafe, making it a super cute addition (above) to anyone’s bar cart, especially when paired with a bottle of bubbly!
An Out-There Ornament Tinsel, schminsel. These luxe Jay Strongwater ornaments are THE must-have accessories for your Douglas Fir. But at $100+ a pop, just make sure the recipient has earned their place on your “nice” list.
A Custom Creation Want to make a present personal but don't have hours for a DIY "crafternoon"? Check out Shutterfly’s collection of customizable holiday items. Put photos, inside jokes, wedding vows or designs on anything from stockings to ornaments to wine glasses to pillows and more.
Festive Flash Tattoos Not just for Coachella! We’re loving these fun seasonal temporary tats for just $6.50.
