How To Host A Christmas Gift Wrapping Party

When to Host

This is entirely subjective, but since this is a low stakes party you can hold it on a weekday evening with little stress. You can also have it a little later in December so everyone has time to shop. In general I suggest any time between the second and third week of December.

How To Host

You’ll need to think about logistics, and invite only as many people as you can comfortable fit. That’s because this gathering takes up space! When we did it, everyone sat on the floor so they could spread out and have all their supplies close.

I suggest 2 to 3 hours for this party. That gives you time for welcoming guests, mingling, having snacks, and wrapping gifts. Make sure you put a start time and end time in the invitation so guests know what to expect.

It may seem obvious, but make sure guests know this is about having fun and wrapping a handful of presents. You don’t want anyone lugging in an oversized item that’s going to take up too much space or time, or bringing their entire gift stash.

Supplies

When it comes to supplies, you can either provide all the wrapping paper, ribbon, and gift tags, or you can let guests contribute to a community pile. For our party, everyone brought their own supplies and it worked out well. If anyone wants to swap or share wrapping paper they can.

Whichever route you take, you should definitely have guests bring their own scissors and tape. Here’s a break down of the supply list and what I recommend.

Setting The Scene

If you have space where people can use tables, that’s great. You can set up folding tables, use the dining room table, or kitchen table. Otherwise, a clean, uncluttered floor should be just fine.

Incorporate The 5 Senses

1. Sight. Of course you’ll want to start by decorating the house. At the very least that involves putting up the Christmas tree.
2. Smell. If you’re like me and have an artificial tree, you definitely want to incorporate some Christmas scents. Light some pine scented candles, put on a pot of simmering potpourri, or hang Scentsicles sticks on the tree. They hang from the branches like ornaments and practically disappear while they give off holiday scents. 
3. Sound. Another no-brainer to set the scene is to play Christmas music. Turn the volume low so it doesn’t overwhelm conversations.
4. Touch. If you’re sitting on the floor, make sure to have comfy cushions or throws to sit on. Faux fur, cable knit, and other plush fabrics are ideal to curl up and feel cozy.
5. Taste. Serve appetizers, simple desserts, and holiday themed drinks. See the menu I like to incorporate, below. 

What To Serve

No party is complete without some food and drinks to snack on. Appetizers are my go-to solution and you can serve more or less depending on the time of day you’re hosting.

At a minimum I serve one snackable or nibble, one dip, one finger food, and always a vegetable tray. This light menu works for an afternoon event or an evening after work.

• These sweet and spicy pecans have been a hit at parties since 2007. Make them a couple of days ahead and store in an airtight container. The recipe makes plenty for a crowd or multiple gatherings.
• My easy baked spinach and artichoke dip is another tried and true recipe. Guests always comment on how different it is from your typical spinach dip. It’s rich and flavorful!
• For my finger food option, charcuterie skewers not only taste amazing, but the skewer makes them easy to eat. Placing them in a circle around a dip bowl makes a festive holiday “wreath” display.
• To round out the menu I always include a vegetable platter. It’s fresh and fits in with any diet restrictions. Just as with the skewers, place the veggies in a circle to create a wreath.

Drinks

Drinks should be simple and festive. I love to make an easy punch such as 3-ingredient champagne punch or a similar non-alcohol sparkling fruit punch.

And of course, eggnog punch is a MUST to pair with the desserts. For an even quicker solution, just pour eggnog into a pitcher or decanter, set on a tray with Cool Whip and glasses, and let guests serve themselves.

Desserts

Keep the sweets simple too, by serving finger food treats. That means you can pick them up with one hand and keep on moving. This homemade Ritz cracker toffee is incredible, and I serve it year after year. Round out the table with something store bought, such as mochi, or donut holes displayed in the shape of a Christmas tree.

Gift Wrapping Ideas

I’ve said a million times that I love gifts that can be consumed. That way no one has to find a home for it. As my grandmother used to say, “I don’t want anything that can collect dust.”

Here’s a great gift idea for you to give to a friend, neighbor, or as a hostess gift. It starts with a wooden box with a slide lid. You can do a search online to find the size you need. They’re so chic and reusable!

1. Fill the box with shredded paper filler or excelsior then add some of your favorite things.
2. Candles are a popular gift for the holiday, as well as decorative mugs, or a bottle of Prosecco.
3. Add a small box of seasonal chocolates or salted caramels. If you want to make it homemade, these Christmas Oreo balls are perfect.

HOSTESS TIP: Add clippings of greenery and evergreen branches so guests can tuck some under the bow of their wrapped gift.

Have fun planning a wrapping party and creating gifts with these great ideas.