Celebrate good friends with a Favorite Things party. This was my first year to have this party and I will definitely be doing one again, it was so fun. I love being able to get dear friends together to catch up, and enjoy each other during the busy, hectic holidays. Read more to see how I put this fun party together.

 

For the main part of the party, I had all my friends bring a total of 7 (there were 8 of us including me) of one of their favorite things wrapped. Then each person would be going home with 7 different items. We got things like, beauty masks, foot care, friendship bracelets, advent calendars, baked goods, candles and more. It was so fun to see what everyone’s favorite thing was. We got to know a lot about each other and find new products to try out.

 

Theme

Whenever I plan a party, I like to start with a theme and color scheme. It helps me to coordinate all the decor and food set up. I decided to go off a line in the song “brown paper packages tied up with string” So I kept it neutral and cozy, yet festive. This year I wanted it to be very casual and comfortable to everyone.

 

 

 

Invitations

I’m kind of old fashioned and still love to send a fun invitation. I just make a little label for the front of a brown bag, found in the scrapbook section of Hobby Lobby. Then, ties some string around it. I made another tag to slip inside with all the party details and mailed them in brown envelopes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Party Favors

I always love to send my guests home with a little gift. This year I made some lavender mint bath salts and placed them in a coordinating brown bag. I made a label that said “take time to soak up the season”. A quick homemade item is very cost effective and makes your guest feel extra special.

 

 

 

Food/Cocktails

I wanted the food to be simple and set up to graze and leisurely enjoy. So, I created these super cute “ornamnetini” cocktails and they were a big hit. To create this look I used inexpensive clear ornaments, made the cocktail in a shaker and placed them in a martini glass with some sugared cranberries and a sprig of rosemary. You can add any type of cocktail you want. This drink had vodka, cranberry/elderberry cocktail juice, some triple sec and a splash of orange juice.

 

 

I made all the appetizers in little individual serving sizes and it was such a fun way to set up appetizers snacks.

Here’s a list of the food I served:

• Shrimp Decor
• Vegi cups
• Caprese cups
• Charcuterie Jars
• Chocolate Mint Mousse
• Brie bread wreath

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table Decor

For the table I layered 3 cozy table runners of cable knit and fur. Then added warm wood accents, greenery and candles for ambiance. I varied the heights with boards, trees, cake plate stands etc. Neutral plates and festive napkins added more character to the look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had the best time and it was so good to get together and share lots of laughs and get caught up. When throwing a party, plan ahead and prepare early so that the day of and during the party, you can also enjoy the moments. Make it easy and low key so guests feel comfortable and can relax as well. Use disposable items to cut back on the clean up and create an easy layout on the table for easy access.

 

For more Christmas table inspiration you can check out these posts How To Create A Casual And Beautiful Christmas Tablescape,

Ideas To Create A Festive Christmas Table, 6 Christmas Table Setting Ideas 

 

Happy Entertaining