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The Twelve Days of Christmas, by Laurel Long, on Amazon

CHRISTMAS PARTY ACTIVITY:

Martha Stewart Cake Stencils, on Amazon

Invite local friends and family members over (long after their morning gift-opening time) for brunch. Keep it stress-and-obligation free. This is a great party for people who aren't traveling to visit relatives and don't want to be "alone on Christmas" but need downtime too. They can come to your brunch, go home and relax in front of their fireplaces. Serve a hearty festive brunch, encouraging people to eat comfortably on your couches rather than sitting formally at your dining table.

CHRISTMAS PARTY DECORATIONS:

Golden Tree Placecard Holders, from Pier 1 Imports

Jolly Holiday Salt and Pepper Shakers, from Pier 1

Jolly Dinner Plate, from Crate and Barrel

Partridge Dish Towel, from Crate and Barrel

Partridge Pillow, from Crate and Barrel

CHRISTMAS PARTY MUSIC:

Joy to the World, by Bing Crosby, on YouTube

Joy to the World, by Whitney Houston, on YouTube

The First Noel, by Frank Sinatra, on YouTube

Buy Sarah McLachlan's "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" MP3 on Amazon

Buy Johnny Cash's "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" MP3 on Amazon

Buy "Carol of the Bells" MP3 by Celtic Woman, on Amazon

CHRISTMAS PARTY APPETIZERS:

Pear Cranberry Muffins Recipe, from Hungry Girl Por Vida

Cranberry Orange Cinnamon Rolls Recipe, from Annie's Eats

CHRISTMAS PARTY BEVERAGES:

Blood Orange Mimosas Recipe, from Gourmet Magazine

Mistletoe Mojito, from The Hip Stir

Serve hot, strong coffee flavored with seasonal tastes such as these from Amoretti: Chai, Cinnamon, Eggnog, Gingerbread, Nutmeg, and Pumpkin Spice.

CHRISTMAS PARTY ENTREES:

Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe, from Dashing Dish

Eggnog Waffles Recipe, from Cake and Allie

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Breakfast (Baking for the Boys)

Holiday Syrup, from Crate and Barrel

CHRISTMAS PARTY DESSERTS:

White Christmas Pie Recipe, from What Will We Do Today?

Citrus Gingerbread Trees Recipe, from Hungry Girl Por Vida

BOOKS FOR PARTY PLANNING:

I'm Dreaming of a Chocolate Christmas, on Amazon