31 Days of Christmas Parties: Christmas Party #4: Christmas Movie Party #1

The Original Christmas Classics DVD, on Amazon

CHRISTMAS PARTY ACTIVITY:

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation DVD, just $7.99 on Amazon

Invite friends over for a casual relaxed evening of festive Christmas movie viewing. Everyone can lounge, enjoy snacks and beverages, and get into the holiday spirit.

Plan to show two movies. Begin the party early enough in the evening to allow time for two feature films, as well as a half hour at the start of the party for socializing, and a half hour intermission between.

Wilton Snowflake Baking Cups, on Amazon

To make the party run more smoothly, announce the movies ahead of time. That way you and your guests don't sit around wasting time debating which movie to show. Guests should feel free to drop by for the movie they prefer to see, and leave if they aren't interested in the second film.

CHRISTMAS MOVIE PARTY DECORATIONS:

Airblown Inflatable Bumble, Santa and Rudolph, on Amazon

Rudolph Wreath, on Etsy

Funko "Rudolph" Plushie, on Amazon

Tree Candle, from Crate and Barrel

CHRISTMAS MOVIES:

A Charlie Brown Christmas DVD, on Amazon

Show holiday comedies for adults (such as Four Christmases, Love, Actually, Fred Claus, and Deck the Halls.

If guests are bringing their kids, present more family friendly fare, including Home Alone, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and The Santa Clause.

Or you could go way traditional, showing It's a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street.

CHRISTMAS MOVIE PARTY COSTUMES:

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Light-Up Costume, on Amazon

Buddy the Elf Movie Costume, on Amazon

A Christmas Story Leg Lamp Costume, on Amazon

Perhaps some of your guests might like to dress up festively and arrive at your party in costume - inspired by one of the movies you'll be showing tonight, for example. Or perhaps you're throwing a more-elegant, less-silly type of soiree!

CHRISTMAS MOVIE PARTY APPETIZERS:

Gouda Cheese Logs Recipe, from Betty Crocker

Cranberry Pear Salsa Recipe, from How Sweet it Is

Christmas Chocolate Pretzel Rods, from Kitchen Fun With My Three Sons

Caramelized Onion Spread, from Cooking Light

Pistachio and Pine Nut Brittle, from Cooking Light

Serve finger foods, snacks, and things that are easy to eat. No need for entrees or a sit down dinner for this casual movie viewing night.

CHRISTMAS MOVIE PARTY BEVERAGES:

Boozy Apple Pie Milkshake Recipe, from Apartment Therapy

Sleigh Ride Cocktail Recipe, from Spiced Blog

Peppermint Martini Recipe, from Every College Girl

Poinsettia Cocktail, from Urban Gastronomy

Serve a nice mix of hot or cold options, alcoholic and non alcoholic. Eggnog would be festive, as well as some fun, colorful cocktails embellished with sparkling sugar.