Invite six or seven ladies over for a fun festive girls' Christmas cocktail party. Put on a couple fun holiday movies in the background, but keep the sound on low so your guests can still enjoy talking to each other.
Invite five to seven adult friends over for an evening of holiday baking and cupcake decorating. Send every guest home with at least two dozen decorated cupcakes they can use to gift or share or serve at their own holiday parties. Buy several inexpensive boxed cake and frosting mixes, have the cupcakes baked already and ready to go. Set out bowls full of decorations, dragees, frosting pens, gels, tips and sprinkles. Serve guests a light meal and tempting snacks. Bring out a non-cupcake dessert at the end of the evening.
Invite five or six adult friends over to help you decorate your Christmas tree. Set out big bowls of your ornaments and garlands for them to choose from. Reserve the star or your tree topper for yourself or your spouse/partner to put on the tree at the very end. Serve your guests snacks and appetizers to nibble on as they work; then serve dessert after the tree is finished. Skip a fancy sit down meal as this is a weeknight party.
Invite five or six craft loving women to your home to work on individual craft projects with cheerful, inspiring company. Serve finger food appetizers and desserts, but not a sit down meal. Spread craft supplies (paper, pens, glue, stickers, felt, glitter, tape, etc.) out on your dining table, and encourage people to bring their current holiday projects.
At the end of the evening, serve dessert, and photograph guests holding up the lovely things they've created.
Bling Bling Christmas Button Tree (Oopsey Daisy Blog)
DIY Pompom Pine Cones (My Blessed Life)
Homemade Hand Warmers (V and Co)