Three DIYs to Make Your Holiday Party Stand Out

Merry music, gift giving, quality time spent...and festive parties. The holidays are a time to reflect on the joys of the year, but to also make new memories heading into a new one. Make your yuletide celebration one to remember with a few easy tips to kick it up to 11.

Folks do pay attention to the look of party invitations, so it’s worth the time to get creative. There are a few options to explore, too.

Have some tech skills? Design and send out your invitations via email. Online tools like Canva and Green Envelope provide low- or no-cost templates that can easily be sent to your desired guests. Better still, craft a simple website with the essential event details and a bit of design flair for a visually-appealing and convenient invitation/RSVP format. Does your holiday party have a theme (ugly sweaters, cookie swap, etc.)? Be sure to weave these elements into your message and the visual elements of your invite.

So design isn’t really your thing. That’s OK, because handmade party invitations are more memorable because of how personal they are. If you’re more ambitious, consider marrying multiple elements and textures to create an artistic invitation in holiday shapes and characters, like Santa or a snowglobe. Simpler, yet just as effective ideas might incorporate custom candy wrappers with party details or touches of sequins and glitter to printed invites.

In addition to good food and drink, people like nothing more than to pose with their friends for holiday photos. Holiday festivities are some of the best opportunities to make memories with the ones you love, after all, and photos capture those moments.

A homemade photo booth can be as simple or elaborate as you want. Consider decorating a cardboard booth structure with the usual holiday faire, or opt for an open photo wall instead. In any case, decide on a design theme and get to work by drawing, painting, gluing and constructing the backdrop for the pictures. Have a digital SLR camera with a timer function? Cameras like these provide high quality images and allow your friends to take hands-free photos. If this tech isn’t in your arsenal, simply invite guests to your photo booth to take selfies with their phones.

Guests will surely engage more fully during their photo shoots when props are involved. Simple, all-season options include sunglasses and costume jewelry, scarves and chalkboards for guests to write custom messages. The magic really happens with themed items, however. Holiday photo props might include a fake lump of coal, a sprig of mistletoe for couples, Santa hats or reindeer antlers. Check out local craft stores for supplies and inspiration, and consider visiting a thrift shop or two.

While certainly not required for a successful holiday party, people always like free stuff. Fun party favors might just put your event over the top.

What flavors scream “holiday season” other than homemade goodies? While time-consuming, there’s something special about sweets made from scratch. If you’re an ace in the kitchen, consider baking up a few extra batches of holiday cookies to box up for your friends. They’ll get to enjoy something special, and might even ask for a recipe or two later. Less complex but equally-delicious treats might include creatively-packaged candies or chocolate-dipped spoons for cocoa.

Why not present your party guests with a lasting memento from your holiday party? Options like handmade ornaments are both beautiful and useful for decorating, and they can be as simple or ornate as you’d like. For a more holiday-generic option, head to the craft store and grab some drinkware. Reusable cups, mugs and wine glasses are easy to customize (or have customized) with a special message.

From invitations to party favors, it can be hard work but lots of fun to host a holiday party. But no one says you have to have the event at home! Bring all of the trimmings and treats to Zone 28 for a party to remember. Our experienced team of party planners will work with you to follow your custom theme, help with the decorations and take care of the catering. Focus on being a stellar host, we’ll handle the rest. See you in the Zone.