Christmas Party Ideas for Adults: Drinks, Appetizers and Table Ideas
A Christmas party for adults does not need a full sit down dinner to feel special. Festive drinks, a table of pretty individual appetizers and one fun station are enough to make guests feel like they are at a holiday event, not just a get together. These ideas are easy to set up ahead of time so you can actually enjoy your own party.
How do you host a Christmas party for adults?
Plan around three things: something to drink, something to eat while standing and something to do. A cocktail style party with passed or self serve appetizers lets people mingle instead of being stuck in one seat. Choose a simple color story, like gold and white, red and green, or silver and blush, and repeat it in your cups, napkins and serving pieces so the whole space feels pulled together.
What drinks should you serve at a Christmas party?
Drinks are where a holiday party can really shine. Acrylic ornament drink cups look like Christmas ornaments and turn any cocktail, punch or hot chocolate into a conversation piece. The ornament ball drink glasses are another option that guests love to photograph.
For a toast, line up plastic champagne flutes on a tray so they are ready to pour. Acrylic champagne glasses with swizzle sticks and champagne glasses with paper cones make it easy to serve a signature drink with a festive finish. A cranberry spritz, a pomegranate mimosa or a classic eggnog all look beautiful in clear glasses.
What are easy appetizers for a Christmas party?
Individual appetizers are the easiest way to feed a crowd without a buffet line. Shrimp cocktail is a holiday classic, and serving it in shrimp cocktail glasses makes it look like a catered event. For more ways to style it, see our shrimp cocktail presentation ideas.
Charcuterie coupe glasses with gold pearl toothpicks are perfect for a few cubes of cheese, salami, olives and grapes. Acrylic appetizer cups with mini forks work for caprese salad, pasta salad or a mini Caesar. Finish caprese skewers, meatballs and cheese bites with fancy toothpicks so even simple food looks dressed up. Browse more options in our appetizer sets.
How many appetizers do you need per guest?
If appetizers are the whole menu, plan on roughly ten to twelve bites per person for a party of a few hours. If you are also serving dinner, four to six bites per person is usually enough. Our guide on how many charcuterie cups you need walks through the math for different party sizes.
What is a fun station for a Christmas party?
A self serve station gives guests something to do and makes great photos. A hot cocoa station with marshmallows, crushed peppermint and whipped cream is cozy and works for every age. For a brunch style holiday party, a mimosa bar with a few juices and fresh fruit is easy to set up. If you want a more hands on activity, a DIY perfume bar lets guests make a custom scent to take home, which doubles as a gift.
What are good Christmas party favors for adults?
Adults appreciate favors they will actually use. Mini honey jars are a sweet, practical favor that look lovely on each place setting. A small box of cookies or chocolates in your party colors is always welcome too. If your party runs into the new year, a few disco balls on the table transition the decor from Christmas to New Year's Eve, and our New Year's Eve disco party ideas can take it from there.
Christmas party checklist
- Ornament drink cups or glasses for a signature cocktail
- Champagne flutes for a toast
- Shrimp cocktail glasses and charcuterie coupe glasses
- Appetizer cups with mini forks
- Fancy toothpicks for skewers and bites
- A hot cocoa or mimosa station
- Small favors like mini honey jars
- Napkins and serving trays in your party colors
Frequently asked questions
What can I make ahead for a Christmas party?
Charcuterie cups, pasta salad cups and dessert cups can all be assembled the morning of the party and kept covered in the fridge. Add crackers and anything crunchy right before guests arrive.
How do I make a small Christmas party feel festive?
Focus on the drinks and one beautiful table. Ornament cups, a single garland and candlelight go a long way in a small space.
When should I order holiday party supplies?
Order at least two to three weeks before your party, and earlier in December when demand is highest.
See all of our holiday pieces in the holiday and Christmas party collection.
