Tips on How to Host a Kid’s Christmas Party

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It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year

Feeling all the Christmas feels this year, I decided to host a Christmas party at Come Away Cabin for the little people in my life. My party short-cuts will save you time and money.

Creating a festive backdrop for photos was one of the best things I did. Ask a mom-friend already attending the party to help capture photos or source a local photographer.

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Frozen Hot Chocolate Bar

Frozen hot chocolate is easy to make but ordering a large, chocolate milkshake from your local Sonic is even easier. Less than $5.00 and no blending required!

One large milkshake served seven kids. Divide into cups with lids and store in freezer until 20 minutes prior to serving. Reddi-whip, colored sugar sprinkles and the smaller marshmallows from the grocery store were the biggest hit.

Click images for purchase links.

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Kid-Friendly Table Decor

This candy stripe paper runner from Hester & Cook was the perfect anchor for a whimsical tablescape but better than that, it made clean-up a breeze!

Hester & Cook
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Fun & Games

The kids had so much fun waiting and watching for the popcorn to pop. This vintage-inspired maker from Cuisinart adds an extra special touch to any kid’s party.

Popcorn Maker

While I appreciated having store-bought Santa cards at the party, there are plenty of printable downloads available for free on the internet including this one from Momdot: DEAR SANTA LETTER TEMPLATE.

And remember, kids create their own fun so having a kid-friendly craft planned is great but they just might have more fun watching popcorn pop or trying to guess the code to your storage closet’s keypad lock!

Setting The Thanksgiving Table - Pottery Barn or Dollar Tree?

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Pottery Barn and Dollar Tree aren’t friends yet somehow, they’re getting along just fine at my Thanksgiving table. I break it all down below…

Linens

Tablecloth - I love a beautiful, bare wood table but for Thanksgiving and Christmas, I tend to use a neutral-colored tablecloth with a hint of sparkle. I bought this one at HomeGoods for under $20.

Table Runner - I splurged a little on this beautiful table runner from Pottery Barn but it’s so versatile, it can be used time and time again and right now, it’s on sale!

https://www.potterybarn.com/products/metallic-jute-table-runner/?pkey=s%7Cmetallic%20jute%7C20

Napkins - Black and green napkins from Hobby Lobby that also work for Christmas! $1.50!

https://www.hobbylobby.com/Christmas/Kitchen-Dining/Table-Linens-Accessories/Green-Black-Plaid-Cloth-Napkin/p/80952573

Placesetting

Plates - It’s still hard for me to believe the dinner plates I chose for my holiday table came from Dollar Tree but gold-rimmed plates for $1? You literally cannot beat it. I recommend going to the store to purchase directly but you can order online. If you go the online route, you may have to pay shipping and be required to order a quantity of 12. Even then, it’s still a steal!

https://www.dollartree.com/gold-rimmed-white-stoneware-dinner-plates-105-in/207036

Chargers - Dollar Tree scores again. It’s true, I bought these faux wood chargers at the Dollar Tree. I had to buy the case of 24 but I decided, I’ve spent way more for way less. Split the cost with a friend who shares your enthusiasm for tablescapes.

https://www.dollartree.com/gold-faux-wood-plastic-charger-plates-13-in/280601

Flatware - I borrowed my sister’s gold flatware for the photo but I highly recommend the matte champagne silverware service for 4 I found on Amazon. It costs 75% less than it would for comparable flatware. I bought it and love it!

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T667MC7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Drinkware - Vintage colored glasses are all the rage. I found these Amethyst goblets on Amazon.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KWR9FF3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Placecard Holders - On sale at Pottery Barn!

https://www.potterybarn.com/products/gold-turkey-place-card-holder-set-of-4/?_br_psugg_q=gold+turkey

Centerpiece

Floral arrangements - Do what is easy for you! I went a little more elaborate this year but normally, I pick up roses, cut them down to size and stick them in a vase and surround it with some seeded eucalyptus.

https://www.westelm.com/products/prism-mercury-vases-d4853/?_br_psugg_q=gold+mercury+glass

Candles - Any tapers will do! I found these mercury glass-like taper candles that glow in silver and gold at World Market.

https://www.worldmarket.com/product/silver-and-gold-mercury-taper-candles-set-of-2.do?_br_psugg_q=mercury+taper+candles

Candle Holders - Two equal height metal candle holders.

I’d love to see your holiday table come together! Send me a photo by connecting with me on instagram @tammiweed. Happy Thanksgiving!

Toast Your Host - 5 Gift Ideas To Bring To Your Next Holiday Party

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Going empty-handed to a holiday party? Probably not, because well… your mom taught you better than that! This year, I’ve compiled a list of gifts that are sure to warm your host’s heart. 

Charcuterie Board

Chances are, your host loves entertaining and one of the best gifts I’ve ever received is a beautiful wood charcuterie board that I use time and time again. Recently, I was shopping at HomeGoods and found this adorable, reversible Prep/Serve board. I loved it so much, I bought the one at HomeGoods and scoured the internet for more! A good host knows, one can never have too many boards!

The Original William Sonoma Peppermint Bark

I didn’t care about Peppermint Bark until my bestie, Carmen introduced me to this divine candy and I’ve been mad at her ever since (not really)! Hold up though… Not all peppermint bark is created equal. William Sonoma has perfected this 20+ year-old recipe and it’s free of any artificial ingredients so please don’t pick it up at another local retailer and think it’s the same thing, it’s not. While this delightful confection is pricey, WS usually offers some type of discount, whether it’s free shipping or an in-store 20% coupon. Oh! And if you really want to impress your host, take advantage of the free gift wrapping service.

Olive Oil

I know wine sounds like a good idea and generally speaking, it’s the gold-standard for any host gift but people can be particular about their wine so why not bring a beautiful bottle of Olive Oil instead? If you want to be a little extra (which hosts always appreciate), bring a nice loaf of crusty bread and some dipping spices too! 

Dessert

Offering to bring dessert frees the host or hostess from having to think about one more thing. If you want to bring a dessert that pleases everyone… Nothing Bundt Cake is your golden ticket. It’s quick to order, easy to pick up, pretty to look at and some of the best cake you’ll ever have. Order a tower of Bundlets in a variety of flavors or a dozen of their Bundtinis to ensure the non-chocolate crowd is taken care of too. And because my mom is going to read this, making your own signature dessert can be just as easy and more affordable!

Coffee

I’m a little intense when it comes to my coffee bean. Okay, I might be a little intense when it comes to all things hosting but I digress! If I’m buying the coffee, Leopard Forest Coffee Company’s Farmhouse Roast is hands down one of my favorites. The South Carolina company roasts the beans two days before it ships for guaranteed freshness and the Farmhouse Blend is among their most popular with customers, coffee shops and restaurants. I order whole bean and grind it myself but the option for ground is available. Any host would be lucky to get! You can always go to your local coffee shop too! If you find yourself at Starbucks, I vote for the Blonde Roast!