Okay. We told you how have a Tree Trimming party; and we told you how to have a Santa Claus party; and we told you how to have a Cookie Christmas. We could write every theme in the book (theme by numbers), but some are so obvious--yet you probably or maybe haven't thought of them. I'm going to list them with a brief explanation--that's all you need.

Try these...

Planet Holly-Day

A take off on the Planet Hollywood theme but centered around Christmas. Decorate with stars, have fun with the food, make signs at the door and more. This party works for family, friends and corporate as well.

Deck the Halls

Have your friends come with miniature wreaths in hand or make them when they arrive. It's a great activity (and it has the "thank you for coming" gift built right in). Have a board ready (a large piece of foamcore from any art store will do) to display the wreaths when they are done with the artist's name below. Give prizes.

Gingerbread!

Houses, cookies, you name it. Have everyone come over to make gingerbread cookies and decorate them. There are great Gingerbread House kits out there that are not too costly. Get a few of these, divide your guests into teams and stand back and watch.

Outside, put gingerbread men and women mixed with carolers to greet your guests or decorate your porch with a gingerbread house so everyone knows what your holiday theme is this year before they step foot in the hallway. Shindigz has some great gingerbread room decorations

On your mantel, your tree, from the ceiling—in fact, everywhere you look (even the lav), have gingerbread cut-outs, garland and lights.

On the table, use a gingerbread man centerpiece--this little corrugated man measures 11" high x 8" wide--and will be a sweet addition, no?! Or use gingerbread floating candles at either end instead of a centerpiece since many a holiday dinner table is very very crowded. Check out these gingerbread man decorations.

When people leave, have a gingerbread cookie ready for them, cello wrapped, but personalized with their name in frosting, thanking them for coming!

Silent Night

A caroling party. Tell them to dress warmly and bring their favorite CDs or cassettes. Practice at home first (like karaoke) with a sing-along (this is FUN--especially after about two glasses of eggnog) and, then, if you think they can handle it, go visit your neighbors (be wary, they may never want to see you again!).

Snow Ball

This is fun and works for everyone during the holiday season. If you have the budget and get rent out a nice venue (hall, hotel ballroom, etc.), a Snow Ball is a fabulous theme. Decorate with snowflakes from the ceiling, glittered and twisting above the dance floor. Glittery tablecloths with metallic threads pulled through are perfect for this (not to the floor, just use them as toppers to save money). Add translucent snow confetti scattered on the tables and buffets for the perfect touch. Again, put white Christmas lights everywhere and don't forget the trees.

Oh! Christmas Tree

Another great event--especially for a fundraiser. Have local florists and artists decorate trees for the event and then auction them off. You make money, and have great fun at the same time. Miniature Christmas tree centerpieces, a tree with mini wrapped gifts hanging off instead of ornaments ($5 per gift) makes your organization more money, etc. Some cities call this event TREES OF LIFE.

Candy Cane Christmas

Feed your family and your friends’ Christmas sweet tooth with this great party. This scrumptious décor will make your Christmas party unforgettable. Visions of candy canes will dance in your head when you catch a glimpse of the peppermint decorations that are available.

Welcome your guests with lighted candy canes in your yard. Put some great large candy canes by the front door for a great effect. If you really want to go all out (and I mean this is fabulous)? How about a candy candy arch for your guests to walk through?

Off the mantel, hang beaded candy canes that sparkle in the light. From the ceiling in your foyer, hang real candy canes that guests can take with them when they leave—in red, green and now in loads of other colors. And don’t forget some candy canes for your tree.

Set the table with candy canes in mind. Candy cane or peppermint votive candles, a candy cane wrapped in each napkin with candy cane garland wrapped around, a candy cane centerpiece all on top of a red and white table cloth to pull through the theme.

Hide candy canes here there and everywhere and make it fun for everyone—whether kids or adults. Have a contest—so many candy canes collected gets a special prize. Just something a little different than just serving dinner and drinks—if you know what I mean!