How to Plan a Christmas Movie Party

After you have fought the crowds and finished the shopping, it is time to relax and have some fun with loved ones. Why not host your own Christmas movie party? All you need is a television, DVD player, a few Christmas movies, and the right people. Here are some tips on how to plan your party so everyone has a great time.

Step 1

Pick a date and time for the party. Keep in mind that Friday night or sometime on a Saturday work very well for many people of all ages. Knowing what time the party will take place can make a difference when it comes to the food served.

Step 2

Plan the menu. Go with finger foods, since people can easily grab something during the movie and hurry back to their seats. If the party is taking place around a mealtime, include foods like chicken tenders, buffalo wings, cut fruit or Swedish meatballs. Try to keep the food selections to foods you can prepare with little effort or even have delivered. In all cases, make sure you have plenty of punch, sodas, tea, coffee and of course popcorn. After all, what is a movie without popcorn?

Step 3

Prepare the room for the movie. Make sure every seat has a clear view of the television screen. If possible toss some large pillows on the floor for the kids or any adults that want to stretch out while watching the movie. Keep in mind the idea is to make sure each guest can find a comfortable spot to settle in and enjoy the movies.

Step 4

Settle on the movie selection. You may want to go with traditional classics, such as "White Christmas", "Miracle on 34th Street" or "Holiday Inn". Maybe something more contemporary would be in order, such as "A Christmas Story". You may even consider a twist on the movie theme and go with several episodes of Christmas themed television shows from years past, if you can find them. In either case, don't forget to scare up a cartoon to run before the movie. Cartoons help everyone, even the adults, get into the spirit of the party.

Step 5

Send out the invitations. This can be done by post or by using email. Make sure the invitations are sent at least five days before the party. Also ask people to RSVP so you will have some idea of how much food to have on hand.

Tips & Warnings
Depending on how long your party is planned to last, there may be time to add a second feature. If that is the case, you can mix and match the movies a bit, perhaps running a classic first and follow up with a more contemporary Christmas movie. Don't let the planning turn into an arduous task. Keep it simple. The idea is for everyone to have a fun evening that is relatively free from holiday stress - that includes you! Go ahead and order pizza and pick up sweets from the local bakery, and don't feel the least bit guilty about using short cuts.