Holiday Party: Christmas "Eve" Sleepover
While Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning are often spent with family, there is no reason why close friends can't host their own "Christmas" gathering — complete with sleepover — a weekend or two before the big holiday. Plus, what can be more fun than a sleepover just like in high school?
Attire: Wear your dressiest festive best for your Christmas Eve celebration, and bring your PJs (and sleeping bag) for Christmas Morning.
Décor: Think classic Christmas décor. White twinkle lights, lots of candles, evergreen garlands, a Christmas tree, and a red ribbon-bedecked wreath.
Drink: Champagne and mulled wine for Christmas Eve; Mimosas and Spiked Coffee for a boozy Christmas Morning brunch.
Eat: Serve decadent finger foods to celebrate "Christmas Eve." Favorites include Baked Brie, Deviled Quail's Eggs with Caviar, and Shrimp and Mango Wonton Crisps. Think about your favorite fancy foods to eat while drinking champagne.
The next morning, serve Gingerbread Pain Perdu, a Mushroom, Red Pepper and Fontina Frittata, and lots of fresh fruit.
Activities: On "Christmas Eve," save time for catching up and sharing holiday gossip. Have funny Holiday work party stories? Save them for to share on this night. Up the ante with a sing-a-long of favorite holiday songs. Optional: putting A Charlie Brown Christmas or How the Grinch Stole Christmas DVD on TV. Required: Have each guest tack one of their socks up over the mantel before they go to bed. The host or hostess (or a pre-designated guest) should then, in the middle of the night, stuff a secret treat into each stocking for a "Christmas Morning" surprise. Of course, save your holiday gifts or gift swap until over breakfast the next morning.