Beyond the Ugly Sweater: Three Unique Holiday Party Ideas

In 2005, ugly sweater parties were all the rage. Hipsters everywhere were drinking PBR in their grandma’s old sweaters. Then the frat boys started doing it. And now, your grandma wants her sweater back for HER ugly sweater party.  This year, don’t host another tired, over-done, holiday party – try one of these three alternatives.

1. Tacky Turtleneck Party – I’m not saying this idea is revolutionary, but at least it will challenge folks a bit.

I stopped dead in my tracks when I came across these beautiful, absurdly ugly holiday turtlenecks at Wal-Mart.

(Note: Anytime you’re looking for crazy ugly attire – especially if it needs to be acid washed and have cartoon animals on it – Wal-Mart is your place.)

Encourage folks to really get into the theme and you may just end up with someone in only a dickie! Yes!

Dickies not required, but encouraged!

2. Naughty or Nice Party – Play up the duality of naughty and nice throughout the party details including food (spicy & sweet), drink (alcoholic and non) and decor (make sure you have some coal in there somewhere).

Grinch Photo Source, Elf Photo Source

Have movies playing like Bad Santa, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Christmas Carol, Elf, and It’s a Wonderful Life. End the night with a white elephant gift exchange so everyone goes home feeling nice.

Photo source

3. Hawaiian Christmas Luau – Adorn your guests with silk leis, turn up the heat, and tune out the frigid air just outside the door.

Serve baked ham, tropical fruit salad, treats with pineapple, and punch. If your guests are feeling up for it, have a hula hoop or limbo contest!

This may be the winner for my 2012 holiday party. What will be yours?