Family Christmas Party Ideas

The winter chill is here, the shops twinkling with festive lights, and Mariah Carey’s Christmas classic plays on every radio. It’s official – Christmas is around the corner! Whether your holiday tradition includes a cosy family dinner or a raucous gathering with extended family (yes, even Cousin Terry), it’s the perfect opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Planning a family Christmas party should be as much fun as the event itself, and with a bit of creativity, you can pull off a celebration that will be the talk of the season. Here are some exciting ideas to help you organise a festive family gathering that everyone will love – even the Grinch in the family.

Family Christmas Party Ideas - BE Event Furniture Hire

Add a Christmas Theme to the Party

While Christmas is already a theme, adding an extra layer can take your celebration to the next level. A Winter Wonderland theme is a perennial favourite, transforming your space into a snowy haven with fake snow, frosty window designs, and icy decorations. Try a Victorian Christmas with vintage ornaments and traditional fare for a nostalgic twist. Or, go whimsical with a Christmas Movie Marathon theme where guests dress up as their favourite holiday film characters.

Incorporate your theme into your décor, food, and even dress code. Whether it’s ugly Christmas jumpers, Santa hats, or full-on costumes, a theme adds an extra dash of fun and sets the tone for a memorable event.

Get Crafty with DIY Decorations

Keeping everyone entertained is key when the turkey has been devoured, and the crackers pulled. One way to bond and unleash creativity is through DIY crafts. Why not make your own Christmas decorations? This activity keeps the little ones busy and provides a keepsake for everyone to take home.

Head outdoors to gather natural materials like leaves, twigs, and pinecones if the weather allows. Back home, paint them in festive colours or sprinkle them with glitter to craft unique ornaments. You can even turn this into a gift exchange by having each person craft something special for someone else.

And if crafts aren’t your thing? No worries – watching Home Alone for the 500th time is a perfectly acceptable alternative.

Decorate Gingerbread Houses (Or Men!)

Nothing says Christmas like gingerbread! Pre-assembled gingerbread houses are a blank canvas for sugary creativity. Lay out bowls of sweets, icing, and sprinkles, then let the decorating (and sneaky snacking) begin. To spice things up, divide the family into teams and hold a friendly competition for the best-decorated house.

Short on time? Swap houses for gingerbread men. They’re just as fun to decorate, quicker to prepare, and won’t collapse under the weight of too much icing!

Creative Gift-Giving Games

Gift-giving doesn’t have to be predictable. Add some excitement with these fun alternatives:

Secret Santa: Each family member is assigned someone to buy for, keeping things personal but low-pressure. Rhyming clues attached to each gift add an extra twist.

Gift Steal Game: All gifts are placed in a central pile. Each person takes turns choosing or “stealing” gifts from others. It’s guaranteed to get competitive and hilarious!

These games turn the simple act of giving into a lively, memory-making activity.

Play Family Games Everyone Will Enjoy

Games are the glue that keeps the party going. For a classic option, you can’t go wrong with Charades, where over-the-top gestures and questionable interpretations lead to endless laughs.

If you’re up for something more dynamic, create Minute to Win It challenges. These quick games use everyday items and cater to all ages, making them perfect for family parties. From stacking cups to balancing candy canes, these activities are easy to set up and bring out everyone’s competitive spirit.

And don’t forget – Nanny might surprise everyone with her incredible skill at balancing marshmallows on a spoon!

Practicalities in Seating the Family

When hosting a family Christmas party, seating is one thing you’ll need in abundance. Whether it’s a formal dinner or a casual garden gathering, BE Event Hire has you covered. Our extensive range of Christmas party furniture hire includes everything from banqueting tables and chairs to bar stools, picnic tables, and benches. No matter the size or style of your party, we can help you create a comfortable, welcoming space for your guests.

Final Touches for a Festive Atmosphere

A family Christmas party is all about the details. Add those extra touches that make the day special:

Music: Create a playlist of classic and contemporary Christmas hits to keep the mood festive.
Table Décor: Use candles, greenery, and baubles for a polished look.
Photo Opportunities: Set up a festive photo booth with props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and silly signs. The photos will become treasured keepsakes.

And remember, the best part of any family gathering isn’t the perfectly cooked turkey or the neatly wrapped gifts – it’s the laughter, connection, and love shared around the table.

BE Event Hire

At BE Event Hire, we believe Christmas should be about creating memories, not stressing over logistics. Our extensive furniture hire range is designed to make hosting effortless so you can focus on enjoying the celebrations. From elegant dining setups to casual seating, we deliver everything you need when you need it – all backed by our friendly, reliable service.

Make This Christmas Unforgettable

Whether your party involves silly games, heartfelt moments, or everyone singing Last Christmas at the top of their lungs, a family Christmas gathering is an opportunity to celebrate the unique magic of the season. With some planning and the right setup, you can create a day cherished by everyone in the family – even Aunty Agatha from Bristol.

From furniture hire to festive inspiration, BE Event Hire is here to make your Christmas party shine. Contact us today to learn more, and let’s make this year’s celebration unforgettable.