How to Throw a Tree-Trimming Party

Turn a Tradition into a Party

You can plan a tree-trimming for any time of day which allows for a variety of creative menu choices. Plus, it’s easy to put together. Preparation is a snap. Before your guests arrive, simply purchase your tree and set it up in its stand in a central spot with plenty of room for people to circle around it. Set the mood with a little holiday music and plan to serve your food buffet style to accommodate guests moving around while decorating the tree. No one will expect your home to be decorated for the season yet, since that is precisely why you invited them!

An evening tree-trimming is always fun, and allows you to enjoy a true “ahh” moment when you flip the switch to see the lights on your finished tree. You could have an early evening gathering for all ages or a sophisticated adults-only cocktail party culminating with a midnight tree-lighting and toast to the season. These appetizers will please kids and grown-ups alike and are easy to nibble on while working around the tree. Try Bacon Wrapped Grits Bundles along with Smoked Sausage and Garlic Bread Appetizer. If you are looking for something sweet to serve, try Cranberry Oatmeal Frosts and Ginger Molasses Angel Cookies that you can serve with milk (or eggnog).

If you prefer daytime festivities, consider a tree-trimming brunch. This may be a better solution for including children. A brunch menu is easy when you assemble a breakfast casserole ahead of time, such as Elegant Ham Sausage and Asparagus Brunch Casserole. Simply bake it just before your guests arrive and serve with an assortment of fresh sliced bagels, cream cheese, muffins and fresh fruit.

This type of party is timed for early in the season and can coincide with sending out your Christmas cards; so let those do double duty and serve as your invitations as well. Your invitations can suggest that guests bring an inexpensive ornament to hang which expresses their personality or something special about your relationship with them, such as a symbol of an activity you like to do together. Otherwise, when guests arrive, have a craft table with ornament supplies awaiting their creative touch. This is an especially effective way to get children involved. Wrap a table with inexpensive holiday paper for a festive protective covering and offer guests Styrofoam balls, glue, glitter, ornament hooks and other supplies to decorate with. And set out bowls of popcorn and cranberries to string as alternatives to ornaments. It's not only fun for kids; it’s also a great way for guests who don't know one another well to interact. In addition to homemade or gift ornaments, you can have your traditional ornaments laid out near the tree for guests to help you hang.

Whether you decide on a simple brunch or an elegant cocktail party, this event is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the joy of the season with friends and family.

Traditional Sweet Potato Pie with a kick!

A perfect appetizer for a Tuscan meal.

A great cookie to do with the kids -- spicy, sweet and fun to decorate!

These delicious breaded chops only need about 6 minutes to fry and they go great with almost any side dish.

This versatile casserole is great for breakfast, brunch or a light dinner.