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Thursday, November 29, 2007 1:16 PM

Tree-Trimming Party Tips

I want to have a tree-trimming party in December, but have never hosted one before. I need your help! Here are my questions:

1. Do you decorate the tree ahead of time, and then just add the ornaments that guests bring? Or do you decorate it all together? I think I would prefer to have it done, so my friends could hang out and relax. But it also sounds fun to have an activity.

2. Do people know what a tree-trimming party is? Or do I have to spell it out in the invite to bring an ornament? Speaking of, I fell in love with these uber-preppy but adorable Lilly Pulitzer shift dresses (see the ornaments). They don't quite match my other decor, but I like an eclectic holiday look. (Hint hint to my friends...)

3. I want it to be a casual, open house brunch. Do you think I need to give a specific end time?

4. What are some easy, menu ideas? I've got the drinks down -- my favorite champagne punch and seasonal sangria (click here for the recipe). Please share your recipes -- especially ones that can be prepared ahead of time. December is such hectic month, I want this to be as low-key as possible.

Thanks!

 

Posted by Kathleen*
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Comments

re: Tree-Trimming Party Tips

I hate to sound rude, but I have never heard of hosting a party where you have to explain to your guests that not only do you have to bring a present for the host, but you have to help decorate the tree too. Am I missing something? I totally don't understand this. I would attend a holiday party, and I would of course bring a present for the host, but I think this is in very bad taste. This doesn't sound fun for anyone except the host.

Posted by katewyn    Friday, November 30, 2007 9:50 AM


re: Tree-Trimming Party Tips

I have never heard of a tree-trimming party where guests bring an ornament for the host's tree, but maybe what you could do is have an ornament exchange party, where people bring ornaments then draw names or play some type of game in order to each get an ornament to bring home.  That way, you'd get something for your tree and so would your guests.  Just an idea.  

Posted by NYGirlie07    Friday, November 30, 2007 10:42 AM


re: Tree-Trimming Party Tips

No, I've heard of tree-trimming parties, usually friends are happy to bring a simple ornament (it doesn't have to be expensive!), the idea is to add a piece of themselves to your tree! You could ask guests to bring ornaments as optional (of course no one is required!) but make sure to have some at home just in case people forget or don't have time to buy one. That's what I'm doing actually!

I doubt people will be offended, it's not a present, it's just a glass ball :)

As for food, why don't you try a spanish-style tortilla/omelette? You can actually even bake it if flipping the tortilla in the plan seems to hectic, and just reheat the morning of the party. You can also have fresh fruit, some great flavorful breads and muffins, and with your drinks, you might be good to go!

just my thoughts!

Posted by min10.07    Friday, November 30, 2007 11:30 AM


re: Tree-Trimming Party Tips

My husband and I had one once and it was really fun...but how we did it was invite people to just show up, and we had magazines and construction paper for our friends to make ornaments. I think we phrased it as "come help us make  ornaments for our tree!" Maybe something a little better...I don't remember exactly. Two people did bring ornaments, but for the most part, we had a great eating the food and making ornaments at the "craft table" we had set up.

Sure, the ornaments weren't all that classy, but it was a festive, fun time and really expressed the feelings of the holidays!

Posted by iona76    Friday, November 30, 2007 3:26 PM


re: Tree-Trimming Party Tips

I have a friend who does this every year--it's a very sweet, old-fashioned party style and not rude at all.  Since a lot of people are not familiar, I would be explicit on the invite, i.e.  "please bring an ornament and help decorate our tree" and also have your other decorations there.  Just be sure to get the lights and any garlands on ahead of time.

Posted by Mrs. H.    Friday, November 30, 2007 4:10 PM


re: Tree-Trimming Party Tips

We have one every year.  My friends always joke that we're too lazy to decorate our own tree, but it's all in good fun.  We don't ask anyone to bring anything, but people often do bring ornaments as hostess gifts.  It's an open house-type party, and kids are encouraged to come, too.  Usually, my friends with kids come earlier, and my friends without kids come later in the evening-that's not the rule; it's just how it seems to work out.  I keep a pot of chili in the crockpot so it's warm for the entire party, along with hot chocolate/cider (and some Bailey's for those interested!), and of course Christmas cookies galore.  People filter in and out throughout the afternoon and evening, and in the process, hang a few ornaments.  The ornaments are in boxes next to the tree, and any that I wouldn't want broken I keep stored until later.  It's a fun way to get together without a lot of stress.  

Posted by sarahswim    Saturday, December 01, 2007 3:35 PM


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