Christmas Party Flair

Who says candy is just for kids? At your next Christmas dinner party or potluck, surprise guests with a sweet table you would have died for, when you were in kindergarten!



{Photo Source: The Simply Creative Insanity Blog}



We love this great idea from the Simply Creative Insanity blog. Yes she created this spread for her daughter's kindergarten class but who says an adult party has to be all linens and lace? Chanel your inner child and get inspired by these delicious ideas.

What are some of your favourite holiday inspiration boards?

Festive Holiday Treat Your Guests Will Love!

Whether you're celebrating Christmas, or another holiday, or, just the fact that it's winter, we've cooked up a yummy idea for you to serve to your guests!

Penelope at MyPunchBowl.com had such a great idea, we just had to share it. Penelope suggests serving a hot cocoa bar at your next event.

A what?

A hot cocoa bar is exactly what it sounds like. Think create your own sundae meets hot cocoa! Guests can whip up their own mug of steaming, hot cocoa using their favourite toppings.

Try setting up a table with cool, festive mugs and a hot carafe or two (or three!) of hot cocoa. Hot chocolate isn't complete with toppers such as marsh mallows, flavoured syrups, whipped cream or Cinnamon sticks so make sure to have some of your favourite treats served up along side the hot treat so your guests can top their mugs with something of their choice. Just like a make your own sundae, we're certain the make your own cocoa is sure to be a hit.

Is your party less PG 13 and more 19 and over (in Canada)? Try having some yummy adult treats like Baileys, peppermint liquors and so on for an extra punch.

A hot cocoa bar is a delicious way to keep your guests feeling warm, toasty and festive. Whether you serve it at your Christmas, New Years or other holiday party, or, serve it at your Winter Wonderland themed wedding, we're sure your guests will appreciate the uniqueness and thoughtfulness of this fabulous idea!

For more information about creating your own hot cocoa bar visit MyPunchBowl.com.

*Photo Source: www.mypunchbowl.com

Office Christmas Parties: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

We've all been there - the office Christmas party. Some offices have a lunch, some have blowout bashes for employees and spouses, and some have midweek parties for just the employees.

We've seen it all from quiet affairs, to live entertainment, to mimicking Dancing With the Stars competitions but, if you're still looking for ideas you've come to the right place - we have some some party ideas for all you social committee members out there!

Not planning a party but want a little Office Party Etiquette refresher? Scroll down for our tips on how to have fun but still be professional. It's hard to believe we know, but you can still have fun and still remember what happened the day after!

Office Party Ideas

• Host an in-office pot luck lunch and let the staff go home early that day.
• Whether your party is in a restaurant, a hall or in the office, plan some cool door prizes to giveaway to your staff, they'll really appreciate a neat freebie.
• Have a party theme and change it up each year. Our favourites are: winter galas, winter wonderland, white Christmas, Christmas carnival, Chevy Chase's Christmas theme, movie themed....the options are endless!
• Use a free service such as Evite.com to send your invitations - it makes tracking RSVP's a cinch.
  
• No party is complete without music. Whether you hire a DJ or create you own play list, it would be a fun way to get the staff involved in music selections. Ask employees to e-mail their favourite songs and create your own play list that everyone will enjoy!
• Last but not the least; have a small gift or party favor for every invited person, as a memento of the night.

Office Party Etiquette: We're all for getting jiggy with it at the office Christmas party but just to stay on the safe side, here are a few etiquette tips to keep in mind before you break out the Tequila shots:

• Don't pass on the invitation to the party, it could hurt your reputation. Instead, stay for the dinner and maybe opt out of the dancing (if it's in a restaurant or hall).
  
• Ladies: Cover up the girls - although it's a social function, this time around the girls aren't invited to play! Remember if you wouldn't wear it to the office, then it should probably stay in the closet.
  
• Remember that even though this is a social event, it's still technically a business event. Maybe skip dancing on the speakers tonight!
• Always conduct yourself in a professional manner, the office party shouldn't be a time to blow off steam and complain about how much you hate your job. It's the only night of the year where you can enjoy each others company so make the most of it and get to know your coworkers.
• Remember what you learned in kindergarten: keep your hands to yourself. Grinding on the dance floor, (think Red Red Wine by UB40) grabbing, or pinching of other people's body parts is probably not a good idea. We know, the guy in the photo copy room is a hunk, maybe admire him from afar this time ok?
• That reminds us, stay away from the Mistletoe . . . no one's going to buy that you "accidentally" bumped into copy boy's lips!
  
• And last but not least, never drink and drive.

We hope you enjoyed our party ideas and etiquette tips. If you have suggestions we'd love to hear them, be sure to leave your comments for us and your fellow readers to weigh in on your ideas.

Photo Source: www.classesandcareers.com