10 Tips for Hosting a Magical Christmas Party

At this time of year, people travel from Guildford, Godalming, Farnham, Petersfield, Liphook and surrounding areas to visit Hokey Cokey Party Shop in Haslemere, because it offers everything needed for a memorable celebration under one roof. Here are 10 simple tips to help you plan and host a magical Christmas party.

1. Pick a theme

A themed Christmas party adds personality and excitement. Popular themes include Winter Wonderland, Santa’s Workshop, Festive Pyjama Party or Traditional Red and Gold. Once chosen, it helps guide your decorations, costumes, table settings and even music choices.

2. Send festive invites

Whether handwritten or using printed cards, a festive invitation sets the tone for your party. Include the theme, dress code, timings and any gift or food contributions so guests know what to expect. Hokey Cokey also stocks Christmas invitations, craft supplies and festive stationery to help you plan, create and personalise your party the old-fashioned way.

3. Plan your decorations

Create some festive magic with garlands, balloons, fairy lights, table confetti, banners and centrepieces. Hokey Cokey Party Shop offers Christmas decorations in sparkly, traditional and novelty styles. Small touches like napkin rings and table accents help bring everything together.

4. Use balloons to transform your space

Christmas balloons are a great way to bring colour and atmosphere to your venue. Choose red, green, gold or personalised balloon displays to suit your theme. Balloon arches, centrepieces and helium options are popular for living rooms, offices, halls and classrooms.

5. Set the mood with lighting

Soft lighting makes your space feel warm and welcoming. Fairy lights, candles and lanterns help create that cosy festive glow. Combine these with flickering LED candles for safety and ambience.

6. Serve festive food and drinks

You don’t need a full sit-down meal. Instead, choose sharing platters, grazing boards, festive snacks and themed desserts. Hot chocolate stations, mulled wine and mocktails can become part of the experience and add to the festive theme.

7. Add games and activities

Christmas games are a great ice-breaker, especially if guests don’t all know each other. Try festive quizzes, lucky dips, Secret Santa, Christmas bingo or a costume competition if guests are dressed up.

8. Fancy dress adds excitement

Encourage guests to dress up. Costumes like Santa, elves, reindeer, snowmen, angels and novelty Christmas jumpers always bring smiles. Hokey Cokey Party Shop stocks a wide range of festive fancy dress costumes and accessories for adults and children.

9. Create a festive photo moment

Set up a photo area with a backdrop, props, tinsel frames or costume accessories. People love taking and sharing festive photos, making your party even more memorable.

10. End with a festive farewell

Send guests home with a small treat such as a Christmas cookie, candy cane or personalised gift bag. It leaves a lasting impression and adds a thoughtful finish to the celebration.

Planning a Christmas Party?

Whether you are hosting a family gathering, school celebration, office party or festive evening with friends, the right mix of decorations, costumes and creative touches can make it magical. For balloons, tableware, fancy dress, fireworks and seasonal accessories, Hokey Cokey Party Shop in Haslemere is well worth the visit. Many customers travel from Guildford, Godalming, Farnham, Petersfield, Liphook and across Surrey and Hampshire to shop in person and get expert help planning their Christmas party.

10 Tips for Hosting a Magical Christmas Party