Okay, brace yourself. This one’s going to take some mental AND physical work. But it’s okay, because what’s a little preparation when you’re having a party? The pictures alone will make it all worth it.

First of all, sit down and make a guest list. You need to know exactly how many people are coming, so you can plan accordingly. Keep in mind that it’s perfectly okay to specify whether or not people can bring guests, dates, or children. This is your party, so you make the rules.

Once you have that all figured out, decide what kind of party you want to have. For a sit-down dinner party, you’ll need festive dinnerware as well as a seasonal centerpiece. If it’s a huge buffet-style party, stock up on serving dishes and catering sets of glasses. Labeling each dish is always a nice touch, so download and print our food labels here. But if a buffet doesn’t suit your fancy, and you know your friends and family can cook (or buy), potluck parties are always a fabulous option. Let us show you how to do some faux flower arrangements to spruce up the place as well as some new table linens.

But what party would be complete without a bar? If you don’t have one built-in, build your own. Arrange several ottomans or cushions around a low coffee table topped with stemware, self-serve wines (in super-awesome chillers like our Mosaic Wine Chiller at left), liqueurs, and bottled water. For a dramatic chiller, fill one of our Picasso Serving Bowls with ice. If you do have a bar, fill’er up. We’re talking wine glasses, a decanter, wine charms, stirrers, and even a wine cabinet to store bottles. You can even create your own little tavern tree by wrapping all your bottles of wine and giving them out as gifts when the party starts. For more tips on making sure your bar is fully stocked and ready for revelers, check out our online article Christmas Spirits.

See a full Pier 1 bar setup

Now that you have all the essentials (and enough of them for each guest), what’s next? Party favors! You can really get creative here. Set up a tabletop tree at the exit. Each guest can take an ornament or present on their way out. Your choice. Another option is to create your own favors, like these Victorian-inspired Christmas cones: Get some colorful craft or scrapbooking paper, fold into cones and fasten. Then fill the cones with fresh Christmas candies and trim with ribbons, lace, craft gems, decals or buttons.

• Bright Trees
• Happy Holidays
• Holly Birds
• Horse & Sleigh
• Scrolly

Going to a holiday party is way easier than throwing one. But that doesn’t mean it still doesn’t take a little forethought. After all, you wouldn’t show up empty-handed, now would you? Hostess gifts are just good manners. So bring something nice for your host.

The easiest, cheapest, and yummiest option is food. Break out the cookbooks and prepare something sweet. Or if you know your host loves to cook, pick up one of our Sugar and Gingerbread Cookie Mixes. They’re a great gift for the busy holiday baker.

To customize your hostess gift, use our downloadable recipe cards for food gifts. They’re the icing on the holiday cake.

See more epicurean gifts

If your hosts enjoy wine, it’s always a great option. Try to find out whether they prefer red or white, or have a favorite varietal or vineyard. Then make it extra special by adding a carrier, decanter, stemware or other wine accessories like our seasonal wine stoppers (at right) from your favorite Christmas idea store (Pier 1, natch).

Not partied out just yet? We’ve got more ideas on how you can celebrate.

An ornament exchange is another great way to celebrate the holidays (you could even make it a tradition). Luckily, we have more ornaments than Santa has elves. Traditional, modern, feathered, sparkly, even fish-shaped. Not to mention our exclusive collection of inside-painted Li Bien ornaments from China. Pick your fave and theme your party around it. Guests should bring enough ornaments for everyone, so each person leaves with an armful of awesome new baubles for their Christmas tree.

See ornaments

Or how about having yourself a munchy little Christmas with a cookie exchange party? We’ve got delicious mixes and yummy packaged cookies for every taste – not to mention nifty gifty dessert plates and platters to do it all up right.

Looky, cookies!