Christmas is a season of joy, laughter, and togetherness—a time when homes glow with twinkling lights, and hearts are filled with festive cheer. Hosting a Christmas party is one of the best ways to celebrate this magical time, but it can feel overwhelming without proper planning. That’s where a well-prepared List of Christmas Party Supplies comes in handy.
From sparkling decorations and elegant tableware to fun games, delicious treats, and thoughtful favors, the right supplies transform your gathering into a truly unforgettable celebration. With this guide, you’ll have everything you need to create a warm, festive, and stress-free holiday party.
A List of Christmas Party Supplies is a curated collection of essential items needed to host a festive and memorable holiday celebration. It typically includes decorations like Christmas trees, ornaments, fairy lights, and wreaths; tableware such as plates, cups, napkins, and cutlery; as well as entertainment elements like music playlists, games, and photo booth props.
Additionally, it covers food and drinks, stocking stuffers, gifts, and cleanup essentials to ensure a seamless event. This list helps hosts stay organized, save time, and create a warm, joyful, and stress-free atmosphere for family, friends, or colleagues during the holiday season.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the must-have Christmas party supplies to make your celebration merry and bright, while sprinkling in creative ideas and practical tips to elevate your event. Let’s get started! 🎅
The Ultimate List of Christmas Party Supplies
To make your planning seamless, we’ve categorized the Christmas party supplies into key areas: decorations, tableware, food and drink essentials, entertainment, and party favors. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of each, complete with creative suggestions and practical advice.
🎁 Decorations: Create a Festive Ambiance
Decorations are the soul of your Christmas party, setting the tone from the moment guests arrive. Here’s an expanded list of Christmas party supplies to transform your space:
- Christmas Tree: The heart of any holiday party. Choose a real or artificial tree and decorate with twinkling lights, ornaments, and a star or angel topper. Consider a slim tree for smaller spaces or a flocked tree for a snowy effect.
- String Lights: Fairy lights, LED icicle lights, or battery-operated string lights add warmth. Drape them over mantels, doorways, or outdoor patios for a cozy glow.
- Wreaths and Garlands: Hang a wreath on your front door and use garlands to adorn staircases, fireplaces, or tabletops. Opt for pre-lit or DIY versions with pinecones and ribbons.
- Ornaments and Baubles: Stock up on shatterproof ornaments for safety, especially with kids or pets. Mix metallic, glittery, and matte finishes for a dynamic look.
- Themed Banners and Signs: A “Merry Christmas,” “Joy to the World,” or personalized banner adds charm. Look for glittery or wooden signs for extra flair.
- Candles: Scented candles in winter fragrances like pine, cinnamon, or cranberry create a cozy vibe. Flameless LED candles are a safe, kid-friendly option.
- Snowflakes and Tinsel: Paper or plastic snowflakes, tinsel, and faux snow add a playful, wintery touch. Sprinkle faux snow on tabletops for a frosty effect.
- Lanterns and Luminaries: Place LED lanterns or paper luminaries along walkways or tables for a warm, inviting glow.
- Holiday Figurines: Santa, snowmen, or reindeer figurines add whimsy to shelves or side tables.
- Ceiling Decor: Hanging paper stars, snowflakes, or pom-poms create a festive canopy, especially for indoor venues.
Creative Tip: Set up a DIY photo booth with a tinsel backdrop, fairy lights, and oversized ornaments. Include props like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, elf ears, and festive signs for Instagram-worthy photos. 📸
🍽️ Tableware: Set a Festive Feast
Your dining table is where guests connect over food and stories, so make it festive with these Christmas party supplies:
- Plates and Napkins: Choose disposable or reusable plates with holiday designs like snowflakes, holly, or Santa. Pair with matching napkins or cloth napkins with festive napkin rings.
- Cups and Straws: Festive cups in red, green, gold, or silver, paired with striped or metallic straws, add flair. Personalized cups make great keepsakes.
- Tablecloths and Runners: A red, green, or plaid tablecloth with a sparkly or burlap runner sets a cheerful tone. Add a lace overlay for elegance.
- Centerpieces: Create a DIY centerpiece with pinecones, candles, greenery, or mini Christmas trees. Glass jars filled with ornaments are a chic, budget-friendly option.
- Cutlery: Gold or silver plastic cutlery elevates disposable options, or use your best silverware for formal gatherings.
- Place Cards and Holders: Mini wreaths, pinecones, or ornament-shaped holders add a personalized touch to seating arrangements.
- Serving Utensils: Festive ladles, tongs, or spoons with holiday-themed handles make serving stylish.
Table Idea: Use chalkboard placemats or kraft paper tablecloths where guests can doodle holiday messages or drawings for a fun, interactive touch.
🍬 Food and Drink Essentials: Delight Your Guests
Food and drinks are the heart of holiday gatherings. Stock up on these Christmas party supplies to keep guests satisfied:
- Serving Platters and Trays: Use tiered stands for cookies, cupcakes, or charcuterie. Festive platters with snowflake or holly designs add charm.
- Beverage Dispensers: Serve hot cocoa, mulled wine, or holiday punch in clear dispensers decorated with ribbons, pine sprigs, or cranberries.
- Baking Supplies: Stock up on cookie cutters (snowflakes, gingerbread men, stars), piping bags, sprinkles, and edible glitter for holiday baking.
- Candy and Treats: Fill bowls with peppermints, chocolate truffles, candy canes, or gingerbread cookies for snacking.
- Cups for Hot Drinks: Insulated cups with festive sleeves for hot cocoa, coffee, or tea keep drinks warm and hands cozy.
- Cake Stands and Dessert Displays: Elevate your desserts with a tiered cake stand or a wooden crate for a rustic vibe.
- Cocktail Accessories: Include cocktail stirrers, festive picks, or rimming sugars for holiday drinks like peppermint martinis or cranberry spritzers.
Pro Tip: Set up a hot cocoa bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint sticks, caramel drizzle, and flavored syrups. Add a chalkboard sign with drink ideas for a fun, interactive experience. ☕
🎉 Entertainment: Keep the Holiday Spirit Alive
Entertainment ensures your party is lively and memorable. Include these Christmas party supplies for fun across all ages:
- Music Playlist and Speaker: Curate a playlist with classics like “Jingle Bells” and modern hits like “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” A portable Bluetooth speaker ensures great sound.
- Games and Activities: Stock up on supplies for Christmas trivia, Secret Santa, charades, or a gingerbread house-building contest. Include paper, pens, and small prizes like mini stockings.
- Photo Booth Props: Santa beards, elf ears, reindeer antlers, and holiday signs make for fun photos. A Polaroid camera or smartphone printer adds a nostalgic touch.
- Karaoke Machine: A portable karaoke machine with holiday songs encourages guests to sing along.
- Craft Station Supplies: Provide materials for DIY ornaments, wreaths, or snow globes. Include glitter, glue, ribbons, and beads for creativity.
- Holiday Movie Setup: Set up a cozy corner with blankets, pillows, and a projector for screening Christmas classics like Elf or Home Alone.
Creative Idea: Host a “Christmas Scavenger Hunt” with clues hidden in mini stockings or ornaments around the venue. Include small trinkets or candies as prizes.
🎀 Party Favors: Send Guests Home with Cheer
Party favors are a thoughtful way to thank guests for joining the celebration. Add these Christmas party supplies for memorable takeaways:
- Mini Ornaments: Personalized ornaments with guests’ names or the party date double as keepsakes.
- Candy Canes or Treat Bags: Fill small bags with holiday candies, homemade cookies, or hot cocoa mix.
- Candles or Soaps: Mini scented candles or soaps in festive packaging (e.g., pine or peppermint) are budget-friendly and appreciated.
- Gift Tags: Pre-printed gift tags with holiday designs are practical and cute.
- Mini Stockings: Fill tiny stockings with small trinkets like keychains, lip balm, or holiday-themed magnets.
- Custom Coasters: Cork or ceramic coasters with festive designs are useful and stylish.
Budget Tip: Buy bulk supplies from wholesalers like Oriental Trading or Amazon to save money, especially for large gatherings.
🎄 Additional Must-Have Christmas Party Supplies
To make your party truly stand out, consider these extra Christmas party supplies:
- Advent Calendars: Use mini advent calendars as decor or interactive activities for kids.
- Gift Wrap Station: Provide wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, and tape for a gift-wrapping activity or to wrap party favors.
- Costume Accessories: Encourage guests to dress up with supplies like Santa hats, elf shoes, or ugly Christmas sweater kits.
- Scent Diffusers: Use essential oil diffusers with winter scents like cedarwood or clove to enhance the ambiance.
- Disposable Cameras: Place disposable cameras on tables for guests to capture candid moments, adding a retro vibe.
- Signage: Directional signs (e.g., “Santa’s Workshop” for the craft station or “North Pole” for the photo booth) add a playful touch.
Christmas Party Supplies Checklist
Here’s an updated table summarizing the essential Christmas party supplies for easy planning:
| Party Supply Item | Description | Use/Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Tree | A decorated tree with ornaments, lights, and topper | Centerpiece of the party area |
| String Lights | Decorative LED or fairy lights in festive colors | Walls, ceilings, doorways, windows |
| Christmas Ornaments | Baubles, stars, snowflakes, bells, etc. | Hanging on the Christmas tree or garlands |
| Garland & Tinsel | Decorative strands of greenery or shiny material | Draped on mantels, staircases, or tables |
| Wreath | Circular holiday decoration made of pine, ribbons, and ornaments | Hung on doors or walls |
| Tree Skirt | Fabric skirt placed around the base of the tree | Under the Christmas tree |
| Christmas Tree Topper | Star, angel, or bow topper for the tree | On top of the Christmas tree |
| Tablecloth | Festive cloth with Christmas prints | Covers dining or buffet tables |
| Christmas Table Runner | Narrow decorative cloth placed over the tablecloth | Dining or buffet table |
| Chair Covers or Sashes | Christmas-themed seat décor | Dining chairs or seating areas |
| Christmas Centerpieces | Table décor like candles, floral arrangements, or mini trees | Middle of dining or buffet tables |
| Christmas-themed Plates | Disposable or reusable plates with holiday designs | Serving food and snacks |
| Christmas Napkins | Paper or cloth napkins with festive prints | Placed at dining tables |
| Cutlery & Utensils | Festive-colored or themed forks, knives, spoons | Dining and serving areas |
| Serving Platters & Bowls | Holiday-themed serving ware for snacks and meals | Buffet or dining tables |
| Christmas Cups & Mugs | Cups with holiday prints for drinks | Beverage station or dining tables |
| Hot Chocolate Station | Setup with mugs, cocoa mix, marshmallows, and toppings | Beverage corner or side table |
| Candy Canes | Classic red-and-white striped sweets | Candy jars, tree décor, or party favors |
| Christmas Cookies & Treats | Festive-shaped cookies, chocolates, or gingerbread | Dessert table |
| Cookie or Dessert Jars | Glass jars filled with sweets | Snack or dessert area |
| Christmas Stockings | Small decorative socks for gifts or treats | Hung on fireplace, walls, or staircase |
| Stocking Holders | Decorative hooks to hold stockings | Fireplace mantel or shelf |
| Gift Bags & Wrapping Paper | Festive packaging for exchanging gifts | Gift exchange table |
| Gift Tags & Ribbons | Labels and bows for wrapped presents | Gift wrapping station |
| Party Favors & Goodie Bags | Small giveaways for guests like ornaments, cookies | Near the exit or handed during the party |
| Santa Hats | Red-and-white hats for guests | Given to guests or used as photo props |
| Reindeer Antler Headbands | Fun wearable accessories for guests | Photo booth or handed out on arrival |
| Elf Costumes / Accessories | Festive costumes for kids or adults | Dress-up or themed party fun |
| Ugly Christmas Sweaters | Themed sweaters for a fun dress code | Worn by guests for a cozy, festive vibe |
| Photo Booth Props | Santa beards, reindeer antlers, funny signs | Photo booth or party corner |
| Backdrop & Photo Booth Frame | Decorative wall setup for pictures | Designated photo booth area |
| String Banners & Signs | “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” banners | Wall, fireplace, or entryway décor |
| Hanging Snowflake Décor | Paper or plastic snowflakes | Ceiling or walls |
| Christmas Balloons | Red, green, white, or metallic balloons | Party entrance or balloon arch |
| Balloon Garland Arch | Decorative arch made of balloons | Entryway or photo booth area |
| Confetti or Table Scatter | Mini stars, snowflakes, or glitter for tables | Dining or dessert tables |
| Christmas Candles | Scented or decorative candles | Centerpieces, mantels, or tables |
| Candle Holders & Lanterns | Festive holders for candles | Tables or shelves |
| Holiday Music Playlist | Collection of classic and modern Christmas songs | Background music to enhance the mood |
| Bluetooth Speaker / Music System | Sound setup for playing carols and party music | Main party area |
| Christmas Games & Activities | Bingo, trivia, Secret Santa, or kids’ crafts | Game corner or living room |
| Board Games & Card Games | Fun group games for all ages | Living room or play area |
| Fireplace Décor | Stockings, garlands, and candles around the fireplace | Living room or central party area |
| Outdoor Decorations | Inflatable Santa, reindeer, or lights | Front yard, porch, or garden |
| Pathway Lights | Candy cane or star-shaped garden lights | Driveway or walkway |
| Snow Spray or Fake Snow | Artificial snow for a wintery effect | Windows, trees, or outdoor décor |
| Inflatable Santa / Snowman | Large decorative inflatable figures | Outdoor or entryway décor |
| Nativity Scene Set | Traditional Christmas nativity display | Indoor or outdoor display |
| Christmas Scent Diffusers | Scents like pine, cinnamon, or vanilla | Throughout the party venue |
| Dessert Stand / Cake Plate | Decorative tray for cakes, cupcakes, or cookies | Dessert table |
| Wine & Drink Dispensers | Festive drink dispensers or punch bowls | Beverage station |
| Cocktail Shakers & Glasses | Themed glassware for holiday drinks | Bar or beverage area |
| Ice Bucket & Tongs | For keeping drinks chilled | Beverage station |
| Santa’s Gift Sack | Big sack filled with presents | Near the Christmas tree for gift distribution |
| Cozy Throw Blankets & Cushions | Red, green, or plaid soft furnishings for warmth | Sofas and seating areas |
| Fireplace Logs or LED Logs | Real or fake logs for a cozy look | Fireplace or decorative corner |
| Welcome Sign / Entry Décor | Festive welcome signage for guests | Party entrance |
| Guest Book or Memory Board | Guests can leave messages or photos | Entryway or main party area |
| Christmas Recipe Cards | Cards with holiday recipes to share with guests | Gift or favor table |
| Holiday Aprons & Mitts | Festive kitchen accessories for cooking | Kitchen or buffet area |
| Disposable Trash Bags & Bins | For easy post-party cleanup | Around the venue |
Tips for Choosing the Best Christmas Party Supplies
- Align with Your Theme: Whether it’s rustic, glamorous, or whimsical, ensure your Christmas party supplies match your vision for a cohesive look.
- Shop Strategically: Find deals on Amazon, Etsy, or Party City. Post-holiday sales are great for stocking up for next year.
- Go Eco-Friendly: Opt for biodegradable plates, reusable straws, or solar-powered lights to reduce waste.
- Plan for Guests: Account for the number of attendees and their ages to ensure enough supplies and appropriate entertainment.
- Incorporate DIY: Handmade decorations, favors, or centerpieces add a personal touch and save money.
- Check Storage: Ensure you have space to store reusable supplies like ornaments or tableware for future parties.
With this expanded list of Christmas party supplies, you’re equipped to host a festive gathering that sparkles with holiday magic. From twinkling decorations to interactive entertainment, every detail counts in creating a memorable experience. Embrace your creativity, plan ahead, and let the holiday spirit shine through.
Here’s to a Christmas party filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments! 🎄✨ What’s your favorite Christmas party supply or holiday hosting tip? Share in the comments below to inspire others! Happy planning! 😊
