How to Throw a Christmas Party As a Teenager

Last Updated: March 12, 2021

Planning a Christmas party that will please everyone is hard enough to do as it is - if you happen to have the disadvantage of being aged 13-19, it's nearly impossible! This article will give you some general advice and some specific steps covering to how to go about throwing the hottest party of the season.

Steps

1
Carefully consider the benefits and risks. You will probably have to shoulder the responsibility of cleaning, inviting, and preparing, so make sure you're ready.
2
Gather your options. Before you go to ask your parents for permission or help, make a list of menu options (such as homemade, catering, bring-your-own-side-dish, etc.), activity options (board games? Holiday movies?), date and time possibilities, and special-case plans (such as what to do with young children, etc.).
3
Approach your parents. Calmly and respectfully, present your ideas to them and offer them the different options.
4
Compile a guest list once you have your green light. Be careful to consider friendships, rivalries, space constraints, and personal issues (such as extreme shyness or alcoholism).
5
Decide on a theme. It will make it much easier to purchase or make decorations if you already have your theme in mind.
6
Decide on a time and date. Depending on your theme, you may wish to host your party earlier or later in the day. Be sure to schedule it before people leave for vacations, and remember work and school hours.
7
Decide on a location. The best idea may be to host at your home, where you and everyone else will be familiar with the surroundings. However, you may wish to look into renting a small banquet hall or room at a restaurant.
8
Purchase/make and fill out invitations. Be sure to provide a phone number that you can be reached on, and give clear directions. Write neatly!
9
Purchase/make decorations. See Tips for some lovely ideas.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
The day or night before the party:

1
Begin to prepare the food. Make things like dips and other cold things first and store them in the refrigerator.
2
Prepare the house (if you are hosting it there). This means vacuuming, cleaning the bathrooms to be used by guests, and dusting.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
The day of the party:

1
Put together your drinks and main courses a few hours before the start of the party.
2
Set out the food about five or ten minutes before the guests start to arrive.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I approach my parents about the excessive cranberry sauce I made?

Mosopefoluwa Fanika

Community Answer

Just flat out ask them what they think of it. They won't yell at you or try to knock some sense into you. Just simply tell them about it.

Warnings

Use any candles with caution, and never set next to cloth or other organic material.

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Do not attempt to serve alcohol at your party if you are not legally permitted to drink alcohol. In a court of law, this could be used against you and your parents.

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Do not leave the oven unattended if you are cooking or baking.

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