Celebrate your love of crafts and the holiday season by hosting a unique holiday craft party. Making crafts in a group setting is not only an excellent way to connect with craft loving friends, it's the perfect time to make handmade gifts or cards for the holidays.
Because there are so many options for hosting a holiday craft party, you'll need to work out craft-related details first. Once figured out, make plans as you would any party.
Decide type of craft project(s)
The crafts you host at your party will influence other decisions. Consider these factors:
Type of crafts you are familiar with
Craft supplies on hand that can be used by guests
Cost of any supplies that must be purchased
Skill level and interests of guests
Whether supplies will be provided by guests
One craft project created by all attendees vs. a variety of craft projects
Holiday-specific or not
Plan your holiday craft party
Now that you have worked out the craft project details, plan the rest of your party.
Space and work areas. Based on type of crafts, figure out what kind of work surface is needed and how much space you have available in your home. Guests may need to be divided between rooms to accommodate crafting needs. Another option is to use a community space such as the library, a church, or the rec center. Be aware a fee may be charged.
Guest number. How many people can comfortably fit in your crafting area? Adequate work surfaces make this type of event more enjoyable. Guests that are too cramped often won't finish craft projects.
Time. Afternoon or evening, week day or weekend. A few hours, or a marathon event. This depends on type and number of craft projects, whether your guests are beginners or veterans, child care issues, and if mealtimes are involved.
Date. Since this party is focused on the holidays, pick a date that is early enough for guests to make gifts or cards. Also be aware that the holiday party season begins right after Thanksgiving, so plan accordingly.
Food and beverages. For the most budget-conscious host, a potluck works well. Ask guests to bring dishes to share. Decide whether light appetizers are adequate or a full meal is needed, or create a theme such as Christmas treats or crackers and cheeses from around the world. Provide a variety of beverages. Go with the usual fare of tea and lemonade, or celebrate the season with hot drinks like spiced cider and cocoa. Consider fun mixed drink options like a martini bar.
Invitations. Be crafty and make your own, send an email, or use an online invitation service, but be sure to invite guests at least three weeks ahead of your party date. This gives them time to gather craft supplies, make child care arrangements, and plan potluck foods. Ask for an RSVP so that if a spot at a craft table opens up, you have time to invite another guest.
More tips for your holiday craft party
If you plan on guests all making the same craft project, make one ahead of time and then be prepared to demonstrate how to do it.
If guests are bringing their own tools like scissors or glue, ask everyone to label their supplies ahead of time - including you.
Food and crafts don't always mix well, so consider establishing a time to enjoy the goodies so that craft projects don't get ruined.
Play a selection of holiday music to help make the mood more festive.
Take turns assigning a photographer to catch the crafting action. Get a photo of each guest and their completed project as well as a group picture. Email to participants.
Make simple crafty party favors for each guest like three markers tied with a ribbon, die cuts for card making, a small bag of beads, or glue sticks.
Include a map and a home phone number in your invitation, and any special parking instructions.How to Host a Holiday Craft Party
Celebrate your love of crafts and the holiday season by hosting a unique holiday craft party. Making crafts in a group setting is not only an excellent way to connect with craft loving friends, it's the perfect time to make handmade gifts or cards for the holidays.
Because there are so many options for hosting a holiday craft party, you'll need to work out craft-related details first. Once figured out, make plans as you would any party.
Decide type of craft project(s)
The crafts you host at your party will influence other decisions. Consider these factors:
Type of crafts you are familiar with
Craft supplies on hand that can be used by guests
Cost of any supplies that must be purchased
Skill level and interests of guests
Whether supplies will be provided by guests
One craft project created by all attendees vs. a variety of craft projects
Holiday-specific or not
Plan your holiday craft party
Now that you have worked out the craft project details, plan the rest of your party.
Space and work areas. Based on type of crafts, figure out what kind of work surface is needed and how much space you have available in your home. Guests may need to be divided between rooms to accommodate crafting needs. Another option is to use a community space such as the library, a church, or the rec center. Be aware a fee may be charged.
Guest number. How many people can comfortably fit in your crafting area? Adequate work surfaces make this type of event more enjoyable. Guests that are too cramped often won't finish craft projects.
Time. Afternoon or evening, week day or weekend. A few hours, or a marathon event. This depends on type and number of craft projects, whether your guests are beginners or veterans, child care issues, and if mealtimes are involved.
Date. Since this party is focused on the holidays, pick a date that is early enough for guests to make gifts or cards. Also be aware that the holiday party season begins right after Thanksgiving, so plan accordingly.
Food and beverages. For the most budget-conscious host, a potluck works well. Ask guests to bring dishes to share. Decide whether light appetizers are adequate or a full meal is needed, or create a theme such as Christmas treats or crackers and cheeses from around the world. Provide a variety of beverages. Go with the usual fare of tea and lemonade, or celebrate the season with hot drinks like spiced cider and cocoa. Consider fun mixed drink options like a martini bar.
Invitations. Be crafty and make your own, send an email, or use an online invitation service, but be sure to invite guests at least three weeks ahead of your party date. This gives them time to gather craft supplies, make child care arrangements, and plan potluck foods. Ask for an RSVP so that if a spot at a craft table opens up, you have time to invite another guest.
More tips for your holiday craft party
If you plan on guests all making the same craft project, make one ahead of time and then be prepared to demonstrate how to do it.
If guests are bringing their own tools like scissors or glue, ask everyone to label their supplies ahead of time - including you.
Food and crafts don't always mix well, so consider establishing a time to enjoy the goodies so that craft projects don't get ruined.
Play a selection of holiday music to help make the mood more festive.
Take turns assigning a photographer to catch the crafting action. Get a photo of each guest and their completed project as well as a group picture. Email to participants.
Make simple crafty party favors for each guest like three markers tied with a ribbon, die cuts for card making, a small bag of beads, or glue sticks.
Include a map and a home phone number in your invitation, and any special parking instructions.