Some of my most memorable times as a child were with my aunt who was a teacher and spent time with me making holiday crafts. It got me thinking-this could be a great idea for a holiday party. Get everyone together to make hot chocolate, gingerbread cookies and fun, holiday crafts. Here are some other ideas for planning a holiday craft party this year.

Send out a holiday invitation asking guests to bring specific materials like glue, scissors, or whatever else you might need.

ACTIVITIES. Serve up some hot chocolate and make these sweet treats for kids to take home or to use as holiday gifts for friends and family. Gingerbread people from Martha Stewart. Hot chocolate cones make great gifts, recipe serves four and is from FamilyFun. Peppermint Bark, another holiday treat from Martha Stewart, are great for snacking and for giving away.

(Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart.com)

Book Clubs are a great way to enrich our lives, foster exciting conversations about interesting topics and bring people closer together.  Whether you are an Oprah book club member, want to join or start your own book club, this week’s inspiration board, perfect for the holidays, is dedicated to book clubbers like you.

Use this Falling Flowers Gift Tag Stickers to label all of your books or give books to members for the holidays and use these as gift tags. Book Clubber tote and Turning Leaves bookmark would be great to hand out as gifts, favors or prizes to members.

Make it easy on yourself and easy on your guests, but serving up savory and sweet finger foods that are fun and quick to make. Keep guests warm and your conversations hot with Spiced hot chocolate. Quesidillas with chutney and brie add a contemporary twist on ordinary appetizers. They’ll be blown away by this Italian treat, Artichoke Pesto on Ciabatta. Yum!

Once summer’s over, there’s Halloween, then Thanksgiving…then CHRISTMAS! I know we’re barely into fall, but a few days ago I saw holiday decorations going up already. Soon, stores will start playing those well-known holiday songs and everyone will be in a mad rush to find parking, do their shopping and get their holiday invitations. Planning on doing your yearly holiday celebration, or would you like to throw a fabulous holiday party for the first time this year? To prevent last year’s craziness, why not beat the crowd and do your shopping early? Take a look at these cool designs from Tiny Prints. Then sit back and relax while everyone rushes around for their cards this holiday season.