Holiday cups are at Starbucks, so to me that means it’s officially the holiday season! Here are some great ideas for a gingerbread house party to get you in the holiday spirit. Invite some friends, make hot peppermint mochas, and enjoy a fun day indoors.

L to R: Tiny Prints Cheery Gingerbread party invitation, Gingerbread House, Gingerbread-Man Mugs, Gingerbread Cookies, Candy stand, Gingerbread Man Photo Frame Ornaments, Peppermint Candy Candle

Are you in the midst of planning the perfect holiday party, but are stumped for ideas?  Check out these fun suggestions and links to help you plan a great event:

• Holiday Sweets: Throw a party that’s all about dessert! Bake your favorite holiday delights and encourage guests to bring their own at this sweet holiday get together.  A site with great holiday recipes ideas is: Bakerella

• Seasonal Swap:  Do you want to exchange gifts, but are facing a tight holiday budget?  I recently saw a great idea on the Oprah Winfrey Show.  Throw a party and invite your friends to bring household items or clothes that they no longer want.  Then at the party have a seasonal swap!  A few girls in the office are planning to do a “style swap” with the clothes they no longer wear and we think it’s a great idea!

• Christmas Around The World: Love to Know has great holiday party ideas, including this popular holiday party idea on cultural exploration.  Invite your friends to bring food that represents different international cuisines. Then entertain guests with games that are unique to different cultures from around the world.

• Invitation Inspiration: Want to plan something different, but don’t know what? Look at the holiday party invitations from Tiny Prints for some inspiration.  See an example party theme based on our Rudolph Rendezvous invitation here.

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.