How-To Create A Classic Holiday Party with Diet Coke

If you are like me and you LOVE the Holidays then you can not wait for the decorating and festivities to begin.  My favorite time in NYC was the holidays.  The energy on the streets and the Christmas music that flowed through the stores is infectious and can’t help but put you in the spirit.  We actually have an annual tradition in NYC that has been going on now for 8 years!  Together with a group of friends we head to The 21 Club every year for their spectacular Christmas brunch.  This year we wanted to bring that Christmas cheer and tradition to Charlotte.  We tried last year to throw our own holiday gathering but being that it was the first event that we hosted on our own in our new home we were a little overwhelmed and it didn’t quite turn out the way we had envisioned.  This year we are not going to let that happen.

When thinking about my vision for our holiday gathering I am inspired by the sentiments conjured from the Classic Coca Cola Christmas Commercials.  The ones where even if you watched them in July it would make you yearn for the holiday season.  What is it about these short clips that make us so excited to spread holiday cheer?  I wanted to take this opportunity to inspire you to pass on the spirit of Ole St. Nick and Coke by helping you prepare for your festive fete.  So I have assembled some tips below which are inspired by the images above to help you make Classic Christmas Party come to life.

How-To Create a Classic Christmas Party Inspired by Diet Coke

1. Set a color palette and stick to it otherwise it will overwhelm you.  No need for additional holiday stress.  I love the idea of using black, white, red and a dash of glitter.  I prefer to use white as the base to keep the room warm and bright. Use black and red as accent colors and as a way to bring in pattern.  For example, the red and white stripe straws above which are the perfect patterned accent piece and also remind me of the North Pole.
2. Feel free to mix metallics and add glitter!  I love the idea of laying down a sequin tablecloth as the base for your tablescape. This one statement piece will pair well with simple white plates and gold utensils to help the look feel festive but remain classic in taste.
3. Add twinkling white lights to help give the room a soft glow that feels like Christmas magic is alive at your party.
4. Give your party a theme.  Here are some suggestions
   1. Try an ugly sweater party.  Encourage people to dress up with a prize as an incentive for best dressed guest or couple.
   2. A cocktail party.  People love to get dressed up around the holidays.  Encourage cocktail attire for your soiree.
   3. My personal favorite a tree trimming party.  Encourage guests to bring their own ornament so you can have a tree that incorporates collects sentimental value.  Not into the mixed tree vibe, I know who you are 🙂  Display gifted ornaments in votives or jars for an easy way and simple way to decorate your house.
5. We learned the hard way last year and attempted to cook for a large group of people.  The steaks were undercooked, our dessert was burnt and we didn’t time our appetizers correctly.  Either cater your event or open up the idea of people bringing their own dishes and assign them a course so there is no overlap.  I love this Diet Coke Cake Recipe that makes a delicious dessert.
6. Create a festive bar station like this one above where guests can easily grab treats or drinks.  It would be nice to serve everyone all night long but it won’t allow you to mingle with guests and enjoy their company.  So unless you are hiring a bartender set up your very own bar and encourage self-service with an inviting display.
7. Music! Music! Music!  Setup Sonos and allow people to hook up to your system so you can play music that everyone loves.
8. As a blogger I love the idea of having a photo station to document your holiday party.  Create a simple backdrop with glittery tassels, display some props and add balloons.  I recommend introducing the “photo booth” after you have served some champagne.
9. Incorporate festive elements into the decor but don’t go overboard.  In my opinion less is more unless you are Clark Griswold.  Again, stick with your theme (glittery, rustic,  and stay within those coordinating elements.
10. Finally, the holidays are already about the company you surround yourself with so this is truly the time of year where the more the merrier rings true.  So invite your friends, set your classic setting and pass the Diet Coke.

I want to see your Holiday Party that is classic in style so share it with me on social media by using the hashtag on your images.

So excited to partner with Diet Coke on this post and to also give you the opportunity to win your own Diet Coke Party.  Head to our instagram to enter the contest!  Beautiful photography by Paige Winn.