It may sound counterintuitive to plan a post-holiday season party. Many of us find ourselves partied out – craving rest, relaxation, reconnection… and maybe some vegetables. After two months of people, sweets, events, shopping, and socializing, the last thing you want to do is host another party. However, an after-holiday party may be just what you need to transition out of the holiday madness and start the new year with refreshed energy and good company.
Why Should You Host an After-Holiday Party?
The holiday season is filled with non-stop celebrations, heavy meals, parties with less-than-desirable guest lists, and plenty of stress. A post-holiday party gives you a chance to unwind, recalibrate, and connect in a more relaxed, casual setting. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to create your own guest list so you can truly spend time with all of your loved ones.
Party Theme Ideas
If you feel like choosing a theme, here are a few suggestions that can help set the tone for your gathering:
- Detox and Destress: Focus on healthy snacks, infused waters, and calming activities like yoga or guided meditation.
- Comfy and Cozy: Make it a pajama party and encourage your guests to wear their coziest loungewear and bring their blankets and slippers. Choose a lineup of rom-coms and brew some warm drinks. Extra points if you encourage napping.
- Spa Night: Set up DIY spa stations with face masks, hand massages, and aromatherapy.
Setting the Tone
The point of a post-holiday party is to do less. If your home doesn’t accommodate the size of your group, consider hosting at a spa, café, or small studio space. Décor should be soft and simple with neutral, calming colors, plush seating, candles, and fairy lights to create a relaxing, tranquil vibe.
Food and Drinks
After months of eating whatever is on the menu, many leave the holidays with some extra pounds and some added bloat that they’re not too happy about. Counterbalance the indulgent holiday meals with healthy food options, like fresh fruit and veggie platters, smoothies, and light finger foods. Embrace Dry January with a mocktail bar that includes refreshing non-alcoholic drinks like lime spritzers, pomegranate sparklers, or a Moscow Mule Mocktail. Go light on the sugar and heavy carbs.
Activities
It’s great to have a plan of things to do at the gathering, though napping and gossiping are great options. Choose low-key and fun activities to encourage relaxation, mingling, and conversation. Consider trivia, board or card games, puzzles, or even video games to spark laughter without super intense competition. Play games like Apples to Apples, What Do You Meme, or Cards Against Humanity with prompt cards and answer cards. Binge a TV show or watch some cheesy rom-coms.
A Few More Things to Consider
There are just a few more things you’ll want to remember when planning your post-holiday party.
- Choose a date that falls in mid-to-late January. This gives your guests time to clean up, say goodbye to houseguests, and get back into a routine before they attend another event.
- Keep your invite list on the short side. You’ll want to make sure a relaxed and intimate atmosphere is feasible, so you shouldn’t have too many RSVPs to sort through.
- Be flexible. Offer a few different options for activities so that guests can choose how they’d like to spend their time. And don’t be afraid to just let it fly out the window when the group decides they just want to sit around and catch up.
Conclusion
An after-holiday party is a thoughtful way to gather your favorite people and celebrate a fresh start to the new year. With activities and themes that focus on relaxation, connection, and well-being, your gathering will leave everyone feeling recharged and ready to tackle what lies ahead. Turn that post-holiday slump into an uplifting celebration.
