"Naughty or Nice" Christmas Cocktail Party

"Naughty or Nice" Christmas Party Ideas

The idea for this whimsical-glam Christmas Eve cocktail party, designed by Gatsby cofounders Kimi Dallman and Glen Collins, came from the childhood excitement that comes with that day.

"We drew inspiration from our treasured memories of Christmas Eve, such as leaving out cookies for Santa," says Glen. Incorporating grown-up cocktails and elegant red-and-silver decor, Gatsby's Christmas Eve soiree is fun enough for kids and sophisticated enough for adults.

Festive Invitation

Rolled up with ribbon, the invitation looks like Santa's fabled scroll and the text evokes the naughty and nice theme of the party.

"Naughty" Desserts

To save time, serve a variety of store-bought desserts for a beautiful spread that's both easy and decadent. Gatsby set out rich chocolate-covered caramels (or "lumps of coal") on a modern acrylic block along with an array of other chocolate indulgences from Tart Bakery in Dallas.

"Nice" Desserts

Bright red candies, cream-filled macarons, and tarts topped with berries subtly reflect the party's red-and-silver color theme. They're served on a combination of interesting containers and stands.

Unexpected Bar Menu

Drawing their inspiration from humble chalkboard menus, Gatsby applied a lettered decal to an antique mirror for an elegant bar menu. The letters were easily removed after the party to restore the mirror to its original condition.

Self-Serve Cocktails

Kimi and Glen offer kir royales from a classic martini pitcher and also have a nonalcoholic pomegranate punch for underage revelers.

Clever Cocktail Napkins

Even the paper cocktail napkins can advance your party's theme. Gatsby printed their napkins with "naughty and nice" confessions to Santa in the same font as the party's invitations.

No-Fuss Decorations

Visit your own yard to create inspired and inexpensive flower arrangements and decorative touches like this boxwood wreath.

More Christmas Party Ideas

Find more ideas for your Christmas party:

• Elegant Christmas Dinner Party
• Vintage Christmas Brunch
• Open House Cocktail Party