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Christmastime is often hectic, so why not take a moment to slow down, cosy up and spend a quiet evening at home with loved ones?
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Festive Ideas for a Christmas Night In
Words by Emma Hughes
December 01, 2023
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4m
Christmastime is often hectic, so why not take a moment to slow down, cosy up and spend a quiet evening at home with loved ones?
Check out our top ideas for a festive night in, then just add your favourite people!
How to prepare for your night in
There are some quick and easy ways to help your evening go without a hitch, and make sure everyone gets into the spirit of Christmas.
Add some warmth
Not only a great way to warm your space, candles bring a magical and inviting glow to your home. Check out our fabulous selection of Christmas decorations for an extra festive feeling. Some snuggly throw blankets won’t go amiss, either.
Set the mood
Nothing says cosy like soft lighting, so switch off the “big light” and recruit a couple of lamps instead. Tap into your other senses too – think Christmas-scented reed diffusers and a playlist full of all your yuletide favourites.
Get comfortable
Whether you’re gathering in the living room or setting the dining table for activities, ensure you have a seat for everyone. We’ve a wide range of chairs and stools in stock – perfect when you’re in a pinch. If space is limited, pop down a soft rug and plenty of cushions to make the floor more comfortable.
Stock up on snacks
You’ll need enough festive treats to go around – from chocolate coins to cheese. If you’re putting on a more substantial buffet or meal, why not ask everyone to bring something with them? A well-stocked drinks trolley will make celebrations even more special, especially when dressed with twinkling fairy lights.
Christmas Accessories
Fun ideas for your Christmas night in
Whether you’re catching up with old friends or entertaining family of all ages, there are tonnes of ideas and themes to choose from!
Christmas movie night
You can’t go wrong with a few festive films. Why not take a vote and watch the most popular, or try something none of you have seen before?
Christmas games night
From Christmas trivia and music bingo to festive charades, there’s a whole host of quizzes and games to keep the fun going.
Christmas cocktail night
Make festive themed cocktails! Each person could bring their own ingredients and then everyone votes for their favourite drink. Think White Russians with candy cane straws, bellinis, and all things Baileys!
Christmas craft night
If your crowd is the creative kind, why not make something seasonal together? You could craft Christmas cards, baubles or homemade gifts like candles, or learn how to make a winter wreath.
Christmas cuisine night
Taste traditional Christmas foods from around the world. Ask each person to choose a country and bring a national dish with them.
Christmas activities to do at home
Here are a few of our favourite festive activities to keep you and your guests entertained…
Image courtesy of Orla Kiely
Secret Santa or White Elephant
We all know the rules of Secret Santa, but not everyone follows them! Try to keep the mystery alive, and let everyone take a guess at who bought which gift. Feeling ruthless? White Elephant gives you the option of stealing a better gift from someone else – which certainly makes things more interesting!
Christmas present wrapping
Get together with friends to make wrapping your gifts more fun. You can share resources too, so you’ll have plenty of paper, bows and labels to choose from. And you won’t run out of Sellotape this time!
Dressing up
Whether it’s a classic Santa hat, Christmas pudding head boppers or a full Grinch garb, it’s hard not to feel festive when everyone’s taking part! Prizes for the best dressed?
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