There’s something timelessly hilarious about donning the gaudiest apparel you can find. Ugly Christmas sweater parties are a fun way to bring friends together during the holiday season. They’re nostalgic, low-pressure, and perfect for renters looking to entertain in small spaces. Whether you go full DIY or thrift a hideous gem, the charm is all in the effort (and the photos).
12 Tips for Hosting the Best Ugly Sweater Party
Send tacky invites
Start the party before it even begins with invites that scream festive fun. Think over-the-top fonts, glittery graphics, and cheesy puns. Use digital invite platforms to design invitations that match your theme and set the tone for the party.
Make sure your invite includes the party date and time, your address and parking info, and strict orders to wear the most outrageous holiday attire possible.
DIY your outfit
Grab an old sweater and raid the craft store. Hot glue some tinsel, add ornaments, and sew on felt patches to make the most horrendous Christmas sweater.
Bonus points if you host a pre-party DIY night for you and your friends to customize sweaters together.
Set the tone with music
Create a playlist of classic holiday tunes, cheesy pop remixes, and a few holiday movie soundtracks. Music keeps the mood upbeat and gives your party that cozy, festive ambiance.
Too tired from DIYing your sweater to DIY a playlist? Music streaming platforms have great pre-made playlists to get you started.
Decorate to match the mood
Go full maximalist with multicolor lights, garlands galore, and dollar-store décor. Create a photo station with wrapping paper backdrops, oversized bows, and props like reindeer antlers or Santa hats. The more over-the-top, the better!
Optimize small spaces
No mansion? No problem. Push furniture to the walls, use countertops as drink stations, and create zones for snacks, games, and photos. If you’re short on seating, floor cushions work great in a pinch.
Serve festive snacks
Keep it seasonal with peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, and reindeer chow. Set up a hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and whipped cream.
Organize a gift exchange
A white elephant exchange keeps things light and budget-friendly. Set a price limit and encourage funny or totally useless gifts to get everyone laughing.
Gather some games
Break the ice with themed party games. Try Christmas trivia, sweater runway walks, or a holiday movie charades game. Award small prizes for participation to keep the energy up.
Crown a winner
Make the ugly sweater contest official. Create categories like “Most Extra,” “Best DIY,” or “Most Festive” and hand out silly trophies as prizes. Don’t forget to take a photo of everyone in their silly outfits!
Prep for a movie marathon
After the games wind down, cue up some holiday classics. Make sure you have enough blankets, pillows, and popcorn to make for the best movie marathon experience.
Send your guests home with leftovers
Have to-go containers on hand so friends can take home treats. It’s a practical way to avoid waste and send guests home with a smile (and a cookie or two).
Create a shared album
Make it easy to share photos with a shared digital photo album. Send the link to the album after the party and ask your guests to upload the photos they took.
Ready to host your own tacky Christmas sweater party? Gather your glitter, cue the carols, and let the festive chaos begin!
This article was originally published on November 16, 2015, by Erica Campbell Byrum. 
