Holiday party under $100 - part 3

December 7, 12:31 PMChicago Party Planning ExaminerMarianna Swallow

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Cheers! Have a festive drink
while wrapping gifts or reciting
bad poetry.

Go easy on yourself this holiday season when you host. Share the wealth? Share the work, too! 

Give "entertaining guests" a whole new meaning. Tap your friends for entertainment.

• BYOP: Bring Your Own Poetry.  Invite attendees to bring a poem in line with the festivities; i.e., relating to winter or the upcoming holiday. Poems will be read before the crowd. Award simple prizes (use sundries you don’t need -- perhaps one of the fifty candles your Aunt Tilly gave you?) for categories such as most humorous and most original. Alternate idea: Guests can pen their own sonnets at the party. Start the poetry reading after a sampling of mulled wine or cocktails, and see how expressive your friends can be with a lil’ social lubrication. Capture their renditions with your camera phone for future sharing.
• The Literal Guest DJ: Partygoers bring a favorite CD or loaded IPod with music corresponding to the occasion. Rotate the Guest DJ frequently -- every 30-40 minutes.
• Get stuff done and have fun: Host a gift wrapping or make-your-own-ornament party. Provide some basic materials (scissors, tape, glue, markers) and put on some holiday music (see above). Guests bring additional craft items such as the wrapping paper, construction paper, and glitter.
   

Party On, Chicago!