Do you ever wonder where the days of military tradition have gone? The days when neighbors on post greeted each other with a plate of cookies and a warm “welcome to the street”? Do you miss the days of themed dinner parties, formal Balls, or even double date nights? Our lives are busy, hectic really. We are fighting wars and juggling families as single parents. But that doesn’t mean that we have to give up the most treasured of military life traditions; the get-together.
This holiday season why not add variety to life by hosting a fun get together. If you need a little inspiration I have gathered the perfect “spark”.
Holiday Progressive Dinner: Have a traveling party. Appetizers are served at one house, the entrée at another, and dessert at the last. Have the guests meet at the house serving the appetizer, then travel to the entrée and dessert houses. This is fun for the same group to do each month; the food assignment can be rotated so everyone has a chance to showcase their talents.
Tree Decorating Party: Guests arrive to an empty tree only decked with twinkling lights. They can bring decorations to a certain theme or they can decorate with provided decorations. The host provides the appetizers and/or desserts.
Tree Viewing Party: Similar to a progressive dinner (above), holiday appetizers & favorite spirits are served at all the homes involved. Prizes can be awarded for the best decorated tree voted on by attendees.
A Christmas in the Mess Hall: Have guests wear camo or military uniform/outfits. Decorate with camo fabrics, military related holiday items, and use army boots as tablescapes in camo colors. Serve guests MREs as appetizers before the actual meal.
Toys for Tots: Have a dinner party for charity; tell each guest to bring a new toy to be given to a local toy bank. Decorate with stuffed animals and other toys, and provide a nice meal for the charitable guests.
Winter Wonderland: Decorate with lots of white and silver, fake snow, little flocked trees with twinkling lights, and glittery paper snowflakes. Use elegant table settings and serve a delicious meal, topped with a white cake.
Cookie Exchange: Have guests all bring three or more dozen of their favorite cookies to share. Provide a neat container and allow guests to “gather” cookies to take home with them. The ida is that you come with one type of cookie and leave with multiple. It’s a great way to trade recipes too.
Homemade Crafty Christmas: Have all of the attendees bring a homemade craft item to “trade” and have them share their pattern or instructions as well. Everyone goes home with something hand made for the holidays.
Wreath Making Party: A wreath is a perfect canvas for the creative types. Purchase all of the supplies for the wreaths (either make them by hand by cutting branches from a live tree or purchase a pre-made wreath). Have guests bring ribbons, flowers, ornaments, etc. Provide light snacks and holiday music while you work.
Your guests will not be disappointed in any of these wonderful holiday themes. Have fun with whatever you choose to do, but remember the cardinal rule of inviting your guests during this busy time of the year; give them notice.
Click here for a great resource for invitation making. Don’t forget that invites need to include the basics: who, what for, what to bring, when, where, why, how much, dress, and childcare options.
This is the best time of year to share camaraderie with friends and family. Even though our military lives are hectic it is important that we take time to celebrate our ti
me on this unique journey together. Happy Holidays!
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