45 Fabulous Christmas Party Ideas for Festive Gatherings

'Tis the season for gathering with friends and family to celebrate! To inspire us with chic Christmas party ideas, we've turned to the country's top decorators and tastemakers who are sharing their creative holiday gathering plans for all types of get-togethers, from afternoon open houses for colleagues, neighbors, and friends to intimate dinner parties for family. Regardless of the occasion, there are plenty of common threads between these Christmas party ideas, from decorating with fresh or preserved greenery to making use of the best china serving dishes, silver cutlery, and crystal stemware in your party closet. One idea the tastemakers all agree on? Candlelight is essential for any style of Christmas party.

Whether your Christmas party-hosting style is rustic yet refined or more elegant and classic, you're sure to discover some new ideas here—be it Christmas tree ideas, Christmas mantel decorations, or holiday decorating inspiration to Christmas table setting ideas or holiday cocktail inspiration. Plus, you can shop the best new Christmas decorating products, Christmas table linens and other tabletop finds, and elegant accessories to use all year long right here. Use this collection of Christmas party ideas to inspire a simple upgrade, refresh to your annual tradition, or to inspire a whole new one this year. Merry, merry!