6 Festive Ideas for Hosting the Perfect Friendsmas at Home
Christmas is cute, but Friendsmas? That’s where the real fun begins! If you’re a host who loves a bit of festive sparkle and creativity, I’ve put together a list of Friendsmas ideas you can bring to life right in your living room. Pick one, mix a few, or go all out and try them all – trust me, your friends will thank you for the memories.
Potluck Christmas Dinner
What is Friendsmas without a good meal? Rather than stressing over cooking everything yourself, ask everyone to bring a dish of their choice – mains, sides, desserts, whatever they’re confident in making.
I like to create a menu beforehand for everyone to choose from. It saves us from ending up with seven sides and no main event. And if someone turns up with a store-bought option because life got busy, it’s just as welcome – especially if it’s come straight from Marks & Spencer.
Themed Dress Code
Nothing says festive fun like a themed dress code, and the photos afterwards are absolutely worth it. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Matching Christmas Pyjamas: Cute, comfortable, and perfect for hot chocolates and Christmas films.
- Santa Takeover: Go full Mr and Mrs Claus. A room filled with Santas is always entertaining.
- Green Elf: Green outfits, stripy tights, and jingling bells for full elf energy.
Reindeer: Brown outfits with reindeer ears for a sweet woodland theme. - Winter Wonderland: Think sparkles, silver, white, and icy blues.
Secret Santa… With a Twist
Secret Santa is the easiest way to make sure everyone gets a gift without one person trying to be Santa for the whole group. My go-to is the Elfster app because it does the matching for you (and saves your brain from spreadsheet-mode).
You can take it up a level by adding a twist:
- Handmade gifts only
- Gifts starting with the recipient’s first letter
- Foodie gifts only
- Charity shop challenge
Don’t forget to set a spend limit that works for everyone, and give your friends the option to join or sit it out.
Gingerbread House Competition
If you’ve never watched your best friends slowly unravel over a collapsing gingerbread roof – you haven’t lived.
Split into pairs (or let everyone go solo) and build the most dramatic, architectural masterpiece possible. Dedicate a good chunk of time to it so people can get extra.
You can buy pre-baked gingerbread house kits, or if you’re ready to channel Bake Off energy, bake the pieces from scratch. Another fun rule: everything must be edible, and guests are welcome to bring their own edible surprises to gain a competitive edge.
Friendsmas Games
Games keep the fun going once the food festivities wrap up. Keep a few board games around the room – my favourites are Connect 4, cards, and Dobble.
For group games, Finish That Christmas Song is always a hit. Create a playlist in advance, pause a song mid-way, and have the designated player finish the lyrics. Performances are encouraged for extra points, and the more dramatic the better!
Cute Extras
The small touches make people feel loved, and Friendsmas is the perfect excuse to go all-out on sentimentality.
- Handwritten Christmas Cards: Write a Christmas card for each guest with a little message inside. I’m a handmade-card girlie, so mine are wonky and covered in glitter, and I tell everyone they have to keep them foreverrrrr.
- Friendsmas Favour Bags: Create tiny favour bags with festive bits: mini candy canes, hot chocolate sachets, a tea light candle, a peppermint lip balm, that kind of thing.
- Photo Booth Polaroids: If you’ve got a film or instant camera, take individual Polaroids, write their name and the year underneath, and let people take them home.
Final Thoughts
Hosting Friendsmas at home is all about cosy vibes, deep laughter, and celebrating your chosen family. Whether you’re battling it out over gingerbread houses, screaming old Christmas songs, or showing up in matching PJs, the memories you create together are what really matter.
Merry Friendsmas, my loves ✨🎄💖
Kyra xx
FAQs
Q: When is the best time to host a Friendsmas?
A: Anytime from late November to mid-December works best. The festive spirit is in full swing, but it’s not so close to Christmas that everyone is too busy.
Q: What if some friends have dietary restrictions?
A: Ask guests about any dietary requirements in advance and share allergies with everyone so they can avoid them in their dishes. You can also prepare one or two safe staple dishes just in case.