Christmas Party Invitation Wording by Party Type

What to include

• The kind of party: open house, sit-down dinner, cocktails, cookie swap.
• Day, date, and start and end times.
• The full address, and where guests can park.
• Dress code, if any. Guests do ask.
• What to bring: a dish, a wrapped gift, cookies, nothing.
• Whether children are invited.
• An RSVP deadline.

Casual party and open house

• "Eat, drink and be merry! Join us for a Christmas party on December 13, from 7 pm, at 9 Holly Lane. Please RSVP by December 6."
• "The tree is up and the door is open. Come by between 3 and 7 pm on December 14 for a drink and something sweet. Stay for one cup or four."
• "Carols around the piano, mulled cider on the stove, and no need to sing in tune. December 19, at 7:30 pm."

Christmas dinner

For a seated meal, give a firm time and ask about dietary needs.

• "Please join us for Christmas dinner on December 20. Drinks at 6 pm, dinner at 7. Tell us about any dietary needs when you reply."
• "You're invited to Christmas Eve at our house. Dinner is at 5 pm, followed by a walk to see the lights."

Themed parties

A themed party needs one extra line that states the rule. The sweater party, the cookie swap and the open house each have a guide of their own with more wording; these are short versions.

• Ugly sweater: "Felt reindeer, sequins, blinking lights: wear the sweater you would never wear to work. December 12, at 8 pm. There is a trophy."
• Cookie swap: "Bake a big batch of one cookie, bring an empty tin and leave with a little of everything. Cookie exchange, December 6, at 3 pm."
• Gift exchange: "Gift swap night. Bring one wrapped present worth $15 or less. Stealing is allowed. December 11, at 7 pm."
• Family party: "Crafts, cocoa and a visitor in a red suit. Bring the kids on December 6, from 10 am to noon."
• Pajama party: "Christmas movie night. Pajamas required, popcorn provided, and the kids pick the first film."

Lines for the details

• Dress code: "Festive dress encouraged" or "Come as you are."
• Potluck: "Please bring a dish to share. Tell us what you are making so we don't end up with six desserts."
• Drinks: "We will have wine and beer. Bring anything else you like to drink."
• Kids: "Kids are very welcome" or "This one is adults only."
• Plus ones: "Feel free to bring a guest. Just tell us when you RSVP."
• Gift rule: "No gifts for the hosts, please."

Picking a date in a crowded month

Saturday nights in December are claimed first, by school concerts, office parties and family visits. A weeknight or a Sunday afternoon is often easier for guests, and an open house with a wide time window lets people stop by between other plans.

Whatever you choose, get the invitation out about four weeks ahead. For a seated dinner, ask for replies ten days before so you can plan the menu.

Sending a Christmas video invitation

A December invitation competes with every other message on a guest's phone, and it has to carry a dress code and a what-to-bring rule as well as the date. Blast makes an animated video invitation with holiday music that you share as a link, in a family chat or an office one, and guests RSVP from the invite, so you have a head count before you shop for food and drinks. Blast is free to create and send.