How to Throw the Best Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

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If you haven’t joined the “Ugly Christmas Sweater” fun, are you even really celebrating Christmas?

Probably not.

And if you’ve never thrown your own Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, now is the time and here are some great resources to pull it off.

I assume you know what an Ugly Christmas Sweater is. But just in case you don’t…..

What is an Ugly Christmas Sweater?

Just in case you don’t know, an Ugly Christmas Sweater is any Christmas-themed sweater that is considered gaudy, ugly or tacky. The more Christmas flare, the better.

For some, a simple holiday design is “ugly” enough. And then some go all out with bells, lights, tinsel, glitter, you name it.

Where Did Ugly Christmas Sweaters Originate?

Although no one really knows for sure how the Ugly Christmas Sweater trend began, there’s a good chance that it was inspired by the fabulous 1980s style, when ugly sweaters were often worn. But they weren’t Ugly On Purpose. They were Just Ugly. Because, the 80s.

(Just another reason why I love that decade.)

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The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

If you’re thinking about hosting an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, here is your ultimate guide to throwing the most festive event ever!

“This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link. Full disclosure here.”

Where to Find Ugly Christmas Sweaters

First of all, if you’re going to host an Ugly Sweater Christmas party, then you need to make sure you fully represent with a great Christmas Sweater outfit.

Of course, you can always DIY it up and make your own. But maybe you’re not the DIY type, or you just don’t have time to make make the ugliest Christmas sweater. No worries, there are some great options out there.

Check out the handmade Ugly Christmas Sweaters in the My Ugly Christmas Store on Etsy. They do not disappoint. Look at their Pink Flamingo Ugly Christmas Sweater. Love.

So the first step to throwing an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party? Get your sweater.

You can find more Ugly Christmas Sweaters on Etsy in this post.

Don’t play small here. Go big or go home. Don’t let me down.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Invitations

Sure, you can send out a text invite or even an Evite. But why not go old-school and send out real invitations in the mail? Get crazy.

If you go this route, and I recommend you do, set your date and try to send out invitations about three weeks in advance. You want time to get RSVPs and plan accordingly.

This Ugly Sweater Party invitation by Sweet Cotton Paperie is adorable. It is customizable and comes in two sizes, 4″ x 6″ and 5″ x 7″. It comes as a digital file so you can print at home or send to a printer.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Decorations

Go simple. Go wild. Go ugly. Whatever. You’ve got plenty of Christmas party decoration ideas for any budget or any party size. Check these out:

It’s About to Get Ugly Christmas Banner by PrettyPartyCompany.

• Banners are in ALL lowercase letters
• Letters measure about 4″-7″ tall
• Handcrafted on premium heavyweight glitter cardstock.

Christmas Balloon Garland Kit by Glamfettico.

This Christmas themed DIY balloon garland kit makes a great party backdrop and includes everything you need to create a beautiful balloon garland for your party.

• Christmas Party Balloon Garland Kit includes:
• An assortment of balloons in white, red, green, spring green, and chrome gold
• Air pump
• A strip to attach all of the balloons
• Easy instructions

Find some fun and festive Holiday Centerpieces, like this Whimsical Elf from StudioWhimsybyBabs. How cute is this? Not everything has to be ugly. Personally, I would keep this out all season as Christmas decor. It is approx 20″ wide and 16″ tall, full of mesh, ruffles, and ribbons.  Oh my!

Make sure your guests don’t miss your house with this Merry Christmas Yard Sign by MinkandMaple.

This outdoor Christmas display that will make a statement with individually cut letters so you can lay them out how you would like. The stakes easily install into the grass. With proper care, this can be used again and again. Bonus!

• Printed on Coroplast, a corrugated plastic that’s waterproof and weather resistant.
• Includes 2 metal stakes per letter or element
• Letters are 15″ High
• MERRY: 77.5″ Wide
• CHRISTMAS: 125″ Wide

This set of 10 Hanging Ugly Christmas Sweater Decorations from BigDotofHappiness be used in several ways. Hang them on the porch, in trees, or from the ceiling inside. Each Ugly Sweater hanging decoration is printed on both sides so they will look great from all directions.

Includes 20 yards of monofilament cording for hanging
• Sweaters Measure 10.75″ x 9″
• Turtlenecks Measure 10.75″ x 10″
• Printed on Waterproof, Weather Resistant Corrugated Plastic

Ugly Christmas Sweater Paper & Party Goods

“It’s Gonna Get Ugly” Holiday Party Paper Plates go perfectly with an Ugly Christmas Sweater theme – get them at CantWaittoCelebrate.

This item is not a digital download. They actually create the design with your name and send the plates 7″ or 9″.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Cup Labels by White Rabbits Design are customizable with your name. Labels peel and stick to foam, plastic and paper cups.

Eat, Drink and Be Ugly water bottle labels by SimplyEverydayMe. Just download & print, or send the file to a copy center for printing.

Eat, Drink and Be Tacky Can and Bottle Coolers by yourethatgirldesigns, Measures 5 1/8″ height x 4″ width
and fits 12 oz. cans and bottles.

Games and Activities for Your Party

And now for the really fun stuff.

Of course, you’ll want to have a contest for the Ugliest Christmas Sweater. Grab some voting cards and prize ribbons like these from greenpapayaprints.

And here’s a few fun activities you can include at your Ugly Christmas Sweater Party to get things going.

The Ugly Christmas Sweater Trivia Party Game by PlanPrintandParty includes an Ugly Sweater Trivia and the Ugly Sweater Scattegories Game that you can instantly download. This allows you to print yourself or have the games printed inexpensively at any photo or copy store.

You will be able to instantly download two games per 8 1/2 x 11 page
1. Ugly Sweater Trivia + Answer Key
2. Ugly Sweater Scattegories Game

Christmas Santa Charade Game by LittleOrchardCraft comes with 100 sticks and 200 charades. Simple pull out a stick and act out your charade. It’s a classic and easy to play a game that is fun for all ages.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Bunco is a fun option for a Christmas Party game and is available from MrsRenzDesigns.

Also a digital download, the game includes 12 different ugly sweater scorecards, plus table scorecards and table number cards. Includes two size options: 2 per page scorecards or another version 4 per page size.

This set scores for 4 rounds of play and has two scoring options. One set has “Wins, Losses, Buncos and Baby Buncos” and the other set scores “Wins, Losses, and Buncos.”

Everybody loves a good photo opp, so create a “photo booth” with this Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Photo Booth Background by PaperRamma. This fully customizable tapestry comes with your choice of text and choice of colors.

Pump up your Christmas Party Photo Booth with photo props from ParyRidge.

17 props include:

2 Lips
1 Mustache
3 Glasses
1 Top Hat
1 Bow Tie
1 Carrot Nose
1 Reindeer Antlers
1 Elf Hat
1 Santa Hat
1 Rudolph Nose
2 Snowflakes
1 “Merry Christmas” Sign
1 Santa Beard

Food

Keep it simple with easy appetizers. Think finger foods, dips, and trays. Check out Pinterest for fun Christmas Party food recipes. Here are a few ideas to get you going.

• Sausage Balls
• Cranberry Brie Bites
• Cheeseballs
• Stuffed mushrooms
• Charcuterie Tray
• Pinwheels
• Dips and Crackers
• Eggrolls
• Sliders
• Maple Bacon Smokies
• Caprese Bites
• Slow-cooker Meatballs

Drinks

Have an array of options for guests.

Easy and stress-free options are loading setting out water, sodas, and beer in various coolers around the kitchen, dining room and patio. Open up several bottles of your favorite wine and have them in a designated bar area with other liquor and mixers.

If you’re feeling like you can take on a bit more, mix up some Christmas Sangria. Create a hot cocoa bar. Serve up some Festive cocktails.

The Most Important Tip for You Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Of all the suggestions for throwing an Ugly Christmas Sweater, the most important one is this:

Just have fun. Throwing a party of any size creates stress for even seasoned party throwers.

But the point is to have a good time and celebrate with friends and loved ones. So put all of the perfection and expectations to the side and celebrate your Ugly Christmas Sweater Party like a boss!

Looking for more Ugly Christmas Sweater ideas? Check out this post.

Need ideas for holiday hostess gifts? Read this.

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