I received this book as a gift for Christmas!
Christmas comes with all kinds of traditions, but one of the cheesiest is the highly anticipated Hallmark Christmas Movies that line up ad nauseam in my “to record” queue during the holidays. Do I know what’s going to happen during every movie? Pretty much. Do I suspect that the big city girl who goes back to her hometown at Christmas will fall in love with her widowed high school sweetheart and perhaps run the family farm? Absolutely. Am I going to watch it anyway? You bet!
So while I’m watching, why not have some FUN with it and invite some friends to enjoy this marathon of saccharin sweet movies with me? And that is how my annual Hallmark Christmas Movie Night was born.
This year will be my 9th Annual Hallmark Christmas Movie Night, so I’ve pretty much got it dialed in. I typically hold it early in the month of December for several reasons:
- I find the later you get into the month, the more obligations people have during the holidays.
- I love the idea of kicking off everyone’s holiday season. And
- It forces me to get my ho-ho-ho in gear and get my decorations up so I get to enjoy them the entire Christmas season. Winning!
Invites:
I text out my “Save the Date” well in advance (like months ahead) to make sure and get it on everyone’s calendars, though of course there is never a date that works for everyone. I mail out invites about 6 weeks prior. I am old school in that I really like a written invitation to parties when I can. For me, there’s just something about the formality of receiving one in the mail that makes your guests feel special.
Having said that, I certainly use evites and text-vites too. The size of the group often dictates if I choose to send them. I love using Poppynotes which are also a FUN option for a quick message or reminder for the day of the party.
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Guest List:
When setting your guest list, keep in mind you’ll be limited by your movie viewing space and/or number of Bingo cards. I have 16 cards so that would be my max number, but that would be pretty tight. I also like everyone to sit together for dinner at one table and be comfortable when lounging come Hallmark Christmas Bingo time. I’m usually around 12 people for my larger party.
Because of limited space, I do a couple movie nights each year so I can share this evening with more of my friends. Another group is a little more intimate and we also include a gift exchange after dinner before the movie. It can be however YOU want to set up your evening. The focus is truly just on connecting with good friends and kick-starting a beautiful Christmas season with lots of love and laughter to light the way.
Attire:
Guests are asked to come in their Christmas pajamas and/or cozies. Right off the bat, it sets the tone of the evening…relaxed and FUN. And another perk is being able to just pile into bed at the end of the night without having to change!
Pre-Game:
In the early years I played one game upon everyone’s arrival for fun and to loosen everyone up, but now everyone has gotten to know each other and are too busy chatting! They were simple Christmas-themed “name that song” or “trivia” games. I had the games printed on colorful paper and on clipboards with pens readily available on a table when they arrived.
I always had a good prize for the winner (a Hallmark ornament, cute Christmas decoration, gift card to Ulta to name a few). It was a great way to get the evening started and let guests still mingle without taking up too much time.
Party Set Up:
I like having a beverage station set up for guests. Everything they need is ready to go including glassware, open wine, wine charms, non-alcoholic beverages, ice, etc. I like my guests to feel at home and it’s especially helpful when many guests arrive at once!
Love these Hallmark glasses my daughter gave me for Christmas. Hallmark carries a different collection each year, so these particular glasses are no longer available.
But, click here for this years’ version.
Tablescape:
For several years, I’ve been making my table decor easier on myself. The tablescape I set for my Hallmark Christmas Movie Nights will stay in place (changing out flowers & linens and, of course, jeuging as needed) and can be used all month long for celebrating. We do a lot of entertaining, so this way I’m able to get multiple uses out of the decoration.
For this Christmas motif inspiration I received a cute Christmas Gnome a couple years ago as a hostess gift and with that…voila…my Gnome-themed table was born! I purchased several more Gnomes at Home Goods and Nordstrom Rack and added them to the table.
I anchored the table with a red tablecloth and then used this tablerunner that I LOVE from Amazon because BONUS, it’s two-sided & my red and white striped cotton linen blend napkins coordinated perfectly. The wooden votive candle holders were the perfect touch that went with my theme. Using some red, green and gold ornaments I already had, I tied them in clumps with gold ribbon and scattered them around the table for pops of color.
I added a few wooden Christmas signs from Dollar Tree I’d used previous years but used it in a new way on my table. I also found these darling Gnome Lights at Dollar Tree that were just one more layer of FUN!
Favors:
Since I used Gnomes as my theme to set my holiday table, this made my party favor decision a breeze…homemade Gnome Ornaments!
Knowing my theme well in advance, I had extra time allowing me to take on a more labor intensive project. I’d seen these adorable gnome ornaments on Pinterest.
To see the video I watched on how to make them (click here). The supplies I used to a make them are:
- Yarn in multiple colors (This multi-pk will probably save you some money. Don’t go too cheap or they won’t turn out fluffy. Michaels also has a great yarn selection.)
- Pom Pom Maker (You can also use cardboard, but I think these saved me time)
- Sewing Scissors (Sharp scissors makes a huge difference on this project)
- Paper Towel Roll
- ½ Half Wooden Bead (to use for nose)
- Silver Mini Jingle Bells (for use on hat)
To bring a little extra “FUN” and humor, I printed gnome sayings I found on-line on white cardstock and made hang tags using a paper punch. To attach to the gift bags I used ribbon as well as red and white bakers twine:
- Oh Gnome you Di’nt
- Hangin’ with my Gnomies
- There’s no place like Gnome
- Gnome Sweet Gnome
- Go Big or Go Gnome
- I’m Sexy and I Gnome it
- Gnome for the Holidays
- I’ll be Gnome for Christmas
Food:
The funny thing is, the menu has become a tradition and the annual crew of ladies has requested I not change it. I make the same thing every year: Mexican Caesar Salad, Viva la Chicken Enchilada Casserole and Garlic Bread. (It seems like the garlic bread wouldn’t be a fit, but honestly, it’s so good…it goes with ANYTHING!) The casserole can be made the night ahead which is always a plus when you’re hosting a party.
If people offer to bring something: wine, appetizers or sweets for dessert are welcome, but I provide dinner.
Click here to get these delicious recipes!
HOT TIP: Between appetizers, dinner and movie treats, I’ve found there were fewer nibbles on the dessert table. Sweets and treats are always a welcome addition, but I would limit the amount of dessert so it doesn’t go to waste. OR if you do go for volume and variety, I would suggest having “to go” boxes on hand for your guests to take home some goodies.
Game Time – Set Up:
After dinner, my guests move into the living room where I’ve set up the sectional sofa and ottomans with extra cozy pillows, blankets, body pillows on the carpet, etc. (Think slumber party.) I also have movie snacks ready to go: Popcorn, movie candy and individual cups for each person to fill with their loot. I’ve found Baking Paper Cups for cupcakes are fantastic for this.
Pens and clipboards with their Hallmark Movie Bingo Cards are ready to go for them. Everyone gets to choose their Bingo Cards before I’ve shared what movie we will be viewing. The Bingo Cards have squares such as: Baking Christmas cookies, Hot Chocolate Consumed, Santa Hat Worn, Widow or Single Parent, or Opening Scene is of a Big City. I’ve added many Bingo Cards over the years based on my viewing and it just never gets old.
[For a bonus FREE download of my Hallmark Movie Bingo Cards, Subscribe below!]
Movie Selection:
For choosing the movie: you can preview a movie, use one you’ve already seen or just wing it. I’ve done it every way possible and if you have the time, I find it’s better to preview the movie or at least a portion thereof or choose one that is tried and true.
While I love me some Hallmark Christmas Movies, some are better than others AND some lend themselves to the Bingo game better than others. You don’t want it to be a swing and a miss your first time out. When your group is engaged and able to cross off some bingo boxes, it’s so much more fun!
OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL GAME:
Future Trippin’:
Another game you can tack on is Future Trip. Play the first three minutes of the Hallmark movie and press PAUSE. Have your guests turn over their Bingo card and give them 2 minutes to write a brief but detailed description of how the movie is going to end.
FOR EXAMPLE: Noelle gives up her corporate job to finally follow her heart and open up a bakery. Selling her cookies at the Christmas pageant, she raises enough money to save the park and ends up with her high school sweetheart, Chris, who is the new town Mayor.
(I think I should pitch this idea to the Hallmark Execs! LOL) At the end of the movie, whoever gets closest to the real movie ending gets a prize.
WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER:
Prizes:
Of course it’s not about the prizes, but Prizes = FUN, and I’m all about bringing the FUN! I’m not a fan of giving things that will likely not be used, so I try to buy things that I would like to receive if I was a prize winner. Examples of some items I’ve used for Bingo are: a cozy blanket, Sugar Lip Treatment, a nice Voluspa candle, an infuser set similar to this one, a Starbucks reusable coffee cup set or this new Countdown to Christmas book I found.
For the Future Trip Game, I’ve kept it funny and light like an Elf Hat and Christmas Candy.
A Few Final Details:
A couple thoughts on things I’ve learned throwing my Hallmark Christmas Movie party over the years…
- Your friends don’t have to be Hallmark fans to be a fan of this party. It is an evening of laughter and FUN, no Hallmark loyalty required.
- The first few years I did the welcome game almost as an ice breaker. But as the girls have gotten to know each other, “catch up” chit chat has taken over and I found less interest in the starter game so I’ve since abandoned the tradition.
- I’ve done a homemade hot chocolate bar which was a hit. But there’s usually so much food and beverage, it can get lost. So read the group and plan accordingly.
I can’t tell you the joy I get in throwing this party. I love that I now hear about their new PJ purchases as guests prep for the Big Night and how everyone says this is now part of their holiday tradition to kickstart their Christmas season. What a gift!
Please let me know when you host your own Hallmark Christmas Movie Night! Can’t wait to see what ideas you incorporate to add to the FUN and create memories and traditions of your own. Merry Merry!!
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This is such a wonderful idea for a holiday kick off party! Thank you for always being so inspiring. I am definitely putting gnomes and holiday movie night cards on my new poppynotes Holiday collection list! ❤️
Love the idea of coordinating a party with your fabulous Poppynote designs. Happy holiday kick off!
Amazing party idea!! I love a party with a theme, great F&B and fun activities and this has it all!
It has been a huge “hit”…thanks so much for the encouragement! More to come this holiday season…stay tuned! 🙂
Such a creative idea for a party and the decorations inspire me to decorate even without a party. Thanks for all the tips and suggestions!
You are too kind. Thank you. It is definitely an evening of laughter and fun! Thank you for stopping by~ XO
Shelley,
This is an awesome idea. I see a side job for you. Package up all the items needed to have this party ie. bingo cards, tips and a list of all ideas. I’d buy it! If I gather the energy I hope to be able to have this party. Love it
Thank you so much! It has been such a fun party and I love after 9 years has become a tradition. I’d have to muster some more energy for another side hustle, but thanks for the input! 🙂
What a wonderful Christmas happening. So much fun with friends, laughter and great food. I love all the decorating ideas. You are such an inspiration.
I’m so glad you liked it! It is such a FUN-filled night and great annual Holiday Tradition.