Three ideas for an untraditional Christmas party

Are you planning a Christmas party this year but finding it hard to get excited about throwing the same old bash? Shake things up with one of these unconventional holiday party themes.

1. Sushi party
Order a take out platter of sushi, or better yet, make your own. Set up a sushi making station complete with bamboo rolling mats, cooked Japanese rice, sheets of nori (dried seaweed used to wrap sushi rolls) and a variety of sliced fish, veggies and even fruit. Be sure to serve strawberry shortcake for dessert—it’s the traditional Japanese Christmas cake.

2. Masquerade party
Leave your jeans and ugly Christmas sweaters in your closet and have your guests come dressed in their finest formal wear for a masquerade ball. Encourage everyone to wear a mask, or have a mask making station with plain masks and everything you can think of to decorate them, including glitter, feathers and markers. Be sure to snap photos of everyone in their fancy outfits and masks.

3. Twelve courses of Christmas
This party is all about the food. Create—or have your caterer make—a twelve-course menu, complete with wine pairings. To avoid getting too stuffed, take care to have each course be small.

Of course there are other possibilities for your uniquely themed Christmas bash. Motifs involving another era, a particular color or a specific location are all feasible. Simply invoke your creativity and your Christmas shindig is sure to be the most unforgettable event of the season.