It’s never too late to embrace the season of giving, which
is why we totally heart this playfully philanthropic party idea. Remember Shel
Silverstein’s iconic children’s book
The Giving Tree? We’re riffing on that concept to create a party
plan that’s one part festive, one part fun and one part pay it forward.
In a nutshell…
Big or small, this party’s focus will center on a tree—the
Giving Tree. Decorate it with some of our cute Christmas tree crafts. We particularly like the idea of cutting out
cardboard stars, dipping one side in glitter and having potential gift
recipients writing words of thanks on the other side. Givers can take the stars
home as party favors and reminders of their sweet seasonal deed.
In your invite, ask each individual to bring a small gift,
like a toy or stuffed animal for a kid in need. Have them place their gifts
around the tree upon arrival, then enjoy the party with festive food, drinks
and music. Afterward, head to a drop-off location for Toys for Tots, a local
shelter or children’s hospital and make like elves delivering your presents.
Your giving spirit will make this a happy holiday, indeed!
Make it happen…
Get permission
First thing’s first: You need to talk to your parents to
make sure they’re OK with having a party at home. If they aren’t, perhaps you
can work together to find a different space, like a community center. Then you
need to decide who will benefit from your party. Pick a charity that calls to
you.
Spread the word
Pass out hand-made invites at school, use e-vite.com or
create a Facebook event for your party. For this shindig, we’re thinking the
bigger, the better! Invite your homeroom, your basketball team, your neighbors,
your Girl Scout troop—anyone and everyone who is looking to spread some holiday
cheer.
Grab your tree
The day before your party, go to a nursery or garden store
and pick out your tree. Go for something scrawny and adorable, ala A Charlie
Brown Christmas, or one that’s
fantastically chubby. Big or tall, the size of your tree matters not at all. Do be sure to decorate it, though, with whatever
catches your fancy: paper chains, popcorn garlands and macaroni frames are all
fair game.
Good eats
Since you’re asking your guests to arrive with a gift, it
would be especially nice to treat them to a festive feast, don’t you think? Be
prepared with a spread of hot and cold finger foods, like pigs in a blanket,
mini sandwiches and lots and lots of cookies.
Make merry
The key to any successful party? The tunes! Blast an
eclectic mix of holiday classics. We’re loving Glee’s Christmas album and She and Him’s
new CD.
Get your giving on
Don Santa hats, toss your goodies in the car and take a trip
to your designated charity’s HQ. If you’re lucky enough to give them directly
to the kids, consider throwing a second party for them to enjoy, complete with
carols and cookies. The finishing touch? Reading The Giving Tree aloud.
BY BRITTANY TAYLOR ON 12/8/2011 12:19:00 PM
POSTED IN happy holidays, merry christmas, holiday parties, christmas parties, charity, do gooder