How to Host “A Christmas Story” Party

Full Dessert Spread for A Christmas Story Party

DJ Rob and The Wife of the Party hosted the 9th annual “A Christmas Story” pajama party this past weekend.  Guests often inquire how much planning and prep went into the party, Just Joni even declaring, “You put more thought into this party than I did into my wedding.”

The great news is that, aside from cooking time, it’s quite easy!

The Wife of the Party started this annual event to keep alive the Christmas tradition of her family near Cleveland, Ohio, where “A Christmas Story” was filmed.  Warm memories of laughter, happy bellies, and love fill her mind remembering the continuous loop of the film post Christmas Eve dinner.  A couple of years ago, she decided to up her game from a simple dessert and pizza night to an all-out theme.

The main resource is this amazing blogger, Purple Patch Parties, where you can find inconceivable party ideas for everything from a Princess Bride to The Walking Dead.  They share a link to all of their ideas and signage.  You can take their ideas and implement them in your own creative manner.

1.  Invitations.  Evites via an electronic invitation service or Facebook are the quickest way to send invitations and gather RSVP’s.  Remember, in Utah an RSVP basically has no value, but in the rest of the country, it’ll give you a pretty accurate number.
   

   Facebook Invitation to A Christmas Story Party

2. Prepare all signage, party supplies, and decorations.  Links to signage.
3. Decide if you are going to play games with your guests.  There are an abundance of ideas, my favorite being a sheet with trivia questions they answer during the movie.  Reward winners with prizes.
4. Bake.  Food ideas in photos below.
5. Party!

You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out BB Display using sixlets and glitter mixer containers for “A Christmas Story” Party

Close Up of BBs in Glitter Containers for “A Christmas Story” Party

Triple Dog Dare lil smokey with BBQ sauce and Grape Jelly glaze for appetizers for “A Christmas Story” Party

Soap Poisoning candies using red candy melts and soap molds for “A Christmas Story” Party

Photo Op with Candy Soap Bars for “A Christmas Story” Party

Snowballs for “A Christmas Story” Party

Oh Fudge cookies on display for “A Christmas Story” Party – Notice the Chinese Takeout boxes in the background

Oh Fuuuudge Cookies for “A Christmas Story” Party

Close Up of Setup for “A Christmas Story” Party – HoHoHOreos and Snickerdoodles added

Projection of “A Christmas Story” and leg lamp quilt hanging below (created by the mother-in-law of the party)

Ovaltine in real milk bottles for “A Christmas Story” Party

Meatloaf Mashed Potato Cupcakes for “A Christmas Story” Party.  Notice the container full of candy canes in the background for breath refreshment post-consumption.

Close Up of Meatloaf Mashed Potato Cupcakes for “A Christmas Story” Party

Chop Suey Palace Fried Rice for “A Christmas Story” Party

Leg Lamp Ice Cubes for “A Christmas Story” Party

Movie Scene and Quote Glasses for “A Christmas Story” Party

Leg Lamp for “A Christmas Story” Party

Photo Op with Leg Lamp for “A Christmas Story” Party