If formal festivities aren’t your style and the thought of hosting yet another cocktail party leaves you cold, consider getting the gang together for seasonal shenanigans designed to kick

bah-humbug to the curb. SEND IN THE ELEPHANTS We’re bringing back the white elephant party! Ask each guest to bring a wrapped, untagged white elephant gift — an item that might be awkward,

unattractive, cumbersome, silly or outrageous — but mostly unwanted. Think: velvet Elvis painting; a strangely scented candle; fruitcake; giant summer sausage; poster of an aging boy band;

framed (autographed!) photograph of yourself; a Snuggy — you get the idea. After socializing has ensued, draw numbers to determine the order of gift opening, and explain that guests have the

find. A sweater that requires a battery pack for blinking lights? Golden! A design that ingeniously combines plaid, embroidery, rhinestones and bells? Awesome. This party combines

good-natured fun and hilariously bad taste with touches of nostalgia. Serve popular 1970s or ’80s appetizers, add the Chipmunks to the playlist, create a backdrop for funky photo sessions,

and have guest secretly vote for The Ugliest Sweater. Award the winner: a gift card to a clothing store perhaps? HOT CHOCOLATE BAR To set up a hot chocolate bar, arrange large mugs next to

carafes of hot chocolate. Offer assorted toppings in cute containers. Think: chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, white); butterscotch chips; sprinkles, candy canes; marshmallows (store bought

or homemade); whipped cream; chocolate syrup (for drizzling); and consider spiking the cocoa for adults with peppermint schnapps, cinnamon liqueur or whipped cream vodka (yes, that’s a

thing!). Ask each guest to bring a plate of cookies, cue the music and you’re done. FRUGAL FESTIVITIES & SANITY SAVERS Whatever the gathering, consider the following strategies for

maintaining sanity and savings during the holiday crush: SET A BUDGET Knowing how much you have to spend is freeing and reduces stress. It creates focus, sets parameters, and encourages

creativity in the planning process. Evite.com provides a free Party Budget Estimator online to help calculate costs. PLAN EARLY The sooner you commit to hosting a party, the sooner you can

create a plan, watch for sales and get organized. RealSimple.com offers a free Party Planning Checklist to upload or print out. EMAIL INVITES Save postage, paper, time and money using online

services like Paperless Post, Evite, Minted, Punchbowl, Celebrations and Greenvelope. SIGNATURE DRINK If serving alcohol, pick a signature cocktail. It will feel festive, and allow you to

choose ingredients that match your budget. Websites like CookingChannelTV.com, Delish.com, and MarthaStewart.com have lists of recipes for big-batch cocktails. Don’t forget to provide

non-alcoholic options for non-drinkers and designated drivers. BORROW STUFF Need an extra table, more serving trays? Ask friends and family attending the party if you can borrow. Make sure

items are labeled with the owner’s name and return pieces in good condition right away. Party tip: If you can’t afford to replace it, don’t borrow it! DÉCOR Decorating with one or two

signature colors streamlines decisions and saves time and money. It’s easier to pull together a range of items that look good together if they’re all in the same color. Easy options: all

white, or gold, or red. Buy little white twinkle lights early and on sale. For ambience, light candles and dim the lights. It works every time. SAY YES! Finally, don’t go it alone. If

friends want to contribute a side dish or help set up, let them! Most people appreciate the amount of work that goes into hosting a party and are happy to pitch in. [email protected]_

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