Ornaments, Decor And Recipes For A Tree-Trimming Party

How to host a tree-trimming party

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It's a tradition so revered that two classic Christmas songs center on it—one literally rocks around that conifer.

So it's only fitting that the trimming of the tree warrants a party of its very own. Here's everything you'll need.

Set the Scene

Sure, the towering tree commands most of the attention. But festive details are essential. Rally the merrymakers with an on-theme invite. In case it isn't clear that impromptu caroling is welcome, hang a banner with care to encourage it, along with stockings, of course. Finish the mantle with reindeer candle holders, and scatter spinning tree tops around for guests to play. And when the night is done, send guests home with a mini Christmas popper.

Trim the Tree

Plant your evergreen in a sturdy copper base, then get to decorating. Skip the clear versus colored lights debate entirely and plug in mercury glass bulbs instead. String popcorn on a thread as garland, or opt for this glitzy version instead. And then treat your guests to a buffet of delicious ornaments, like bacon, macarons, hot sauce, veggies and a pickle, plus a potato masher for good measure. No tree is complete without tinsel, but avoid the inevitable mess by offering tin icicles

Feed the Crowd

It's not a party without snacks. Start savory with cheesy bacon-wrapped dates and Ritz Crackers topped with cream cheese and bright red pepper jelly. Then it's on to the requisite Christmas cookies: Proffer a spread of linzers, eggnog florentines and chocolate candy cane buttons. If gingerbread's your jam, give them an extra (ahem) kick with ninja cookie cutters. Keep the sugar rush going with toasted almond truffles.

Wild Winter Bouquet Invitations

paperlesspost.com, 20 for $6

Photo: Courtesy of Paperless Post

Oh Joy! "Falalalala" Banner

target.com, $4

Photo: Courtesy of Target

Zigzag Stocking

anthropologie.com, $54

Photo: Courtesy of Anthropologie

White Reindeer Candle Holders

hudsongracesf.com, $95 each

Photo: Courtesy of Hudson Grace

Spinning Tree Tops

clickdesignthatfits.com, $14 for five

Photo: Courtesy of Click Design That Fits 

Copper Tree Skirt

shopterrain.com, $88

Photo: Courtesy of Terrain

Mercury Glass Bulb String Lights

worldmarket.com, $30

Photo: Courtesy of World Market

Popcorn Ball Garland

anthropologie.com, $72

Photo: Courtesy of Anthropologie

Bacon Ornament

mcphee.com, $6.50

Photo: Courtesy of Archie McPhee

French Macaron Ornaments

ballarddesigns.com, $35

Photo: Courtesy of Ballard Designs

Hot Sauce Bottle Ornament

surlatable.com, $20

Photo: Courtesy of Sur la Table

Vegetable Ornaments

crateandbarrel.com, $6 each

Photo: Courtesy of Crate & Barrel

Pickle Ornament

pier1.com, $4

Photo: Courtesy of Pier 1

Polka Dot Potato Masher Ornament

surlatable.com, $6

Photo: Courtesy of Sur la Table

Tin Icicles

schoolhouseelectric.com, $20 for 50

Photo: Courtesy of Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.

Red Pepper Jelly

Linzer Piggy Cookies

Eggnog Florentines

Chocolate Candy Cane Buttons

Ninjabread Cookie Kit

urbanoutfitters.com, $14

Photo: Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

Toasted Almond Truffles

Mini Christmas Poppers

papersource.com, $19 for six