The festive season is upon us, and what better way to spread cheer than by hosting a Christmas ornament swap event?
This festive gathering allows friends and family to come together, share the joy of the season, and exchange beautiful ornaments that will adorn their trees for years to come.
In this blog post, we'll guide you through the steps to hosting a Christmas ornament swap, complete with the fun and laughter of the popular game, Dirty Santa.
Step 1: Plan and Invite
Start by setting the date, time, and location of your ornament swap. It's a great one to host in the comfort of your home and can involve a few close friends or extended family and neighbours.
When you send out your invitations, remember to tell your guests it's an Ornament Exchange party and they should bring a wrapped ornament for the swap.
Step 2: Set the Rules for Ornament Selection
To ensure a diverse and interesting exchange, set some guidelines for the ornaments.
Specify a budget range to make it accessible for everyone and encourage creativity.
Consider themes like handmade ornaments, vintage finds, or personalised creations. This adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness to the swap and makes each ornament more meaningful.
Step 3: How To Run Your Swap (The Dirty Santa/White Elephant Gift Exchange)
Let's add a playful twist to the ornament swap with the classic game of Dirty Santa. Dirty Santa, also known as a White Elephant gift exchange, involves stealing and swapping gifts. Here's a quick overview of how to play:
- Each participant brings a wrapped ornament and places it in a designated area.
- Draw numbers to determine the order in which participants will choose an ornament.
- The person with the first number selects an ornament and opens it.
- Subsequent participants can choose to either pick a new ornament from the pile or "steal" an ornament from someone who has already opened one.
- Set a limit on the number of times an ornament can be stolen to keep the game moving smoothly.
Step 4: Exchange and Enjoy
As the game progresses, the laughter and excitement will build. The element of surprise and the chance to "steal" ornaments add an entertaining twist to the traditional ornament swap.
Hosting a Christmas ornament swap with a Dirty Santa twist is a fantastic way to celebrate the festive season with friends and family. It can be straightforward to organise and you'll host a memorable and fun event that your guests will remember every time they hang their ornament on the tree!
So, gather your loved ones, deck the halls, and let the ornament-swapping festivities begin!
Take a look at a selection of our Christmas Decorations on our website HERE or visit our shops in Chapel Street, Aberdeen, High Street, Banchory or Bell Street, St Andrews to view our full collection.
Our friendly staff will be onhand to guide you towards suitable ornaments to fit with your theme and budget.
Merry Christmas!