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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIdeas for BIG Family Parties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re someone who celebrates the holidays with BIG family parties, and it\u2019s your turn to host at home \u2026 we\u2019ve got a few tips to help you minimize stress and maximize fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Food, Food, and More Food!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We all know that big parties come with a ton of food. To avoid stress (and let\u2019s be honest, to avoid breaking the bank), why not do a potluck? Prepare a menu, divide up the dishes fairly (according to each guest\u2019s budget and abilities), and then have everyone provide a portion of the meal. Not only does this make things easier for the host\/hostess, but it also makes for a great tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your family prefers not to do a potluck, why not opt for a holiday catering service? Or perhaps a less traditional\/complicated menu like a big batch of macaroni and cheese (sure to please all ages) accompanied by a ton of baguette bread and a veggie platter?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Keep it Lighthearted.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Despite our best intentions, sometimes family gatherings can get tricky, especially when people of different generations, personalities, beliefs, and opinions gather around the same table. To keep holiday events lighthearted, why not plan a few activities that appeal to everyone!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of our favorite games for a large group evening is Hint<\/a>.<\/em> Although the box indicates a maximum of 10 players, there\u2019s really no limit to the number of teams or the number of people per team. The important thing is to have fun! For something calmer and sure to spark discussion, why not try Timeline Twist<\/em><\/a>? Again, the number of players indicated on the box is optional, and you can certainly all take part in building the timeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another tension breaker is to prepare conversation topics, like \u201cthree things you\u2019d take to a desert island\u201d; \u201cthe best album you\u2019ve listened to this year\u201d; \u201cyour favourite TV series\u201d; and, so on. Sometimes guiding the conversation helps to avoid uncomfortable topics that could cause a chill to the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are often two schools of thought when it comes to gift exchanges: those who love them and those who hate them; it\u2019s rare that anyone is indifferent. Here are a few tips to make them more interesting for those who hate them, while keeping the magic for those who love them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose a budget and a theme. Whether it\u2019s kitchen items, stuffed animals, food, drinks, clothing, gag gifts, etc., choosing a theme and setting a maximum gift budget are some basic rules for a successful exchange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Establish clear rules for the exchange well before the event. Yes, before <\/strong>the event. That way, there are no surprises on the day about the format of the swap, and everyone is prepared in advance. Can we wrap it in newspaper? What\u2019s the policy on electric tape? Are we allowed to steal? Do we unwrap there or at home? Do we use oven mitts? Can we trade afterward? All these questions often cause confusion, so by addressing them up front, you\u2019ll avoid headaches, and everyone will have fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n The holiday season can be a time to catch up with friends you haven\u2019t seen over the past year, or to be around people you tend to see in a more festive setting. Friend parties can be more relaxed than family get-togethers, and it\u2019s a chance to let your hair down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n A friend gathering is the perfect opportunity to relax with a theme night. Here are a few ideas, but it\u2019s not an exhaustive list, so do whatever you like! \ud83d\ude09<\/ins><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hollywood Party:<\/strong> Dress up in evening gowns and suits, hand out awards, serve champagne, and have your guests walk the red carpet!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Movie Character Night:<\/strong> Become characters from the same movie, or different movies, choose one, and become them for the evening (a bit like a Halloween party in December!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pajama Party:<\/strong> Get comfy in a relaxed atmosphere, with slippers, jammies, stuffies, and everything you need for a great evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Why not organize an evening centered around yummy food and great company, with a tasting evening? The options are limitless\u2014try some favourite international dishes, like sushi, curries, pasta dishes, tapas, or fun appetizers, like cheese platters, and charcuterie. With beer, wine, or mocktails, it\u2019s up to you! (Psst, we\u2019ve got wine and game pairing suggestions here<\/a>.) The important thing is to create a theme and stick to it. So go traditional with wine and cheese or go crazy with a food theme inspired by a cult TV series!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s always good to have several gaming options available. Depending on how the evening progresses, you may find that what you originally wanted to play no longer appeals a few hours later. So, we recommend light games, like Dixit<\/em><\/a> (or its Disney Edition<\/em><\/a>), Fun Facts<\/em><\/a>, Mantis<\/em><\/a>, and Just One<\/em><\/a>. Or, some of the funnier, wackier games on the back burner, like Champions!<\/em><\/a>, Tornaloco<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>Happy Salmon<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>or Brain Freeze Family Edition<\/em><\/a>. You might even find yourself not playing at all but getting into a conversation sparked by the game\u2014a perfect way to continue the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n Skipping the big events this holiday season? Whatever your reasons, we understand that time spent together with loved ones is truly the greatest gift of all. So, we\u2019ve put together a few ideas to help you enjoy a more relaxed holiday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n What could be better than staying in pajamas and binge-watching some of your favourite films? Or all the episodes in that awesome TV series? Sometimes doing nothing is the best thing you can do! If you want to add a little excitement to your pajama day, why not throw a little theme party afterward, with food, drinks, and games inspired by what you\u2019ve been watching?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you a Wizarding School fan? Check out these games from the universe of the famous bespectacled wizard here<\/a>. More of a Star Wars<\/em>\u2122 or Marvel <\/em>fan? Don\u2019t worry! We also have games that will appeal to superhero fans (see our article on all Marvel<\/em> games here<\/a>) and for fans of a galaxy far, far away (see our selection of Star Wars<\/em> games here<\/a>) Psst: the internet has tons of recipes inspired by these fan favourites!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n After a full day sitting in front of the TV, a day without screens would certainly be welcome. And we mean ALL screens! Put down your phone and tablet, hide the TV remotes; make it a family challenge. Lock it all a box that can only be opened in the morning. If anyone breaks the rules, they get a consequence chosen by the rest of the family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to know if you have a close-knit family? Try doing a puzzle together! No kidding, puzzles are a great way to relax and unwind during the holiday season. Check out our favourites here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGift Exchanges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIdeas for Game Night With Friends<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Theme Night<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tasting Menu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Game Options Galore<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nIdeas for a Relaxing Home Holiday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pajama Movie Day!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Day Without Screens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n