‘Tis the season to party down. The problem? Planning an event can be a full time job. Following are four simple party themes to serve a variety of needs.

1. A Night at the Theater – Get dressed up in holiday attire and snag tickets to see the Nutcracker Ballet. Have a few Christmas cocktails available and throw out some finger foods. If funds permit, rent a limo so you can all ride to the show together. Or, meet at the show first and then gather at someone’s house for the food and drink portion of the evening. Want even less stress? Go out for the cocktails and snacks. Nobody will have to cook or clean. Personally, I think it adds a bit of intimacy to meet at someone’s house for a bit of hospitality and classic Christmas tunes. Usually, everybody decorates for the holiday anyway, so that aspect of party throwing is really limited to setting a nice table and maybe accessorizing the bar.

2. The Blue Jean Buffet – Simple and rustic is the name of the game with this party. Perhaps some mulled wine with salami and cheese stuffed bread, simple sweets and other down home favorites to round out the selection. Go caroling with grown ups and kids alike, or perhaps plan another winter wonderland activity like sledding or snowshoeing. Afterwards, the children will be exhausted and ready for sleep so parents can get them home and in bed without a fuss while they put together those last few gifts from Santa. Another fun thing I’ve done with a group is to all go to a Christmas Eve service. But that’s really up to the belief system and preferences of the people getting together.

3. Private Family Holiday – Great if you have kids. Let everyone open new PJ’s as a Christmas Eve gift, make some popcorn and pop in a holiday movie. Earlier in the day, perhaps some nature crafts for an outdoor birds’ tree such as stringing popcorn garlands or making hanging pine cone bird snacks with peanut butter and bird seed. The next day, have a yummy breakfast casserole or something similarly simple prepped ahead to enjoy as a family. Consider gifts that will encourage the young ones to go outside and enjoy the day, such as an ultra affordable “crazy carpet” for sliding. Those of you wanting to cut down on the commercial aspects of the holiday might also want to check out Linsey’s piece on DIY Christmas gifts for the very young.

4. A Romantic Christmas Eve Dinner for Two – Plan a sit down dinner with pizzazz and pick up a nice bottle of wine. This is great if you are a seriously dating couple, but each have separate family obligations the next day. Pull out the china, crystal and a nice table cloth. Light some candles, get dressed up, and exchange gifts after dinner. Pick out a romantic movie ahead of time to curl up with for the rest of the evening. Chances are it’s been a hectic few weeks with even more chaos to come before the start of the new year. Take a break and enjoy each other.

There you have it, Wise Bread readers. A quick “buffet” of Christmas party options for nearly every situation and lifestyle. Got any other fab ideas? Let us know. Oh, and P.S? Check out Julie's upcoming piece on money saving party ideas.