Favorite Things Party 2023

I hosted my second annual Favorite Things Party last weekend. I am sharing how you can host one. We’ve been looking forward to this since last year’s party. This is a fun party where you and your girlfriends can get together eat, drink, and be merry.

This is a great group of gals. We were missing about six people but we all had a blast.

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How the Favorite Things Party Gift Exchange Works:

The way we play is pretty easy to do. The best part of the party is you get to leave with three different gifts. And gifts you want. Not like a white elephant gift. Here is how it works:

• Set a price point for your guest to follow. For the last two years, I made ours $20 per gift. I may change it next year though. It’s entirely up to you, the host.
• Have each guest bring three of the same “Favorite Things” that cost $20 each, or the amount you set, wrapped, and ready to exchange. Your guest can also combine multiple things into one gift that adds up to the price point you set.
• When your guests arrive they will write down their name on 3 slips of paper and drop them into a bowl.
• When it is time to exchange gifts ask someone to volunteer to go first. That guest will stand in the front of the room and will draw three slips of paper from the bowl. Those three people receive that guest’s gifts. You can also have them say why it is their “Favorite Thing”. And then it just continues from there. Each person will go home with three new gifts.

Favorite Things Party Gift Ideas:

The gifts for the Favorite Things can range from candles to makeup to gift cards. It depends on the price range you decide to set. Here are some popular items they brought

• Candles A lot from Bath and Body
• LANEIGE Lip Mask This is what I gave for my favorite gifts. I love this stuff and I use it day and night.
• Tocca Perfume This was the cutest little perfume bottle.
• Blankets
• Fuzzy socks
• Wine
• Gift cards to Starbucks and restaurants
• Kitchen Bowls

Favorite Things Party Food Ideas:

Deciding on what food items to serve at your favorite things party really could depend on the time of your party and what type of foods you want. Here are some ideas:

• Potluck: You could do a potluck and have your guest bring a dish.
• Themed or colored Food Board: Have each guest bring a colored theme board. Like a charcuterie board but with a specific color or theme.
• Catered: I had my party catered last year and it was a huge help! Unfortunately, the restaurant I used closed and I was not able to find another place.
• Hors d’oeuvres: This is what I served this year. I bought most of my food from Trader Joe’s. They have a great selection of party foods. I also made a charcuterie board filled with meats, a variety of cheeses, dips, crackers, and vegetables.

Hors d’oeuvres I served:

• Stuffed Mushrooms
• Shrimp Cocktail
• Spinach & Artichoke Dip
• Mini Meatballs
• Buffalo Style Chicken Poppers
• Vegetable Samosas
• Minin Chicken Tikka Samosas
• Mini Quiches

Charcuterie Board Grazing Table

 l love creating a charcuterie board Grazing Table for every holiday. That was my Favorite Things gift at last year’s party. If you have been following me for a while you have probably seen some of mine.

I can say the food was a hit. We all gathered in the kitchen and chatted like girlfriends do.

Best Wrapped Gift

This is something new I did this year. I told my guest that the best-wrapped gift would win a prize from me. It was fun and I saw my competitive friends come out. I ended up picking two winners and giving two gifts. It was really fun and I am going to do it again next year.

This one is for the best-wrapped gift. I mean come on. You know my love for Nutcrackers!

My friend Nicole and I are both obsessed with Nutcrackers. We both were shocked that our names were the ones drawn for this gorgeous nutcracker wrapping paper. We were giddy!

It was hard to open this beautifully wrapped gift.

Nutcracker fuzzy sock and a nutcracker candle, yes, please.

This was the second-place bested wrapped gift. My friend Sarah drew this fun Christmas truck. It was so cute!

I loved all the red and green outfits.

Holiday Cocktails

Who doesn’t love a good holiday cocktail? If you don’t know already, I love creating signature drinks for parties. I set up a Mimosa bar and a Martini bar.

White Chocolate Martini Bar

This Martini Bar was fun to set up. I created a list of ingredients needed and instructions showing how to make their own White Chocolate Martini. This drink was delicious!

This White Christmas Martini resembles a beautiful snowfall. It is a holiday cocktail that tastes like a dessert. It’s a must-have for your next holiday party.

Sunset Mimosa Bar

My Sunset Mimosa post went viral years ago, so it’s one I make at every event. Champagne, Orange juice, and a pump of Raspberry. Garnish with fresh fruit.

• 4 oz. Champagne of your choice
• 2 oz. Orange Juice
• Splash or pump of Raspberry Syrup or Sugar-Free Syrup

How to Rim a Cocktail Glass:

I coated the rims of the martini glasses with white sprinkles. Here’s how you do it.

• Sprinkle white sprinkles into a shallow dish.
• Coat the rim of the martini glass in the Karo syrup.
• Dip the rim in the white sprinkles.

Red and White Wines

I set up an area with both red and white wines. I created this Christmas cocktail sign here.

What to Wear to a Favorite Things Party

You can decide the dress attire for your Favorite Things Party. I told my guests to dress in whatever they felt the most comfortable. Some of my guests wore leggings and sweaters, while others wore dresses and heels. Because some of us moms never get a chance to dress up this was a fun event to do it at. I ended up wearing a red jumpsuit that I’ve had for many years and heels.

Favorite Things Party Invitation

I made an invitation and sent it via text to all my guests. I also made this of Things You May Be Wondering For The Party, just to help with questions about the party. They all responded saying I read their mind and this was a big help. I highly recommend doing this if possible. It helps them to know what to expect. If you’re anything like me, I like to know all the details. Here is an example of the one I sent out as an example.

Hostess Gifts

A hostess gift is never expected when I host a party; however, it is something I greatly appreciate. I learned this etiquette after I was newly married. Anytime I attended a holiday party I always showed up with a gift for the host for showing their hospitality. It’s a nice way of showing your appreciation. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. Again, it is not required. I loved and appreciated all the hostess gifts I received. Some ideas could be:

• A bottle of wine
• A candle
• Dish towels
• Flowers
• A themed basket

I hope this helps if you are planning your party. You can see my first-ever Favorite Things Party here.