Ugly sweaters are as Christmas as eggnog, so get the kiddies in on the tacky action with a fun Christmas sweater that's so ugly it's cool. Whether you have an "Ugly Christmas Sweater Party," or just happen to be a fan of all thing kitsch, click through for a selection of kids' sweaters that make tacky sound like a compliment.
This year instead of hosting a swanky (and expensive) holiday cocktail party, consider throwing an ugly sweater party! The theme is informal and fun, yet totally festive. It's an ideal party for introducing new groups of friends because the ugly sweaters break the ice and create easy conversation. 
To help you get your holiday party on, we've created a free downloadable, ugly sweater party invite! All you have to do is download, print, fill out, and send. Voila — instant holiday party. Don't forget to carry the kitschy theme to the menu by serving cheese balls, Chex mix, and slippery Santa shots. Happy hosting!
I've heard about those ugly sweater parties, but I've never actually been to one. However, when I learned about Petfinder's Ugly Sweater Contest for dogs, I was intrigued. 'Cause North is totally photogenic and I'd much rather make him look foolish than myself any day!
Don't worry if your furry friend doesn't have an ugly sweater, you can also submit a photo of your pet's "winter digs" and enter the contest by Sunday, Nov. 23. The winner will get his (or her) very own e-card on Petfinder.com!
When decorating for your Ugly Sweater party, think the uglier the better. Create an over-the-top look with tacky accents and mis-matched prints in bright red and vivid green.
Set the mood by hanging a cheeky sign from the door encouraging rowdy behavior. When guests arrive give them a Christmas stocking shaped beverage holder and a black sharpie. Have them write their name on the stocking to prevent lost drinks.
Cover the table with a garish poinsettia tablecloth. Hang lights and wrap beads around banisters and staircases. Light candles and a fire in the fireplace.
Serve the appetizers on big red platters and the sweets in bowls shaped like ornaments. Pour the cocktails in festive martini glasses and pass them out with a plaid cocktail napkin.
It's safe to say that a lot of alcohol will be consumed at your Ugly Sweater party. It's a shindig that starts later in the night, so guests will be excited and in the mood. When they arrive, offer them a cheesy cocktail or a scrumptious shot. Sandra Lee's Glacer-tini is bright green and sophisticatedly trashy, while a Slippery Santa shot is deliciously dark and potent.
Have plenty of beer and wine on hand. Expecting a large crowd? Splurge on a keg. Champagne and sparkling apple cider are festive crowd pleasers, so stock up on a few bottles. Sparkling and still water are a must.
For the holiday-themed cocktail recipes, read more
Fill a table at your Ugly Sweater party with sweet treats for guests to snack on throughout the night. Stay away from serving anything too complicated or showy that will require more than a cocktail napkin for eating. Choose your favorite classic, holiday candies — red and green M&Ms, peppermint bark, candy canes, etc. — and serve along side one homemade dessert. These chocolate-peanut bars are a no-bake, delicious dessert. The combination of chocolate and peanut is always a crowd pleaser. For the recipe, read more
Although the Ugly Sweater party starts at 8 p.m., it's important to offer guests a few snacks to nibble on throughout the night. The last thing you want is a drunken guest raiding your fridge or pantry. To avoid this sloppy situation, set out a variety of small appetizers that require virtually no work throughout the night.
A vegetarian garlic, eggplant, and tomato spread is delicious on crusty bread. A homemade chex-style party mix is an excellent absorber of alcohol. Since this is a tacky-chic party, make three different kinds of cheese balls. Serve with an assortment of crackers and flatbreads. If desired, supplement the menu with store bought goods like olives, dips, and vegetables.
For the recipes, read more
If hosting a holiday cocktail party is too formal for your entertaining style, host an ugly sweater themed bash instead! Invite all of your friends over and tell them to wear their most obnoxious Christmas sweater. This type of party is fun, informal, and hysterical. To get guests in the mood send a fabulous invitation. You can download, print, and fill out our ugly sweater party invite or make a more personalized invitation like the one seen here. To see how I made it, read more
