How to Host an Ugly Sweater Party (A Tacky & Fun Guide)

Of all the possible Christmas party themes, one reigns supreme for its pure, tacky, and undeniable fun: The Ugly Sweater Party. Learning how to host an ugly sweater party is the easiest way to guarantee a fun, low-pressure holiday event.

Why? Because it’s a theme with zero pressure. It’s not about elegant decor or gourmet food; it’s about finding the most ridiculous, light-up, jingle-bell-covered sweater you can and laughing about it with your friends. But to host a great one, you need more than just a dress code. You need a plan.

If you’re wondering how to host an ugly sweater party that your guests will talk about all year, this is your complete guide. We’ll cover the invitations, decor, food, games, and the all-important awards ceremony.

The 6 Essential Steps for Your Ugly Sweater Party

Follow these 6 essential steps to plan the perfect, tacky, and fun ugly sweater party.

1. Pick a Date and Send the Invitations (The Most Important Step!)

Your invitation sets the entire tone. This is the #1 rule for how to host an ugly sweater party: the invite must be tacky! Send it 3-4 weeks in advance. A plain text won’t do. You need an invitation that screams “this is a fun, tacky, over-the-top party.”

• Use a free Christmas party invitation from Partyza.
• Pick the tackiest, most colorful, or “ugliest” template you can find.
• Clearly state “Ugly Sweater Attire Mandatory!”
• Mention there will be prizes for the “Best” (Worst) sweaters.

2. Plan the Tacky Decor

This is not the time for elegant, minimalist decor. You need to go all-in on “kitsch.”

• More is more! Use as much tinsel, garland, and mismatched string lights as possible.
• Buy cheesy lawn ornaments (like plastic reindeer) and use them indoors.
• Create a “Tacky Photo Booth” with props like old ski hats, fake mustaches, and a “World’s Ugliest Sweater” sign.
• Don’t forget to use a clashing color scheme. The decor is a huge part of how to host an ugly sweater party successfully.

3: Plan the Food & Drinks

Keep the food simple and fun. The best ugly sweater party ideas don’t require gourmet meals.

• Food: Think classic, easy party food. Pizza, pigs in a blanket, a seven-layer dip, or a slow-cooker full of meatballs.
• Dessert: A “Decorate Your Own Ugly Cookie” station is a perfect activity and dessert in one.
• Drinks: A big batch of “Christmas Punch” (alcoholic or not) is perfect. For a fun touch, serve “Jell-O Shots” in red and green.

4. Prepare the Games & Music

Your party needs a soundtrack and activities.

• Music: Create a playlist of the cheesiest, most over-played Christmas pop songs you can find (think Mariah Carey, NSYNC Christmas, etc.).
• Games: You need activities to keep people laughing. You can find a huge list of ideas on our Christmas party games for adults blog post.
• DIY Station: A “Make Your Sweater Uglier” station is a huge hit. Set out a glue gun, tinsel, pom-poms, and felt for last-minute “upgrades.”. Having fun activities is a non-negotiable part of **how to host an ugly sweater party

5. Create the Awards & Trophies

This is the main event! When planning an ugly sweater party, you must have prizes for the best sweaters.

• Go to a thrift store and buy the ugliest, most ridiculous old trophies you can find.
• Or, buy cheap plastic gold trophies from an online store.
• Use a label maker to add the categories.

6. The Awards Ceremony

About halfway through the party, gather everyone for the awards. Have each “nominee” do a ridiculous runway walk.

Essential Award Categories:

• 1. The “Overall Ugliest” Sweater: The grand prize.
• 2. The “Most Likely to Be a Fire Hazard”: For the sweater with the most (or most dangerous) lights.
• 3. The “Best DIY” Sweater: For the person who clearly put in the most effort.
• 4. The “Most Offensive” Sweater: (Use your judgment on this one!)
• 5. The “Best Couple’s Combo”: For the couple that coordinates their tackiness.

The Perfect Invite for the Perfect Tacky Party

Remember, the guide on how to host an ugly sweater party all starts with the invitation. It’s the first thing your guests see and it sets the expectation for how fun and silly the night will be.

A plain text just doesn’t work. This ugly sweater party guide is all about being fun, and that starts with your invite.

Partyza has hilarious, tacky, and perfectly festive “Ugly Sweater” templates. You can add your own tacky music, your party details, and send a video that makes your friends laugh the moment they open it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)