How to Host an Ugly Sweater Making Party
It’s {ugly} sweater season! This year instead of hosting an Ugly Sweater Party, I hosted an Ugly Sweater MAKING Party! It was SO MUCH FUN.
I invited a few girlfriends over for snacks, drinks and a night of hilarious laughs. With the never ending to do lists and holiday stress, every now and then you need a night of silliness with your friends!
To host your own sweater decorating party, you’ll want to put together your game plan.
Food? Easy. Offer finger foods that don’t require plates and silverware. I could eat from a cheese board for the rest of my life.
Drinks? Keep it simple. The goal of this party is ease. You’re there to have fun while crafting ugly sweaters. Grab a couple bottles of sparkling wine, cider or champagne and you’re set!
Decor? Head to Value Village and see what kind of treasures you can find. Their shelves are filled with original and hilarious holiday items whether it’s a grouping of wood reindeer or a friendly Santa figurine, you’re sure to find something that gets a laugh while staying under budget!
Every year ugly holiday sweaters fly off the shelves, but don’t worry – Value Village has those too. You’ll find everything you need to create your very own DIY ugly holiday sweater in a one-stop shop! They have the largest selection of the most eclectic, and oftentimes silly holiday sweaters, ties, vests and more— perfect for ugly sweater making. I found a sweater with built-in shoulder pads, a button down cardigan and a few plain red pull overs. Grab an assortment of sizes for your your girlfriends to choose from. They’ll be something for everyone!
To prep for ugly sweater decorating, make sure you have glue guns, fabric glue and plenty of crafting supplies. I stopped gathered all sorts of random goodies that I thought would make fun additions to an ugly sweater. For shoppers with a real DIY knack for stitching and sewing, Value Village offers a ton of fabrics, patterns and other clothing pieces that can be cut and sewn on to sweaters for a polished look.
While you’re shopping, look around for other interesting trinkets that might make for fun decorations at your party. Since the theme is kind of cheesy, really anything goes! I attached a few vintage elves and reindeer to our glassware for added decor. Best of all – you don’t have to spend much – many of their tackiest holiday items are under $10.
Once everyone chooses their sweater, it’s time to get to work. We gathered around the crafting table and started designing. It was hilarious to see what each person came up with.
Pom Poms, tinsel, foil bows and ribbon were readily available for our sweaters.
One of my girlfriends turned a garland into a buil-in sweater necklace!
My friend Noelle utilized holiday tinsel as a festive scarf!
I added a billion pom pom balls to my sweater and gave my v-neck a tinseled collar.
After everyone’s sweaters are complete, be sure to try on your creation and snap a silly photo together. And if you dare, wear it home!
Our Ugly Sweater Decorating Party was a blast. We all agreed it would be a really fun party for kids as well. Maybe next year!
During this time of fun and excitement of the season, your home will likely be overflowing to the brim with stuff. The holiday season is the perfect time to help others and avoid creating clutter – consider donating 3 pieces of clothing at Value Village for every new present you receive this year. It’s a great way to support the nonprofits Value Village partners with your used goods instead of your wallet.
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Photos by Kelly Clare Photography