My first Christmas in Kentucky, I was invited by a new friend (as her guest) to my very first Christmas Coffee.
I love that the hostess invited women from all of her circles – Bible Study Fellowship, church, neighbors, etc.
That she specifically instructed her invitees to bring a friend meant I was included! New in town + group of women + Christmas goodies = Happy Holidays
In true gather-and-glean fashion, I took mental notes knowing that someday I would host my own Christmas Coffee.
My very favorite take-home tip was to use an assortment of real Christmas dessert plates. It felt so elegant to use real plates instead of paper (they hold up better too).
Whether you are hosting a Christmas Coffee for your Bible Study group, Women’s Ministry Team, or the women of your church consider these tips as you plan your event.
10 Tips for Your Christmas Coffee
1. Send out postcard invitations
2. Schedule 3 floating hours
3. Use real holiday dessert plates (clearance, garage sales, and Goodwill)
4. Use clear glass mugs (can be used for other events/holidays)
5. Choose two main beverages – such as coffee and cider kept warm in coffee pots (serve water too)
6. Prepare a simple favor (bag of candied nuts, a mini loaf of bread, etc.) for your guests
7. Balance your menu with some healthy items (yogurt, fruit, crackers and cheese)
8. Encourage guests to bring a friend (embrace the opportunity to love on them)
9. Play some Christmas music in the background
10. Double recipes if you expect a crowd (making 2 of the same is easier)
In the years since I have hosted a few of my own Christmas Coffees.
I have invited all of the women in our section of the neighborhood. While it was well received, I should have scheduled it for the evening instead of the morning.
I’m learning to cast the net wider and issue more invitations knowing that many women will be unable to come.
Your turn to share: What would you do to make your guests feel special at a Christmas Coffee?
You may also want to read:
31 Christmas Fellowship Ideas
Why I Don’t Do White Elephant Exchanges
Christmas Icebreaker: Pick a Side
Thank you for such wonderful ideas. Blessings.
Thank you! <3
I’ve never attended a Christmas ‘coffee’ but it sounds wonderful. Can you give more information on hosting one? By scheduling 3 floating hours, does this mean it is a ‘come and go’ event? Is it a time to chat, eat, drink and then the attendees receive a favor and leave? I’m beginning to make plans for hosting one but would love more information. Thanks so much!
Vickie, sorry for the delay in my response – I was out of town. Yes – it is a come and go event. I’ve found it’s such a busy time of year that some are only able to stop in for a short time before continuing on with their shopping, to-do list, etc. I want them to feel welcome to stop by and leave if they need to. Many love to come and stay for almost the whole time. I’m praying about hosting one in our new home this year. Please let me know if you have other questions. 🙂
I tried to download your Christmas Icebreakers and it will not download for me. Is there any other way of seeing the questions?
Bonnie, I am sorry you are having problems downloading one of my icebreakers. Do you have a free PDF viewer? If not, you can download one at: http://get.adobe.com/reader/ . If that is not the issue, try switching the browser you are using. If neither works, please send me an email Cyndee(at)womensministrytoolbox.com and let me know which icebreaker you need. Hope that helps!
I really love this idea. And I will have to use it .
So glad you like it! I would love to hear how it goes!