Make the holidays more fun with an ugly sweater party

Holiday parties can be tons of fun, but in all honesty, they can be trying, too. Whether you're circled around the chips and dip until your feet ache or stuck listening to Uncle Bob's fishing stories that you've heard 10 times before, the holiday spirit can quickly drain away when you're not having fun. If you want to make sure that your party is one that people will not just enjoy, but remember for years to come, throw an ugly sweater party.

The holidays have inspired some seriously questionable sartorial creations, but you can put the most shameful designs to good use to inspire a bit of competition and lots of fun. Follow these tips to organize and host an ugly holiday sweater party.

1. Get the big ideas out of the way first. Details will fill in as time progresses, but start by deciding whether you'll offer prizes to those wearing the ugliest sweaters, what the contest rules will be, whether you want to provide food and drinks or make it a potluck, and what the date and time will be.

2. Spread the word. Time is of the essence when you're planning a party during the holiday season. People's schedules fill up fast, so prioritize creating and sending invitations. Encourage guests to leave their egos at home and think of hideous as the new fabulous.

3. Get your home ready. Search family photo albums for photos of loved ones and friends in the worst holiday styles from years past - then place them around your home to set the scene. You could take the "ugly" theme a bit further by making dishes and drinks that don't look pretty (but still taste good, of course). And, naturally, make sure that you've got your own ugly sweater.

4. Make use of your party photos. If you plan the party early in the season, you'll have a great opportunity to use images from the event in custom Christmas cards. Share the ugliest sweaters and their proud wearers with friends and family who were not able to attend - an extra laugh during the sometimes stressful season will be much appreciated.

A party that pokes a little bit of fun at the season while still celebrating its spirit of good cheer can be a refreshing change. No matter who wears the ugliest sweater at your party, everyone is guaranteed to have a great time.