Every year around Christmas I think, “I should host one of those Favorite Things parties… that looks so fun.”

And then December happens — school stuff, church stuff, work stuff — and I push it off again. So this is the year we plan it early.

Because honestly? This is one of the easiest parties to host — and one of the sweetest. A Favorite Things Party is simply:

Everyone brings their favorite item from the year (one for each person at the party) and then everyone goes home with a little bundle of new favorites!

 It’s like getting to borrow your friends’ brains for a night — their best candle, their best kitchen thing, their best lip gloss, their best cozy find. And the best part?

You don’t have to decorate like a crazy person. You can set out a pretty table, add some candles, print your matching signs and cards, and let the idea be the star.  

What You Need

This is where my Favorite Things Party Collection comes in. It keeps it cute without adding to your mental load. Your set includes:  

So you can literally say in the invite: 

“Bring 5 of your favorite things (one for each guest), wrapped, and your favorite appetizer to share.” 

…and then everything matches when they show up.  

How a Favorite Things Party Works (Step-by-Step)

This is the part most people don’t know, so spell it out for your guests. 

1. Decide how many people you’re inviting

This matters, because it decides how many gifts everyone has to bring. Most people do 4–8 guests. That’s big enough to be fun, small enough to stay cozy. Example:  

  • If you invite 6 people, each person brings 6 of the same item (one for everyone, including you). 
  • If you invite 5 people, each person brings 5 of the same item. 

That way, everyone leaves with 5–6 different favorite things. If you think that’s too many for your group, you can also do a lower-price version where everyone brings 3 of their favorite thing and you do a swap — but the “one for everyone” version is the most fun.  

2. Set a price range

This keeps it fair and non-awkward. Common price points:  

  • $5–$10 (budget-friendly, little luxuries) 
  • $10–$15 (most popular) 
  • $20 (for smaller groups or bougier friends) 

Put this directly on the invitation so people don’t stress. You can even say: 

“Choose something you genuinely loved this year — doesn’t have to be fancy.” 

3. Tell guests to bring their favorite appetizer

This keeps you from cooking for 10 people. Say it right in the invite: 

“Bring your favorite appetizer or snack to share.” 

This is cute because:  

  • it gives people conversation starters (“Oh, this is your favorite dip?”) 
  • it fits the theme (favorite things → favorite foods) 
  • it gives you an easy way to use your food tent cards so the table looks styled 

Use your cards to label:  

  • baked brie 
  • marinated olives 
  • charcuterie 
  • cranberry meatballs 
  • caprese skewers 
  • “Hannah’s favorite dip” 
  • “Sara’s Christmas snack mix” 

You can even use your custom sign as “Appetizer Bar” or “Build a Plate.”  

4. Ask them to wrap their gifts

This makes it feel special and also hides what everyone brought until it’s time. Tell them: “Please wrap each item separately and add the tag I send you.” This is where your tags and stickers come in — you can send guests the links and they can simply edit and print with their names and a message. 

5. Set up a “Gift Drop-Off” table

Use your custom sign template and make it say: 

“Favorite Things Drop-Off” “Place your gifts here” “Take One of Each” “Welcome, Favorite People” 

Put baskets, wooden crates, or just a rustic table with greenery. Keep it cozy / European cottage like your invite.  

6. The actual exchange

Option A: Take-One Table (easiest and my favorite)  

  1. Everyone sets out their gifts. 
  2. One person explains what they brought and why it’s their favorite. 
  3. Everyone takes one of that person’s item. 
  4. Move to the next person. At the end, everyone has 1 from everyone. Simple. 

Option B: Pass-the-Gift Style Sit in a circle, go one at a time, pass the items around. This is better for small groups, but slower. 

Option C: Numbered Gifts If you want to be extra, number everything, draw numbers, and make it more like an unveiling. But honestly — Option A is the least chaotic.  

How to Choose the Gift You’re Bringing

This is where people get stuck. Tell guests to pick something they genuinely loved this year — not just something cute for the party. Real-life favorites are the best. Things to consider:  

  1. Is it something I actually used?  
    • That candle you reordered 
    • The lip mask you rave about 
    • The mug you reach for every single morning 
    • The scalp brush you tell your clients about 🫶 
  2. Will it work for most people? Try to pick something that’s not super specific (like a foundation shade). Good category ideas:  
    • cozy (socks, candle, tea, mug) 
    • kitchen (favorite spatula, olive oil, seasoning) 
    • beauty (lip balm, hand cream, cuticle oil) 
    • faith/lifestyle (small devotional, scripture cards) 
    • stationery (pretty notepads, hostess tags) 
  3. Is it within the budget? If your fave is $22 and the limit is $15, find a similar version or do a smaller size. 
  4. Is it wrap-able? Because your whole aesthetic here is cute wrapping, tags, and stickers 😉 Your collection makes it easy because they can tie your bow tag to each item. 
  5. Can I tell a story about it? This is what makes the party meaningful.  
    • “I used this every day when I was postpartum.” 
    • “This was my favorite cozy thing this winter.” 
    • “I bought this for all my kids’ teachers.” 
    • “This made me drink more water.” 
    • “This was my little joy this year.” 

🕯 Setting the Table (Without Going Overboard)

You don’t have to go full Pinterest to make it pretty. Here’s the formula that matches my template style: 

  • Linen / neutral napkins 
  • Candles (tapers or glass votives) 
  • Greenery or pine 
  • Printable food tent cards + sign 
  • A stack or basket for gifts 

That’s it. 

What Guests Bring

On the invite, tell them to bring:  

  1. Their favorite thing (1 for each guest) 
  2. Their favorite appetizer or snack 
  3. Optional: recipe cards for what they brought

That way, you’re not cooking for everyone and your table looks full.  

Your Copy for the Invite 

You’re invited to a Favorite Things Party ✨ Here’s how it works: • Bring [# of guests] of your favorite thing from this year (all the same item) • Price range: $15 and under • Bring your favorite appetizer to share • We’ll swap, snack, and everyone will go home with new favorites 

That’s it. Simple, clear, no confusion.  

The Printables You'll Need

The collection does the heavy lifting so you’re not designing signs at 11pm.  

  • Invitation → explain how it works, your party details, and any gift suggestions (pricing, how many to bring, etc.)
  • Food cards → label the appetizers your guests bring
  • Tags → keeps gifts from getting mixed up, or use these on "party favor" bags
  • Stickers → perfect to seal "thank you" envelopes or use on gifts
  • Sign → edit and print these as many times as you'd like! One for a gift drop off area, one as a food or drink menu, etc.

It’s hosting, but easy hosting.

Which is exactly what we need in December.

One last thing!

Would you host a party like this? What would you choose to be your Favorite Thing from the year? Send a message in the comments to let me know!