We’ve all been there, moments of awkward silences where you can almost hear others trying to think of what to say. Reduce those moments from happening with our party ice breakers!
It’s that time of the season when our front door can at times feel like a revolving door, bringing guests in and out with equal measure and gusto! We welcome friends and family from out of town, we host gatherings, and introduce neighbors… and while I pretty much feel like a good fete can be had at any scale, from laid back coffee chats to a full on event, there are a few party ice breakers that can help get any soiree off to a great start.
5 Top Party Ice Breakers to Get your Holiday Party Going!
1. Build-Your-Own Food Stations
We all have our own preferences when it comes to food, these buffet style set ups allow everyone to customize their plate and it’s a great ice breaker because it gets everyone up and moving around, chatting about favorites, different food interests and more. Plus, it’s easier on the hostess, which means more time for chatting and introducing new friends, instead of hiding away in the kitchen!
A few of our favorite food station ideas:
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- Burrito Bowl Bar
- Baked Potato Bar
- Hot Dog Bar
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- Banana Pops Bar
- Caramel Apple Bar
2. Activity Stations
Giving people something to do gets them mingling and talking to each other. Find simple games that don’t take a lot of set up or instruction and set up stations around your space.
A few fun activity station ideas:
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- Photo Booth – with party themed props
- Minute-to-win-it games
- Yard Games (which can be brought indoors as well) – Giant DIY Tumbling Blocks Game featured in The Fresh Edit, pages 66-67 or Giant DIY Lawn Dice found on pages 64-65.
- White elephant gift exchange
- Holiday craft – a great gift idea!
3. Conversation Starters
Disperse and set up little questions throughout your space to encourage mingling. We’ve all been to parties where you may not know everyone, so think of conversation cards as little wingmen. They are the bridge between you and your guests… or that person you think looks like a fun, cool new friend, but you might not approach on your own.
4. Jazz it Up with a Themed Party Drink
There’s almost nothing better at making someone feel comfortable than putting a drink or an appetizer in their hand.
Have you ever noticed how awkward it can feel when you’re talking with someone and aren’t sure what to do with your hands? Is it appropriate to cross them? Put them in your pockets? Flail and hit someone as you talk with grandiose gestures?
Circumvent it all with a themed drink… one of my favorite party ice breakers!
We recently shared The Best Holiday Punch Recipe, and this is the perfect party drink that can be easily customized to your liking!
Plus, you can grab everything at Sam’s Club now at a great value on all those beverages you’ll need for holiday entertaining, so you’re ready and prepared when the time comes! AND save time during the busy holiday shopping season with Club Pickup! Order online, and Sam’s Club will have everything ready for you when you arrive.
Side note: My family LOVES when I get the Sprite® Mini Cans, which are new to Sam’s Club this holiday season, because they know I’ll save a few to make punch for entertaining… and they get to save some to sip on throughout the week! Also look for Coca-Cola® mini cans, Gold Peak® Sweet Tea, Dasani®, and Diet Coke® too.
So tell me, what are some of your favorite party icebreakers? I’d love to hear, share in the comments! Click here to learn more about the products in this post!
Tasheena says
These are wonderful tips. I love the idea of having a themed party drink. Looking forward to using your tips this holiday season.
candy says
Having different stations always works out really well and doesn’t crowd up one area. All your tips are perfect and would keep a party going.
robin rue says
A themed party drink is always a fun idea. I am going to try that at my cookie swap this weekend!
Amber Myers says
Great ideas! This drink looks so good. I need to make it for sure. I also like the idea of a food station.
Kita says
A theme drink is so cute and I would even let some of my guests do teams and make a game out of the best drink or something to spice it up.
Alli says
Great ideas! I usually have an icebreaker game that encourages my guests to talk to each other and mingle. Also, having drinks available as soon as guests arrive gives them something to do with their hands.
Jeanette says
These are some great tips. We are going to have a party in about another week in something like this would definitely help get the party going.
Terri Steffes says
That cocktail looks amazing. My daughter and I make and try new cocktails daily, so we will be trying yours soon!
Lian Wright says
I love all of these tips! The build-your-own food station would be a big hit at a party. I also like having a themed drink to cheer in the fun.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
This is a great idea to keep the conversation going! I love that drink too – so fun and festive!!
Heather says
These are all great tips! There is nothing moe awkward than the very beginning of any get together where no one knows what to do or say.
Pam says
These are all good tips for holiday entertaining. I always love a good baked potato bar for parties.
Marysa says
These are fun ideas. Parties can be surprisingly awkward, and it is nice to have some ways to get guests mingling and having fun. What a cute cocktail!
Emily says
These are all great tips! I love having a bunch of people over this time of year but always worry the there will be a lull in conversation. So these are great ideas!
Anosa Malanga says
Indeed such great tips. I would love to try this out so we can include this one for our drinks during our Christmas party.
Chubskulit Rose says
Okay, the drink looks delicious and would sure be loved by your guest. But I can’t take my eyes off your shoes, my style!
Brandy says
These are some great party ice breakers to get that party started. I love your ideas.
Ricci says
These sound like great ways to break the ice and really get a party going. Great tips and tricks!!