How to Host a Cozy Holiday Gathering for a Small Group of Friends

Hosting a holiday party for a small group doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning—decor, food, and a few simple activities—you can create a warm atmosphere with ease. We’ve broken the prep into five steps you can use as a checklist, so nothing gets overlooked and the evening flows effortlessly.

A Small Group Creates a Special Atmosphere

Celebrating with just a handful of friends always feels more personal and heartfelt. Everyone knows each other well, so there’s no rush or forced formality. The mood is light, easy, and welcoming. Here are three reasons why:

• More attention for everyone — in a small group, each guest can join the conversation without worrying about being overlooked. No one feels left out, and everyone is an important part of the evening.
• Simpler planning — you don’t need mountains of food or a massive venue. Hosting a small gathering is far less stressful and more familiar.
• A relaxed vibe — friends can be themselves without pressure to impress. Silly jokes, quiet moments, or heartfelt talks all fit in naturally.

A Hygge-Inspired Celebration: What It Is and How to Create One

Cozy gatherings are often described with the Danish word hygge. The term doesn’t translate directly, but it captures everything linked to comfort and warmth: time with loved ones, a welcoming home, simple rituals, and favorite treats.

Here are seven essentials for creating a hygge-style celebration:

1. Warm lighting — replace harsh lamps with soft lights: string lights, candles, or small lamps.
2. Natural materials — wool blankets, linen napkins, and wooden accents make the space feel earthy and comforting.
3. Home-cooked food — simple, heartfelt dishes set the perfect tone for an evening with friends.
4. Quality time together — whether it’s a shared activity or a long conversation, make space for connection without distractions.
5. Comfortable clothing — sweaters, pajamas, or cozy loungewear are perfect for this type of gathering.
6. Digital detox — put away phones and enjoy the moment without the constant noise of notifications.
7. Meaningful rituals — bake cookies, light candles, or brew a favorite tea to complete the experience.

Let’s see how to weave these elements together in practice.

Five Steps to Hosting a Cozy Holiday Party with Friends

Breaking planning into stages helps keep everything simple and stress-free. Here are five easy steps.

Step 1: Choose a Place for the Celebration

Talk with your friends about where you’d like to celebrate — at home, in a cozy café, or in a rented cabin outside the city. The choice of venue depends not only on the group’s mood but also on the date itself. If you’re planning to spend Christmas together, you’ll need to book a rental well in advance — ideally by September. If you’re organizing a smaller get-together on a weekday, you can start looking for a space just a few weeks before the event.

You can host the party at home, change the scenery by heading into nature, or meet at a favorite local spot. We’ve compared the two main scenarios to make the decision easier.

Whether you celebrate at home or in a rented space, you can create a cozy atmosphere and enjoy quality time with close friends. Choose the first option if you want something simple, familiar, and easy to organize without investing too much effort. A rented venue works better if you’d like more comfort and fresh impressions to make the evening feel special.

Plan the Decor

Set up the space so that it feels both inviting and beautiful. Think soft blankets, pillows, string lights, and rustic wooden tableware. If you’re buying new decorations, choose items that will last beyond one night and work not only for the party itself but also for your home’s everyday interior.

Prepare Simple Activities

Think about how you’ll keep the group entertained. For a small gathering, the best choice is simple, low-key activities that encourage relaxation. You might watch a holiday movie together, bake cookies, or play lighthearted games. And if you’d like to add a bit of surprise and laughter, consider a round of Secret Santa.

Secret Santa is often played in offices, schools, or large groups, but it works just as well with just three or four friends. All you need to do is agree on the rules ahead of time, draw names, and exchange gifts on the day of the party. It’s a fun way to make the evening warmer and more memorable.

To make things even easier, you can use the MySanta service, which takes care of the logistics and adds extra features to make the game more enjoyable:

1. Quick name draw. No need for slips of paper or everyone gathering in one place — the service automatically matches Santas and recipients. You can play in person or remotely by sending everyone a personal link.
2. Wishlist support. Each participant can create a wishlist — from specific items on a marketplace to general ideas.
3. Exclusions. If you want to avoid certain pairings (like couples drawing each other), you can set up exceptions to keep the game fair.
4. Anonymous chat. Participants can ask questions or clarify preferences without revealing their identity.
5. Progress tracking. Organizers can see who’s ready, who still needs to buy their gift, and follow the game step by step.

Try our MySanta app

You can create wishlists, add exclusions, and communicate with your gifree secretly. Moreover, there is an option to track gifts and ensure that everyone buys a present on time.

Start

Cook a Simple Homemade Meal

Choose easy, comforting dishes that won’t keep you tied to the kitchen all day. This will not only simplify the preparation but also add to the cozy, home-like atmosphere. You can invite friends to come earlier and cook together, put one person in charge of the menu, or agree in advance who brings what. Don’t hesitate to divide tasks — for a small group, that’s the best way to make sure everyone feels comfortable.

Build a Warm Holiday Playlist

Music sets the tone of the evening. Invite friends to build a shared playlist so there’s no arguing over what to play, and everyone hears at least one favorite. Decide in advance whether you want background tracks or songs people will want to sing along to.

Conclusion

Pay attention to the small details, and you’ll create a cozy holiday gathering where not only the guests but also the host can relax. With the right touches — from food and décor to music and games — an evening with close friends will feel warm, memorable, and truly joyful.