1) Greener festivities…Use natural elements for your decor and you’ll save money by borrowing items from Mother Nature. You’ll reduce carbon emissions from fuel by not buying junk shipped from China and you’ll keep waste from our landfills. If you add just one organic menu item to your feast, you’ll save pounds of pesticides from polluting the groundwater! I’m not sure how many pounds exactly, but surely you’ll do some good.

2) Charitable donations…Many companies are opting not to have a Holiday Party at all for their employees this year and are instead donating to a favorite charity. PriceWaterhouseCoopers is one of these companies. They are known for throwing lavish fiestas with thousands of guests at fabulous locations like the Field Museum and Soldier Field. This year, they are opting not to partake. Although I love a great party, of course, I think that this is a wonderful idea.

3) Signature drinks…Will never go away! Try something unique like the Snowball Martini for your bash. It’s so easy! Just make “snowballs” out of shaved ice or sorbet and use them as ice cubes in your favorite martinis. I had one the last time I was in Seattle and it was fab!

4) Lose the red and green…Try a new color combination such as the royal aubergine and gold or deep turquoise and bronze (it’s the new tiffany and chocolate, according to HGTV). You’ve also got sage and chocolate, aqua and red, or gold and ivory. Fun!

5) Repurpose…Use items that aren’t traditional Christmas decorations and give them a holiday shine with glitter or ribbon. Be creative with what you have around your house! I’ve seen the most simple vase transformed into a beautiful holiday display by simply filling it with ornaments.

6) Casual…instead of slaving all day on a roast, try something simple and comforting. What could be more fun than a mac-and-cheese bar? Serve ooey gooey macaroni with special mix-ins displayed in bowls giving guests options like bacon, chives, jalepenos, or hot dog pieces. Pair it with mini burgers or pulled pork and you have a satisfying meal that is just as delicious as something you slaved away all day working on!

7) Forgo the holiday theme…Have a tropical holiday! Crank up your heat and invite guests to sport their finest Hawaiian shirts for a little getaway in the middle of December. Serve pina coladas and food from your favorite tropical destinations. You can find silly decorations at Oriental Trading Company that take the theme to the next level.