If there’s one holiday tradition that combines laughter, creativity, and a touch of friendly competition, it’s the ornament exchange party. Imagine the sparkle of a Christmas tree, the sound of wrapping paper tearing, and the delighted gasps as each gift is revealed. It’s a festive gathering that captures everything joyful about the season.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party for close friends, family, or coworkers, this kind of party is as versatile as it is fun. You can go classic or quirky, sophisticated or silly, the options are endless. Ready to host an ornament exchange that guests will talk about for years to come? Let’s unwrap all the ideas, rules, and themes you need to make it a success.
What Is an Ornament Exchange?
At its heart, an ornament exchange is a holiday gift exchange centered around, you guessed it, beautiful ornaments. Each person brings a wrapped holiday ornament, and by the end of the game, everyone leaves with a new addition to their tree (and a few great memories, too).
How It Works (White Elephant/Yankee Swap vs. Secret Swap)
There are a few ways to play:
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White Elephant / Yankee Swap: Every guest draws a number to determine the order of gift picking. The first person chooses and unwraps an ornament; the next can either “steal” that ornament or choose a new wrapped one. The game continues until everyone’s had a turn (with a limit on how many times each ornament can be swapped).
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Secret Swap: This one’s closer to a Secret Santa exchange, each guest draws a name ahead of time and buys an ornament specifically chosen for that person.
Both versions are fun, but the first tends to get laughs, while the second feels more personal.
Ideal Guest Count, Budget, and Timeframe
Aim for 6–12 guests, large enough for lively swaps but small enough to keep the game moving. Set a price cap so everyone stays on the same page. Expect the full exchange to take about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how many “steals” happen!
Rules to Set (So the Game Runs Smoothly)
A few simple rules help keep the ornament exchange party fair and, most importantly, fun for everyone.
Price Cap & “Steal” Limits
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Set a clear gift value range.
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Limit each ornament to two or three “steals.”
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Once an ornament has hit its steal limit, it’s locked in.
Wrapping Requirements (Anonymous, Disguises, Tags)
Encourage guests to get creative! The more mysterious the packaging, the better. You can even make “Most Cleverly Wrapped Ornament” a mini game of its own. Use ribbons, boxes, or even festive cookie tins to disguise the shape.
Kid-Friendly or Adults-Only Variations
If little ones are attending, skip the stealing and use a simple pass-and-pick format instead. For adults, add a cheeky twist, like themed trivia or Christmas movie questions to earn a swap.
Theme Ideas to Elevate the Exchange
Want to make your ornament exchange party feel extra polished? A theme ties everything together beautifully and adds that special Lenox touch.
Color Stories
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Gold & Ivory: If you’re hosting the exchange, decorate your home in gold and ivory Christmas decorations.
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Red & Green: Classic Christmas hues never go out of style. Add rich velvet ribbons and decorations that shimmer under soft candlelight.
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Winter Whites: Clean, serene, and sophisticated. Crystal or pearlized ornaments look stunning in this palette.
Motif Themes
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Heirloom Ornaments: Encourage guests to bring something that looks vintage or collectible.
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Baby’s First or Couples’ Keepsakes: Young families will love a Baby’s First Christmas theme. These are sentimental and perfect for family-focused exchanges.
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Pets or Hobbies: Let everyone express themselves, think paw-print ornaments, musical notes, or snowmen with scarves.
Material Mix
Combine designs made of porcelain, crystal, and shatter-resistant materials so every person can find something they’ll love. Lenox’s ornament collection features everything from intricate angels to red cardinals, perfect for decorating a Christmas tree.
Display & Game Setup
First impressions matter! Create a check-in moment that feels warm and organized. Set up a small table near the entrance with numbered tags or cards in a bowl. Guests draw one as they arrive. Have a tray ready for everyone’s wrapped gifts so it becomes part of the decorations.
Arrange the wrapped ornaments on tiered trays, cake stands, or inside glass cloches. For a touch of sparkle, scatter faux snow or twinkling fairy lights around the display. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even set up some DIY Christmas decorations around the home to really bring that festive charm.
Once everyone has arrived, explain the rules, then let the fun begin! Keep a host on hand to moderate and move the game along. End with a “final steal” round so everyone has one last chance to trade. This is a fun way to get everyone involved at your holiday gathering.
Host Styling: Tablescape & Centerpieces
Once the game is over, let the socializing continue around a beautifully set table.
Using Chargers, Runners, and Candlesticks for Height
Think about what you want the theme to be. Do you want to go for an elegant gold and silver Christmas tablescape for the night? Or do you think classic red and green is a better fit for your holiday gathering? There are endless holiday tablescape ideas to consider. Layer table linens with metallic or red chargers and tall candlesticks for a sense of drama.
Ornament-as-Centerpiece Bowls and Vases
Don’t know what you should put for your holiday table centerpiece? For a statement look, fill a crystal vase or wide bowl with ornaments. Mix textures, matte, shiny, and glittered, for dimension. It’s an effortless way to tie the theme together and is one of our all-time favorite Christmas table decor ideas.
Food & Drink Pairings
The best holiday parties strike that elusive balance between flavor and fun, something indulgent enough to feel special, but easy enough for the host to enjoy too. For an ornament exchange, where people mingle, laugh, and move about the room, it’s best to keep the menu approachable and interactive.
A cocoa or coffee bar is always a hit. Set up a cozy corner featuring coffee mugs, topped with whipped cream, peppermint sticks, and maybe a sprinkle of cinnamon. Offer serving platters of bite-sized truffles, fudge squares, or even homemade cookies that feel as comforting as the season itself. The aroma alone creates a sense of warmth and welcome.
For a standing party, small bites are key. Think mini quiches, cheese skewers, or festive pastries served on tiered servers and elegant serving trays. The goal is simple: make it easy for guests to hold a plate in one hand while keeping the other free for the game. A little practicality goes a long way when the swapping (and laughter) begins.
Gift Packaging & Take-Home Favors
As the final ornament is unwrapped and the laughter starts to settle, you’ll want your guests to leave with more than just a beautiful keepsake, they should take home a memory wrapped in elegance. Presentation matters here.
Offer keepsake boxes or soft gift bags for guests to carry their treasures home safely. Ornament storage boxes are perfect for delicate pieces, ensuring each one stays pristine year after year. If you’re feeling extra creative, turn your Christmas table décor into part of the takeaway experience. Use individual ornaments as place cards, attaching each guest’s name with ribbon and a handwritten tag. It’s a thoughtful gesture, one that doubles as both décor and parting gift.
These small touches elevate your holiday gathering from casual to truly unforgettable, making everyone feel seen and appreciated.
Etiquette & Tips (Keep It Fun and Fair)
Even the most joyful parties benefit from a touch of structure. When you’re hosting an ornament exchange, a little etiquette helps keep things fair, festive, and full of cheer.
If two guests happen to unwrap identical ornaments, let them trade at the end of the game, no hard feelings, just a simple switch. For breakable pieces, keep an extra ornament on hand as a backup in case of mishaps. And for anyone running late, weave them in between rounds so they don’t feel left out.
Beyond the game itself, create moments worth remembering. A designated photo spot, complete with twinkle lights, ribbons, and a shimmering backdrop, encourages friends to capture the joy and share it afterward. You might even set up an informal “trade table” at the end of the night for anyone who wants one last swap. It’s these thoughtful details that make your event feel personal, organized, and perfectly in tune with the season.
Wrapping It Up
An ornament exchange party isn’t just a holiday event, it’s a celebration of connection, laughter, and the beauty of giving. With thoughtful planning, a few creative touches, and the help of Lenox’s exquisite designs, you can transform a simple gathering into an evening that feels timeless.
So pour the cocoa, light the candles, and gather around the twinkling tree. The season’s best memories often start with small gestures, a ribbon, a smile, a single ornament shared among friends.