15 things that every awesome Christmas party needs to have

There is no such thing as "too many" cookies at the holidays. Prepared cookie trays are always welcomed, but organizing a cookie exchange means everyone can go home with all sorts of sweet goodies.

Getting your guests home safely is the sign of a great host. Have numbers for local cab companies handy if it gets too late for the train. Rideshare companies like Uber will set up discount codes special for your party for first-time users or will bill to a company account. 

Beyond just bartending tips and karaoke, invite guests to have their fortunes read for the New Year. 

Make sure you have a holiday music playlist that appeals to everyone and sets the tone for the party. Don't just trust the hippest people in the marketing department to spin for the office party; a professional DJ will know how to read the room and keep the party going. At home, look for poppy playlists on streaming sites like Spotify, Pandora, or SiriusXM.  

Have a room where wassailers can karaoke to their hearts' delight, but don't make it the center of the party and make the shier guests uncomfortable. A separate room allows people to slip in and out with less pressure to perform. 

Try to keep the mood light, even it's a work gathering. Make sure there is enough going on to keep everyone moving and laughing and not falling into the work small talk trap. 

If you're having a bartender, consider having mixology lessons for your guests. This trend is especially popular at corporate events as a way to give partygoers a memory they can always carry with them of the event.  

Long gone are the days of banquet tables and assigned seating for parties; it's way more fun to move around and socialize. 

A bright light, funny props, and a blank wall — it doesn't matter if you hire a photographer for a corporate event or just create a "selfie space" at home, partygoers love to take fun pictures of their night out dressed in their holiday best. 

Small "secret Santa" gifts shared between friends and coworkers are always appreciated and a great way to break the ice at a holiday party. 

Save the big, heavy holiday meals for Christmas Day and offer guests indulgent cocktail-sized bites at party time. A wide variety of tapas, appetizers, gourmet cured meats, and cheeses is easier for partiers to pick at as the night goes on without filling up early and tiring out too soon.

Doesn't matter how much fun you had the night before if the next morning is brutal, so if you're the boss throwing the party, understand when people are a little late the next day. 

Even tough guys like to give at the holidays. Make arrangements with a local shelter or hospital and collect unwrapped presents at the party for delivery the next day. 

Select a holiday drink that is easily served as a punch or can be mixed in large batches, like this apple cinnamon bourbon cocktail. It will make life easier for bartenders at large gatherings and give small parties a sense of shared intimacy. 

Picking out the perfect tree is always fun, but decorating the tree is even more fun with a party. At home, set up a small table of craft supplies so revelers can make ornaments to add to your tree. If you're planning an office holiday party, have teams decorate their own trees or have an office-wide ornament design contest.