Today we purchase Christmas decorations and Christmas party supplies, but how did it all begin?  The History of Christmas goes way, way back in time. Christmas wasn't celebrated by the early church until the fourth century. In the fourth century, the church decided to try to redeem a Roman pagan winter solstice festival: the festival of Saturnalia. This December holiday was considered the "birthday of the unconquered sun." Romans danced in the streets with gifts under their arms and greenery atop their heads. Various peoples in northern Europe held festivals (large parties) in mid-December to celebrate the end of the harvest season. As part of all these celebrations, the people prepared special foods, decorated their homes with greenery, and joined in singing and gift giving. Continued here: Christmas History
The lighting at a Christmas party can be very important that is why red and green candles can make great center pieces. Have the candles lighten the entire place and see how beautiful the evening can really turn out. Also invitations can be important and necessary to make guest feel welcome and appreciated. Make your own invitations or you can buy some very neat ones at the local store or its even easier here online.