How to Host a Cozy Hallmark+ Holiday Movie Night with Friends

Nothing sets the tone and says, "This is worth marking on your calendar," like sending your friends a physical invitation.

It wouldn't be a cozy holiday party without Hallmark movies on deck, which is why we suggest subscribing to Hallmark+ (and taking advantage of their 7-day free trial*) as soon as you can so you can browse their extensive library of Christmas movies and exclusive new holiday series and movies and choose what to watch ahead of time.

If being in charge of the line-up feels like too much pressure, compile a narrowed list and ask your guests to cast their votes as soon as they arrive. As for us, we can't wait to binge Hallmark's newest holiday series, Holidazed, which premieres on November 14, and Finding Mr. Christmas, Hallmark's first-ever reality competition series hosted by the one and only Jonathan Bennett, otherwise known for playing Aaron Samuels in Mean Girls. 

Subscribe here for a 7-day free trial* to Hallmark +, which gives you access to all-new and exclusive Hallmark + series and movies, a $5 coupon and free card every month, and more points for every dollar spent. Have a Hallmark fan in your life? Consider gifting them a subscription as a stocking stuffer! 

*After your 7-day free trial ends, your subscription will renew automatically each billing period and we will charge your payment method on file the amount indicated above until you cancel. Please see Terms of Use for complete subscription details.

Planning can get overwhelming with so many choices. Sticking to a cohesive theme—like candy and rainbows—narrows your focus and makes decisions easier. From choosing decorations and color schemes to deciding what food and drinks to serve, a theme acts as a filter that simplifies your options, ensuring every choice complements the overall aesthetic.

Some like it sweet, some like it salty, and some like to have a mix of both. Set out a large bowl of popcorn, a sectioned tray with various types of candy, and small bowls (preferably these) so your guests can create their own concoction. Just make sure to have backstock on hand, because there’s always that one friend that goes a little too hard on the peanut butter cups during round one. 

Cramming everyone on one couch might be cozy, but it’s definitely not comfortable. Give your guests the opportunity to pick their perfect spot with large floor pillows that pass as chairs and double (or even triple) the amount of blankets you think you’ll need. 

Overhead lighting? She’s not invited. But twinkling string lights on the other hand? The more the merrier. String them on the tree, over the kitchen island, on the mantle, around the windows, or wherever you feel like it. The goal is to make your guests feel like they are in a human-sized snow globe and not in your living room.

Admit it: There’s something so nostalgic and fun about wearing the same pajamas as all your friends. Set up a clothing rack in the corner with a pajama set (like these here!) for each guest with their name labeled on the hanger that they can wear and take home with them. Add a basket of slippers underneath to complete the cozy and curated look.

FYI: You can order custom labels of everyone’s name, written in our signature script in crisp white or black ink, here on our site. 

If you wear matching pajamas without posting it on social media, did it ever happen? Set out a few instant cameras so your guests can document the night in a low-pressure way and take the memories home with them. 

Post-Party Clean-Up:

Tip 1: Stock a Caddy

Our secret to cleaning smarter, not harder? Stocking a cleaning caddy with all the essentials (all-purpose cleaner, paper towels, sponges, etc.) ahead of time so you can do a quick spray, scrub, and sweep before giving yourself a Gold Star and heading to sleep. 

Tip 2: Designate a Take-Home Treat Station 

Have leftover snacks but don’t have the space for them? Set out clear to-go containers, like these boxes here, so your guests can make their favorite mix-and-match treat to eat in the backseat of the Uber on the way home or as breakfast the next morning. We’re not judging. 

Tip 3: Keep It Tangle-Free 

In a perfect world, we'd keep our living room looking like a snow globe until spring, but if you find yourself needing to scale down on string lights and decor after the party, fight the urge to throw everything in a bin all willy-nilly and use the Ornament Organizer and String Light Organizer from our Walmart collection, designed to keep items protected and tangle-free. Trust us; your future self will thank you. 

Shop everything you need to host the perfect cozy movie night with friends this holiday season: