Of all the plethora of party planning tips that might be given, this could be called the easiest one! - if you're willing to whittle your guest list down to a chosen few... because, of course, not everyone likes the same things. But when they do, boy, are they apt to have fun!

Are you part of a club, or a circle of friends who always revel in a group activity? - build your get-together around it.

As to the club, each official gathering probably has its own style and structure. ...But why not devise a party situation that seriously tweaks that same-old-way? (or better yet, unseriously?). Come on, is there really any reason why you shouldn't try squaredancing at the beach, let us say? 

So maybe you don't want to plan a party around a club... Do a bunch of your friends and/or family like jigsaw puzzles? - collect a few holiday-related examples for everyone to participate in assembling. (And perhaps put out a call for "old dead" ones... and make decorations out of them! - see "Jigsaw Puzzle Piece-Tiled Boxes" in Instructions, and other ideas sprinkled throughout.)

Caroling again comes to mind, for those who love to sing. Or just an in-home (or around-the-campfire) sing-along (hmm, with Nat King Cole holiday tunes?) would fill the bill.

What about a quilting party? I love the idea of a bunch of friends or family constructing a quilted piece for someone they all know. Someone with a holiday-timed birthday, perhaps? (those folks usually lose out to the less personal festivities going on).

Everyone love to cook? - have a chili cook-off; a cookie-and-recipe exchange (or bake them together).

All dog lovers? - invite the pets too... if you dare. (Bake doggie treats along with the cookies? a canine gift exchange, perhaps?)

Just about everyone loves a picnic. If it's cold outside, prevent winter blues from setting in by having an indoor picnic. Sit on the floor around red-and-white-checked cloths, use disposable dishes and picnic hampers, and serve traditional summer picnic foods (or make it a potluck). Turn all the lights up! - and any winter dreariness will melt away.

Many groups get hooked on the holiday gift exchange wherein opened presents can be "stolen" (perhaps successively) from others. (Selector #1 gets first choice, #2 can choose anew or take from #1, #3 can choose anew or take from #1 or #2, etc. Trading can always be done at the end of the exchange.) It can be a little anxiety-producing for some (mainly some children - it was to me), but I love it (now)! ...Much hilarity is produced. Give a cost limit to the gift ($1, $5); or ask that the gift be a white elephant; or, specifically, a Christmas gift never used; or even a "tacky gift" (speaking of hilarity). If each person brings two gifts (for instance, one white elephant and one under-$5 item), everyone will likely be able to take home at least one new treasure that she is genuinely pleased with!