How to Host a White Elephant Holiday Luncheon: Fun Ideas for a Festive Girlfriends’ Gathering
There’s nothing better than gathering your girlfriends during the holidays for good food, big laughs, and a little bit of festive chaos—and nothing delivers that quite like a White Elephant gift exchange. It’s playful, it’s unpredictable, and it’s one of the easiest holiday events to host.
Whether you’re planning a chic sit-down lunch or a cozy afternoon gathering, here’s how to host a White Elephant holiday luncheon your girlfriends will be talking about long after the holidays.
1. Set the Tone with a Fun Invitation
White Elephant is supposed to be lighthearted and humorous, so make sure your invitation sets the mood.
Include:
- Date, time, and location
- Gift spending limit
- Any theme (funny, glam, cozy, beauty, “as seen on Instagram”)
- Encourage outrageous, clever, or desirable gifts
Pro tip: Everyone loves a good “steal,” so tell guests to bring something they’d secretly want to keep for themselves.
2. Keep Decor Festive but Simple
Because it’s a luncheon, you don’t need to go over the top. Your home likely already feels holiday-ready, so think of little touches:
- A festive centerpiece with greens, candles, or ornaments
- A pretty holiday table runner
- Seasonal napkins
- Sparkly drink stirrers or glass charms
- A small gift at each place setting (even a candy cane feels special)
If you want to elevate the theme, stick to winter whites, gold, silver, and touches of sparkle.
3. Prepare a Menu That Feels Special but Not Stressful
Luncheons should feel light, elegant, and easy. Some ideas:
Main Options:
- A festive salad with cranberries, nuts, and goat cheese
- A hearty quiche or frittata
- A build-your-own sandwich board
- A soup + salad combo
Sides:
- Fruit platter
- Simple pastries
- Seasonal veggies
Dessert:
- Mini cheesecakes
- Peppermint brownies
- Shortbread cookies
- A pretty bundt cake
Drinks:
- Sparkling water with cranberries + rosemary
- A holiday punch or cranberry spritz
- Champagne (always)
Keep everything simple so you get to enjoy the party, too.
4. How to Run the White Elephant Exchange
Here’s the easy, no-drama way to host it:
- Have everyone draw a number.
- Person #1 chooses any wrapped gift and opens it.
- Person #2 can open a new gift or steal the opened one.
- A gift can be “stolen” 2–3 times before it’s “locked.”
- The game ends with the first person getting a final choice (if you want to make it fair!).
Keep the energy light and silly—encourage playful steals and dramatic reactions.
5. Gift Ideas That Always Get a Laugh (or a Steal!)
If you want to give guests ideas ahead of time, here are great options:
- Cozy slippers
- Pretty coffee table books
- Funny kitchen gadgets
- Luxe candles
- Sparkling holiday accessories
- A “popular on TikTok” beauty product
- Cute cocktail napkins + bottle of wine
- A silly joke gift that still has charm
The best gifts are desirable and a little unexpected.
6. Add Personal Touches
Make the afternoon feel extra special with small gestures:
- A playlist of holiday classics
- A photo moment with fun props
- Printed place cards
- A toast to friendship and another year of memories
These are the things your girlfriends will remember most.
7. Send Everyone Home with Something Sweet
Even if they didn’t walk away with the most “stolen” gift, give each friend a small takeaway:
- Homemade cookies
- A mini ornament
- A hot cocoa kit
- A festive candle
It’s a thoughtful way to end the luncheon on a warm, holiday note.
Final Thoughts
Hosting a White Elephant holiday luncheon is truly one of the easiest and most joyful ways to bring your girlfriends together during the busy holiday season. Good food, laughter, a little healthy competition—it’s the perfect recipe for creating memories that last all year long.
