We all have certain expectations of what will happen at your typical holiday party: sipping eggnog and nibbling on sugar cookies in the shape of Christmas trees, exchanging presents in Secret Santa swaps, enduring annoying questions about your boyfriend from your aunt and grandma. (Well, maybe that’s just me.)

Whatever your typical party looks like, I think it’s high time we shook up the holiday season with a bit of creativity. A major fan of dressing up, I’m always looking for that next big event to get clever with your look. Why not the holidays?

IDEA #1:  A Mad Men Themed Party

I just love this idea featured on Basket of Kisses, a blog devoted to all things Mad Men. As a work party idea, the Arkansas Advertising Agency, Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods all dressed up as characters from the hit drama. Everyone looks just like their Mad Men counterpart, down to a tee.

I think this party would translate perfectly into a holiday theme. What could be more glamorous than a 60′s updo and a high class cocktail? Dibs on Joan! If you love this pic, check out the Mad Men Holiday Card idea on vintage hair and makeup guru, Lauren Rennells’s Bobby Pin Blog.

IDEA #2: Ugly Christmas Sweater Party with Family Portraits

The ugly Christmas sweater party idea has been growing in popularity during the holiday season, and believe it or not, I have yet to attend one (hint, hint). It’s fairly easy to do if you think about it.

Visit your local thrift store and find the ugliest, cheesiest, most hideous Christmas sweater you can. Some may have smiling reindeer and snowman. Some even have twinkling Christmas lights and tinsel. The more outrageous, the better!

And to top it all off, why not take a fun group photo to send out to all your relatives? I can’t help but smile when I look at these two portraits by Seattle-based photographer, John Keatley. Visit his blog to read the funny stories behind them!

Overall, the idea is not classy by a long shot, but hey, we’re always dressing up to look better, so why not make yourself look as awkward and dorky as possible. There’s definitely some charm to that.

Happy Holidays Lulu*s fans! What cool holiday party ideas do you have?