Ugly Sweater Party Planning: Layout, Contest and Coat Space

Ugly sweater parties are easy to throw and easy to crowd. Everyone arrives in a bulky, itchy, loud sweater, in a Chicago December with coats, boots and scarves. Then there is a contest, photos and a lot of laughing. The layout decides whether it feels fun or jammed. This guide covers the room plan, the contest and photo spots, how much to stand or sit, and where to put 40 coats. For other holiday party ideas, see December holiday party rentals in Chicago and holiday party at home rentals.

The room plan

Think in four zones: the door (coats), the food and drink, the mingling area, and the contest and photos. Put the contest at the far end so the party moves through the room.

Standing or seated

An ugly sweater party is a mingling party. People walk around, show their sweaters and refill drinks. If you seat everyone at tables, they stay put. If everyone stands, your older guests and anyone in heels are tired in an hour. A mix works best.

A rule of thumb for a cocktail-style party is a seat for about half your guests and a cocktail table for every 5 or 6. See cocktail reception layout and how many cocktail tables. Dinner is another matter: if you plan a sit-down meal, use how many chairs do I need. You can rent cocktail tables with covers to keep the look neat, and lounge seating for a cozy corner.

The contest area

You need a spot where everyone can see the sweaters. It does not need to be a big stage.

• A small riser or even a rug and a taped square on the floor.
• 10 to 12 feet of open space in front of it, with no tables in the sightline.
• A microphone if the room has more than 30 guests or music. See AV and sound.
• Categories such as ugliest, most lights, best homemade and most tacky. Hand out paper ballots or have a clap vote.
• A prize table with a small tablecloth. Keep it away from the food.

If you want a real stage, check sizes in stage and riser sizes. A 4 x 8 foot riser is common. Ask what your rental company has.

The photo area

Photos are half the party. A good spot is a plain wall or backdrop with a bright, even light from the front, not a window behind. A string of lights, a garland and a few props work well. Put it near, but not in, the line for the food.

• Backdrop. Choose a solid color or a simple holiday look. Busy patterns fight with loud sweaters. See photo backdrop ideas and selfie station ideas.
• Light. A ring light or two lamps at face height. See lighting rentals and lighting for night photos.
• Space. 6 feet of floor in front for groups. Mark it with tape.
• A photo booth can work at a larger party. See photo booth rentals.

Coat space

In Chicago, from December to March, guests arrive in heavy coats and boots. That is an extra 40 coats at a party of 40, and a pile on a bed is a problem when people leave.

• Plan one rolling coat rack for every 25 to 30 guests as a rule of thumb. Ask the rental company how many hangers each one holds.
• Put the rack by the door but out of the main path.
• Set a boot tray or mat, and towels for the floor.
• Use a numbered ticket system if you have a coat check volunteer.

See coat racks for winter events in Chicago.

What most hosts find out too late

• Sweaters make people hot. A room full of wool and a crowd can heat up fast. Keep a window or a thermostat in mind, and put water out.
• Food and drinks near the contest. Lines clog the open floor. Put food on the opposite wall.
• The dark. Sunset in Chicago is around 4:20 to 4:30 pm in December, so guests arrive in the dark. Light the entry and the path.
• Peak December weekends fill up. Ask for tables and chairs early. See Chicago winter holiday party season booking.

Plan your sweater party

Tell us your headcount, room and date, and we will check it with the rental companies and send one quote for chairs, cocktail tables, coat racks and lighting. Book a free 15-minute planning call or get a quote. One call covers the whole list.