CLM Hen House

fromdefiance2submission · Joined: 23 Mar 2026 Posts: 52 Location: Ohio

We are having a Christmas Dinner for the congregation, something "simple" but still want to decorate and have it look nice.
The theme is going to be "The Gift Goes On" or "The Gift That Keeps on Giving" or something like that. Thought too of somehow using this as an outreach time to get gifts for needy children only this is just a thought and don't really know how to incorporate it. Any ideas and decorating ideas would be appreciated. Thanks.
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mylordandmyking · Joined: 14 Mar 2026 Posts: 111

You can decorate with empty gift boxes on the tables , with red and green tablecloths . Put up an "angel tree" with pieces of paper tied to it with christmas ribbon , on the front you could put Acts 20:35 I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. , and on the back put a gift suggestion that someone can purchase , or put envelopes on the tree with that verse and people could put money in the envelopes to buy gifts . It would be an anonymous way to give so that those who cant give alot wouldn't feel "put on the spot " by those who can give more . I hope this made sense and helps some . ~ Nikki
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daredheaded1 · Joined: 15 May 2025 Posts: 131 Location: PA

If your meal is going to be free, maybe suggest to your congregation that everyone who can do so bring an unwrapped toy in lieu of having to pay for a meal. You could have a huge, gift wrapped box in which they could place the toys. That way, they receive the gift of a free meal, which would lead to a gift for a needy child...which could lead to a wonderful outreach ministry! That would play into your theme.

One year our church took square gift boxes & wrapped them in florist foil. We placed a poinsettia in each box & used it as the centerpieces. We wrapped the box lid in the same foil & put a pretty Christmas bow on it, then leaned them up against the side of the box. That way whoever took home the box would have the lid so they could use it for something else if they wanted to. It was pretty.

If there are bulletin boards in your fellowship hall (if that's where you're hosting it) you could wrap them up like Christmas gifts, too. That always looks pretty. The lady who did it at our church used that shimmery paper & then used really wide velvet ribbon to make the bow in the center.
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fromdefiance2submission · Joined: 23 Mar 2026 Posts: 52 Location: Ohio

Thanks. Those are great ideas. I like the pointsettia in the box and the bulletin board (there is only one) will work out well. Thanks! It isn't a free meal, because we will have it catered so they will already be paying close to $10 for the meal. That's one reason I wasn't sure how to incorporate the gift thing in with it. would love to do it the way you suggested, but we are a small church with a smaller budget and just can't afford to put it on without a charge. It's not a profit thing, this will just cover the cost of the meal. I'm still open for more suggestions. Very Happy

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daredheaded1 · Joined: 15 May 2025 Posts: 131 Location: PA

Catered is so nice! Our church usually goes for the pot luck, so I always assume that's what everyone else is doing. I think catering the Christmas meal makes it extra special. $10 per person is a pretty good deal!

I'll have to give it some more thought...but not at 3 a.m. (Insomnia strikes again).
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"When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost."