TL;DR
Good Housekeeping published ideas for making holiday parties more engaging for children, including group crafts, homemade cards and a hot cocoa bar. The suggestions come from a lifestyle report featuring crafting expert Kimberly McLeod; the source does not present them as tested safety guidance or report on a new product launch.
Good Housekeeping has published a holiday-party guide centered on activities that bring children into family gatherings, including shared crafts, handmade cards and a build-your-own hot cocoa bar. The report also features suggestions from crafting expert Kimberly McLeod and mentions seasonal hand soaps sold under the Simple Pleasures name.
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The guide recommends preparing popsicle-stick snowflakes before guests arrive. An adult can glue groups of four sticks into snowflake shapes, then set out materials such as glitter, stickers, bells, pom-poms, washable paint and markers. McLeod identifies glitter, glitter stickers, bells and pom-poms as some of her favorite decorating supplies. Twine attached to each finished craft lets guests hang it on a tree.
For a card-making activity, the report suggests drawing two rows of wavy lines on folded cardstock to represent holiday-light wires. Children can press paint-covered fingertips along the lines to make the bulbs; cotton swabs offer adults another way to add dots. Guests can write messages inside and exchange the cards or take them home. The guide recommends letting the paint dry before stacking or sending the cards.
A make-your-own cocoa station can include crushed candy canes, chocolate spoons, sprinkles, syrup, chocolate shavings, cinnamon and whipped cream. McLeod’s snowman marshmallow idea uses two large marshmallows stacked on a toothpick, with melted chocolate for the face, an orange sprinkle for the nose and red licorice for a scarf. The report also promotes refillable, seasonal Simple Pleasures hand-soap bottles as decor, party favors or gifts.
Activities Give Children a Party Role
The suggestions address a familiar challenge for hosts: young guests may have little to do during gatherings planned mainly around adult conversation and food. Organized, hands-on activities give children a way to participate alongside relatives and other guests, rather than being left to entertain themselves around household decorations.
The ideas also allow adults and children to share some of the same activities. Cards and snowflakes can become keepsakes or gifts, while a cocoa station turns a snack into a group activity. For hosts, the guide offers options that can be prepared in advance and adapted to the available space and ages of guests.
The article’s product references are part of its party advice, but the supplied material does not establish that the soap is necessary for hosting or independently assess its effectiveness. The practical takeaway is the activity plan, not a verified claim that a particular product will prevent mess.
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Crafts, Cocoa and Cleanup
The source is a Good Housekeeping lifestyle report titled “Host a Fun and Festive Kid-Friendly Holiday Party.” It frames the activities as ways to make children part of holiday gatherings and credits McLeod for some craft suggestions. The supplied report does not give a publication date, report audience data or describe a broader event or policy development.
Its recommendations range from low-preparation card decorating to crafts that require an adult to glue materials ahead of time. The cocoa-bar setup can be placed on a counter or a folding table covered with a plastic tablecloth, according to the report. Simple Pleasures soaps are described as refillable bottles with seasonal designs and scents; the report says the brand holds a Good Housekeeping Seal.
“Some of my favorite craft supplies to decorate with are glitter, glitter stickers, bells, and pom poms.”
— Kimberly McLeod, crafting expert, as quoted by Good Housekeeping
Age and Safety Details Are Limited
The report does not specify recommended ages, supervision levels, quantities or costs for the activities. It also does not give detailed guidance on possible choking risks from small decorations, toothpicks, marshmallows or candy, nor does it address dietary needs or allergens in cocoa toppings. Hosts will need to account for children’s ages, food allergies and household rules when choosing materials and serving treats.
The source gives no publication date, and the supplied material does not confirm current product availability, pricing or whether each seasonal soap design remains on sale. Its cleanup language is promotional; no comparative evidence about soap performance is provided.
Hosts Can Adapt the Ideas
The report does not announce a scheduled follow-up or event. Its practical next step for readers is to choose activities based on their guest list, prepare materials ahead of time and set up a designated craft or food area. Hosts can keep washable supplies and a cleanup plan nearby, and supervise activities involving small pieces, melted chocolate or toothpicks.
Before serving cocoa and toppings, hosts can check with guests about food allergies and offer suitable alternatives. The source does not provide a formal checklist or confirm whether Good Housekeeping plans additional holiday-party coverage.
Key Questions
What activities does the holiday-party guide suggest?
It suggests decorating popsicle-stick snowflakes, making holiday cards with painted fingerprints or cotton-swab dots, and setting up a hot cocoa bar.
What supplies are suggested for the snowflake craft?
The report lists glitter, glitter stickers, bells, pom-poms, washable paint and markers. The popsicle sticks are glued into snowflake shapes before the party, with twine added so guests can hang their finished crafts.
How are the holiday-light cards made?
Draw two wavy lines on folded cardstock, then use paint-covered fingertips or cotton swabs to make colorful dots along them. Guests can write a message inside after the paint dries.
What toppings can go on a hot cocoa bar?
The suggested options include crushed candy canes, chocolate spoons, sprinkles, chocolate syrup, chocolate shavings, cinnamon and whipped cream. Hosts should check for guests’ allergies and dietary needs; the source does not provide allergen-specific advice.
Does the report give detailed child-safety instructions?
No. It does not specify age ranges or supervision rules. Hosts should use their judgment about small craft items, toothpicks and food, and supervise children as appropriate.
Source: goodhousekeeping.com
