Christmas parties for couples have a special warmth: candlelight, good wine, slow music, and a sprig of mistletoe hanging in the doorway. A Mistletoe and Merlot evening is an elegant way for couples to celebrate with other couples, perfect for dinner clubs, groups of friends, newlyweds, and anniversaries that fall in December. This 5 x 7 inch invitation features a heart-shaped photo frame with a gold border, a sprig of mistletoe hanging from a red ribbon and bow at the top, and refined wine coloured Playfair Display italic lettering on a soft sage background.
The Heart Photo Frame
The centre of the invitation is a heart-shaped photo frame with a gold border. It is a pattern-filled shape, so you click it and choose Replace Image to add a photo of the hosting couple. Heart frames are perfect for couples’ photos: a wedding picture, an engagement photo, a cosy holiday snapshot or a photo from a trip together. Choose a photo where both faces are near the centre, because the heart narrows towards its point.
Mistletoe and the Kissing Tradition
Mistletoe is a symbol of love and friendship, and the tradition of kissing under it has been part of Christmas celebrations for centuries. At the top of the card, a red ribbon drops from the top edge to a bow, and a green sprig of leaves with white berries hangs below it, just like mistletoe hung in a doorway. It sets the romantic tone of the evening. Mistletoe berries are toxic if eaten, so if you hang real mistletoe at the party, keep it out of reach of children and pets.
Wine and Pairings
Merlot is a soft, fruity red wine that pairs well with many festive foods. For a Mistletoe and Merlot evening, offer a few bottles of Merlot alongside a white wine, a sparkling wine and non alcoholic options. Pair the wine with a cheese board, roasted meats, mushroom dishes, dark chocolate and berry desserts. Some hosts organise a blind tasting, where couples bring a bottle of Merlot, and everyone guesses which is the most expensive.
Planning a Couples’ Evening
A couples’ party can be a dinner, a wine and cheese evening or a cocktail party. Keep the guest list small enough for conversation, perhaps four to eight couples. Set the mood with candles, soft lighting, a fire if you have one, and a playlist of jazz and classic Christmas love songs. Activities might include a couples’ quiz about how well partners know each other, a gift exchange between couples, or a slow dance under the mistletoe.
Editing the Mistletoe Card
Click the text lines to change them. The title reads Mistletoe in large wine coloured Playfair Display italic, with MERLOT below in spaced green capitals and A Christmas evening for couples in italic. The details read Saturday, December 19, 7:30 PM, The Reyes home, 9 Vineyard Lane, Sonoma, with the RSVP number. Change the background colour by clicking it, and recolour the gold heart border, ribbon and mistletoe if you wish.
An Anniversary in December
If the hosting couple’s anniversary falls in December, the invitation can celebrate both occasions. Add a line such as and our tenth anniversary below the title, and choose a wedding photo for the heart frame. Guests will enjoy celebrating the couple as well as the season.
Gift Exchange Between Couples
A couples’ gift exchange can be fun: each couple brings one gift for another couple, such as a bottle of wine, a board game for two, a cosy blanket or a date night voucher. Draw names in advance or play a white elephant-style game with stealing. Set a budget so gifts are similar in value.
Printing the Couples’ Invitation
Download a PDF and print at 5 x 7 inches. The sage background and gold border look beautiful on a matte or pearlescent card. For the best photo quality, print at a photo lab on photo card stock. Pair with sage or cream envelopes and a wax seal for a romantic touch.
Sending the Invitation to Friends
Download a JPG and send it to each couple personally by message or email. A personal note, such as We would love to celebrate Christmas with you both, makes the invitation feel special.
Dress Code for a Romantic Evening
A couples’ evening suits a smart or cocktail dress code. Some hosts suggest coordinating colours, such as burgundy and green, or festive glam. Mention the dress code in your message or add a short line under the details.
Couples’ Party Questions
Can I use a different photo shape?
The heart is the centre of the design, but you can delete it and add a circle or rounded rectangle from the Elements panel, then use Replace Image.
Can I change Merlot to another drink?
Yes, for example, Mistletoe and Martinis or Mistletoe and Mulled Wine.
Is the mistletoe editable?
Yes. It is an editable vector; recolour or resize it.
A Candlelit Table for Couples
Create an intimate atmosphere at the table with low candles in glass holders, a runner of greenery and berries, deep red napkins and wine glasses for every guest. Seat couples next to each other but mix them around the table so conversation flows. Place small sprigs of greenery with a name tag at each setting. Soft jazz or classic Christmas songs in the background complete the mood.
Keeping the Evening Inclusive
A couples’ party can unintentionally leave out single friends. If your group includes people who are not in a couple, consider inviting them anyway and calling the evening a friends’ Mistletoe and Merlot night, or host a separate gathering for everyone later in the season.
A small thank-you favour, such as a mini bottle of wine or a chocolate truffle tied with red ribbon, is a charming way to end the evening as couples head home.
An Evening for Two, Times Many
Add your photo, fill in the details, and send the invitation. A romantic Christmas evening with friends under the mistletoe is a lovely way to celebrate the season together.
