9 personalized themes for small get-togethers

For a way to capture memories that doubles as a gift, consider a photo booth party. Think about hiring a professional photographer with custom backgrounds and props or a photo booth. Another option is to invest in instant cameras and set up your own themed stations.

Don’t forget to provide a collection of frames — maybe you have surpluses of forgotten or vacant picture frames that can be repurposed. Encourage friends to bring theirs to your candid camera event, too.

Do you have a friend who swoons over Sunday night football? Or goes nuts for goofy socks? Loves any kind of bath bomb or shower scrub?

To show you know your buddies, present each with a specialized gift basket or box with some of their favorite things. You can DIY the project, or find plenty of great options on Etsy.

Ritualistic and routine in many cultures, tea time beckons a moment to slow down and converse over a hot cuppa.

Provide a takeaway cup and saucer for your guests (antique sellers often have unique sets for reasonable prices). Pick a set that best reflects your friends’ personalities.

Include bite-sized sandwiches and mini desserts — with plenty of extras for your guests to take home.

Is one of your besties Harry Potter-obsessed? Or an autumn fanatic? Curate collections of decorated sugar cookies with your favorite people in mind.

Throw an appreciation party with your cookie collection as the centerpiece. A seasonal-themed selection works no matter the time of year.

For those who perfected the culinary arts, showcase your cooking prowess by sharing your kitchen.

Make a shared meal, or encourage friends and family to prepare a favorite dish alongside you. To make the occasion extra special, splurge on an engraved cutting board for each chef you host.

To help your inner circle feel cozy and festive, invite them for a pre-holiday soiree. Prior to serving seasonal soups, hot chocolate, homemade bread and other cool-weather favorites, adorn each guest’s plate with a mini wreath or stocking stuffed with your winter-themed menu.

For literary hosts, write a poem or words of thanks in place of a menu. Or top place settings with personalized dreidels engraved with the name of each friend.

Invite your coffee lovers over to fill up a coffee caddy. Start by stocking up on a few craft organization bins with handles. Entreat your friends to bring their favorite K-cups, ground coffee, creamers and other accompaniments, like cinnamon, nutmeg, mocha or vanilla powder.

After everyone shares conversation and a cup (or two) of coffee, have friends pick their favorite coffee items to fill their take-home, carry-and-go coffee container.

At the heart of all these ideas is gratitude. Why not host an event with thankfulness as its foundation?

For each friend you invite, provide a journal, pen and any other creative elements such as stickers or page markers.

Encourage each person to write down what they are grateful for. Or have everyone pass their journals in a circle, writing notes of appreciation in each person’s book. Then, everyone has a keepsake and reminder of how supported they are.

Whatever personal touches you choose to honor the ones you care for most, don’t forget about those who are far away. Remote friends can be appreciated with a mailed care package and note of gratitude.