We here at Cooking Channel love a good party. But throwing a memorable event requires more than just gathering some food and drinks. We show you how, with just five main “ingredients” (including recipes, big-impact decorating ideas and easy DIY elements), you can throw a party that feels like it has a cohesive theme — minimal work required.

With every passing year, the holiday season seems to get more and more expensive, as the pressure to have the best gifts, the most current decor and the fanciest family cards increases. Whether you're scrambling before Christmas guests' arrival or are wishing you hadn't made a dent in your wallet for yet another box of metallic knick-knacks, we're here to show you how you can create chic decorations using products already in your home. You can spin recycled paper goods (think books, magazines and newspaper) into a sophisticated and eco-friendly backdrop for your next holiday bash. Here, paper trees and bunting are paired with a build-your-own waffle bar — perfect for Christmas Day — and candy cane-topped mugs of hot cocoa. Frosty blue details are the final touches on this display, turning your home into the most unique of winter wonderlands.

To create this easy waffle bar holiday brunch, you'll need five essential ingredients:

Click here to see the party in action and get tips for hosting your own recycled paper holiday brunch.

This menu is fun for the guests and easy on the host. A Belgian waffle bar is the perfect indulgent holiday brunch treat, and allows guests to customize food to their liking. Fresh berries, dark chocolate, whipped cream, Nutella, maple syrup and powdered sugar are a few of the easy, no-prep array of toppings you can place in pretty bowls and glasses for an elegant display. Mugs of hot cocoa garnished with marshmallows and candy canes bring a distinct holiday feel to this modern and casual party.

Get decorating tips, DIY how-tos and more tips for throwing this party here.

See all of Cooking Channel's holiday recipes, how-tos and entertaining guides here.

Camille Styles is the founder and editor of the lifestyle blog camillestyles.com, where she shares creative enterta ining ideas for parties and everyday life. She also owns Camille Styles Events, a design and planning firm that transforms ordinary events into extraordinary experiences.