The end of each year brings plenty of festive fun to aid in unwinding from the stress of gift hunting, long hours at work, and encounters with long lost family members. We strongly believe that getting ready for holiday fetes should be an exciting process full of frills but little fuss. In a crowded room do you really want to be caught with a bulky bag, bumping into everyone, and maybe spilling your drink on a coworker, friend, or worse — your boss? Luckily there is an abundance of small, easy to carry bag choices to make… and in all seriousness… picking just one might prove quite challenging.

For a formal cocktail setting — even black tie — Betsey Johnson has you covered with her gem-adorned Stone Cross Body bag and the super plush Evening BowTiful Velvet Clutch in a spicy seasonal red color (I’m especially taken by the gunmetal snake chain strap!). And leave it to Mr. Downtown Cool himself, Jeffrey Campbell, to design a fringey, boho-glam purse: the peachy pink metallic and suede Tyler Bag. Lastly, Mata Hari wowed us this winter with their blogger collection, but a big standout includes a standby LoveMade Fanny Bag collab for the gals who desire hands-free accessories with a rich tweed and edgy chain strap. And for the ultra minimalist ladies out there (like me), the brand’s Tayla iPhone Pouch carries the bare necessities: your phone, cash and ID, and a lipgloss.

Tell us — If we run into you on the party circuit, which of these stunners can we expect to see on your shoulder?