Ponytails may well be the most practical hairstyle for any party involving wine, spirits, dancing and mistletoe. But the key to making them look just as fabulous as they are functional is the styling. To get this look, use a flat iron to straighten your hair and tame any flyaways. Then create a deep center part as you smooth your hair back to a low ponytail. Secure your ponytail with an elastic and finish with a sleek accessory.

If your holiday look is more about your outfit, opt for a chic, slicked-back style like Emma Watson's. Just blow dry or flat iron any wavy sections of your hair, and then create a deep side part. Apply a styling pomade or gel over the top and sides of your hair, and then use a soft bristle brush to smooth your hair back to a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Twist and wrap your ponytail ends around the base of the elastic and secure with a bobby pin. Spritz your style with a little shine serum for an extra radiant finish.

Going for a hairstyle that's sure to turn heads? Embrace your natural texture (or just fake it using the smallest of these hot tools) to create a super trendy updo paired with festive holiday makeup. Mist a moisturizing spray all over your hair, and then gather your hair up to your crown. Twist and pin sections of your hair down to secure, allowing the ends to fall forward and frame your face evenly. Top it off with a little shine serum and bam -- pretty-frizzy made gorgeous.

A cropped cut like Ciara's can easily be made party-perfect in just a few steps. On dry hair, part your hair off to the side and use a 1-inch flat iron to wave sections of your hair away from your face. Apply a dollop of texturizing pomade to your fingertips and rake through your waves using your fingers to create a piece-y look. Pair your hairstyle with smoky eye makeup, full lashes and highlighter for polished finish.

Nothing says holiday cheer like a head full of curls. This look emphasizes maximum volume for a hairstyle that's both glamorous and playful. Use a 1-inch barrel curling iron to curl your hair all over from your roots down through to the ends. Then, brush out your curls using a boar bristle from the ends and up the length of your hair. Part your hair off to the side, smooth the top down with a soft brush and then secure the front section at your temple with a bobby pin.