7 Tips for Hosting an Easy Holiday Party
Holiday parties can be a bit stressful - hosting friends and family in your home, taking on the expense, occasional family drama, and preparing your home for company. However, being a hostess or host, especially around the holidays, can be quite joyful and create lasting memories and traditions for you and your loved ones.
With some thought, preparation, planning, and a little creativity, you can create a memorable gathering for all! Here are my Top 7 Tips for Hosting an Easy Holiday Party.
Photo: Candace Photography
Keep Supplies Handy
Have a party basket on hand. Choose neutral party plates, taper candles, pretty hand towels, a set of linen napkins, and a few other accessories that are handy for any party. That way, you always have a set to start with when it comes time to plan.
Choose a Theme
Choose a theme for your event. Whether it's a color scheme (gold & white), a seasonal fruit (like the cranberry), or even a song (Winter Wonderland), choosing one element to start with will create cohesion in your event. For example, if cranberry is your common thread, choose floating cranberries & candles on your tablescape, a cranberry spritzer cocktail upon guest arrival, and a goat cheese and cranberry tartlet for dessert. Nothing has to be too matchy-matchy, but if you have 2 or 3 nods to your theme, it will look so thoughtful to your guests.
Photo: Candace Photography
Photo: Candace Photography
Set the Mood
A little ambiance goes a long way to create a festive atmosphere. Turn up the music, light a fire and some candles, dim the lights, and you're ready to go.
The Pre-Made, the Better
It's ok to go semi-homemade. It seems ideal to make all your appetizers from scratch, compose every floral arrangement, and hang every trimming - but it can be exhausting! Opt to put your own signature dishes and decor out there, but don't feel guilty about purchasing the pie from your favorite bakery or picking up a bouquet from your local florist.
Get Personal
Handwritten place cards, a stash of grandma's favorite hot tea (or grandpa's favorite bourbon), and a couple of fun surprises for the little ones, will each show your loved ones that you're the most thoughtful and gracious host.
Menu Plan
Menu plan and meal prep. You shouldn't spend the day before the party wandering the grocery aisles looking for ideas and throwing items into your cart. The best way to save time and money, and end up with a fabulous spread, is to take a little time to plan. Choose some easy favorites that your guests will love, like a cheese and charcuterie board. Plan a couple appetizers (hot and cold) so you're not overloading the oven. Then, choose your entree and desserts. No need to go overboard, but it's always better to have a little extra on hand, so have some to-go containers handy for relatives to take some turkey home.
Enlist some help.
Opt for a potluck party. Allow your aunt to bring the sweet potato pie. Hire a cleaning crew. Book a massage for the day after. Whatever it is, preparing for the celebration (and cleaning up at the end) shouldn't be so stressful that you don't enjoy the party.
Photo: Candace Photography
