It’s that time of year again! The time when all your family and friends gather together for holiday celebrations. While being surrounded by all your loved ones is fun, we all know this can also be quite a stressful and busy time. Here are 10 tips that will help you host a holiday party. You’ll be completely prepared and stress-free by the time you get together with everyone!
#1
Do your holiday party homework
Cooking for a large amount of people can sometimes be tricky. Make sure you find out with time if any of your guests have dietary restrictions or allergies and plan the meal accordingly. Your best bet is to prepare the simple, classic plates that you know will be fan-favorites all around!
#2
Keep a list
Before you start preparing all the food, make sure you won’t have to make any frantic grocery runs in the middle of cooking! It is always a good idea to write down everything you are going to need prior to cooking to keep yourself organized and prepared.
#3
Have a variety of beverages
This one is simple and crucial. Make sure you’re stocked up on bottles of wine, as well as a variety of nonalcoholic beverages for the children.
#4
Stock up on snacks
It is inevitable that you and your guests will spend hours on the couch talking and catching up, so make sure you have a variety of hors d’oeuvres that are small and easy to make. Some of my personal favorites are chips with salsa or a dip, a cheese and crackers plate, a little bowl of nuts, and one kind of sweet appetizer.
#5
Do as much as possible the day before
Do everything you can to prepare for your guests’ arrival the day before. Some things you can do include setting the table the night before and cleaning and polishing all your plates and utensils. This step will ensure a morning of minimal stress before the long-awaited arrival of your guests!
#6
Iron your linens
Make sure you use and iron linen napkins for dinner because they will add a small, yet essential detail to make an elegant environment.
#7
Set the mood
My personal favorite is candles. They are a quick and easy way to make your home feel welcoming and look and smell nice. Light the candles 15 to 20 minutes before your guests arrive to ensure an inviting and nice environment.
#8
Choose your tunes
Music is a necessity, crucial component to setting the tone for the evening and for creating a nice ambiance. Make sure you create a playlist for the evening and keep it playing in the background throughout the entire evening.
#9
Preset your coffee and tea service
Right before your guests arrive, set up your coffeemaker and use decorative containers for cream, milk, sugar, and sweetener. Then put your coffee cups, teaspoons, and teas on a tray next to it. These little details will not go unnoticed and will make all the difference!
#10
Make time for yourself
Don’t forget about yourself! Give yourself plenty of time to get ready for your party so you don’t get stressed and rushed. If you are prepared, you will feel more comfortable and enjoy your time at your party.
Photo credit: grand Yann / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
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