10 Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Hosting
Simple steps to make sure entertaining is easy — and fun — from prep to cleanup
If the thought of hosting a party this holiday season has you feeling more stressed than excited, it's time to slow down and simplify. With a little smart planning and a few quick decorating tricks, you can have a bash that looks elegant and still allows you time to actually sit down and enjoy yourself.
Read on for 10 fabulously simple tips that will make your next party a breeze.
Read on for 10 fabulously simple tips that will make your next party a breeze.
1. Do monochrome bouquets for an easy, elegant look. Instead of trying to fiddle with those multi-hued market bouquets, just grab a bundle of flowers in a single color and plunk them in a few different containers. Smaller vases are easier to arrange and easier to see over at the dinner table, so it's a win-win.
Pink Himalayan Salt
2. Stock up on go-to hostess gifts. Instead of scrambling to pick up a gift every time you have an event, stock up on a few favorites so you are always ready to go. Specialty food items (like fancy salt or top-shelf olive oil) are always welcome, and less expected than flowers or wine. And if you really love a certain product, buy it in bulk and make it your signature gift — you will save loads of time, and people will come to expect (and look forward to) it.
3. Dim the lights. If the ambience in your abode feels a little lackluster, adjusting the lighting is an easy fix. Turn off any glaring overhead lights, relying on the softer glow of table lamps and candlelight instead. If you have dimmer switches, lower the light until the space feels warm and cozy. Bonus: Guests feel more at ease in a dimly lit room, so conversation should flow.
4. Plan seating arrangements with fun in mind. If you are hosting a sit-down dinner with eight or more guests, it's usually a good idea to assign places. Seating couples separately usually inspires more conversation (they do talk to each other all the time, right?), and seating your most charming guest next to a wallflower can help the shy one open up. And if you want to create a livelier atmosphere at your next shindig, reach beyond the usual suspects — invite a new neighbor or recent acquaintance, or ask a friend to bring a guest.
5. Know when to buy and when to DIY. You can save money and time (spent shopping) by creating your own place holders with whatever materials you happen to have on hand.
The ones shown here were made using recycled paint chips, but you could use pretty gift wrap, sections of your child's artwork, old family photos (originals or photocopies), or plain craft paper tags tied with string.
But if DIYs leave you feeling more stressed than inspired, let yourself off the hook and buy something great instead.
The ones shown here were made using recycled paint chips, but you could use pretty gift wrap, sections of your child's artwork, old family photos (originals or photocopies), or plain craft paper tags tied with string.
But if DIYs leave you feeling more stressed than inspired, let yourself off the hook and buy something great instead.
6. Get guests involved in the meal. Break the ice (and ease your workload) by inviting guests to assemble their own crostini, knead pizza dough or shake up cocktails at a DIY bar. Pitching in will help your guests feel at home — and when everyone has a stake in the dinner, you don't have to feel terrible if something doesn't come out as planned.
EAT Table Linens
7. Try easy, chic updates for your table. If you have a basic set of white dishes, stemless glasses and flatware, you can build nearly any table setting. Add one or more of these ideas to give your table a fresh look:
How to make a simple table runner
- Let nice tea towels stand in as napkins.
- Use burlap from the garden store as a rustic runner.
- Float flowers in small bowls; intersperse with tea lights down the center of table.
- Use cake plates to arrange a display of seasonal fruit and nuts.
How to make a simple table runner
8. Set up your kitchen for easy cleaning. Before you start cooking, put a big bowl on the counter for garbage, and fill a dishpan (or the sink) with warm, soapy water to soak dishes as you use them. Line your baking sheets and pans with aluminum foil or baking parchment before using and you'll hardly need to clean them later. And if someone offers to help, let them!
Serena & Lily
9. Play to your strengths. Refuse to volunteer to host a gathering that is just not your style. If formal sit-down dinners stress you out, plan a cocktail party, potluck, brunch or open house instead. Or break with tradition and entertain at a favorite local restaurant!
10. Let guests go with gentle cues. If you're ready to go to bed but the guests are still going strong, try one (or more) of these friendly (yet clear) signs it's time to go.
Tell us: What is your all-time best easy-entertaining tip?
- Blow out a few candles
- Turn up the lights a bit
- Make a pot of coffee
- Start packing up to-go containers if you're sharing leftovers
- Run the dishwasher
- Say, "Oh my, I should let all of you get home to bed, it's getting late!"
Tell us: What is your all-time best easy-entertaining tip?
