The holidays are a joyous time of year, but they can be a bit stressful, especially if you’re hosting. From decorating and menu planning to ensuring that everyone is having a good time, there’s a lot to think about. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here are 10 tips for hosting during the holidays!
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Contents
- 1. Plan in Advance
- 2. Delegate Tasks
- 3. Create a Timeline
- 4. Set up a Buffet Table
- 5. Serve Finger Foods
- 6. Choose Eco-Friendly Decorations
- 7. Make Sure There’s Enough Seating
- 8. Keep Things Flowing With Games and Activities
- 9. Get Everyone Involved in Cleanup
- 10. Don’t Forget to Have Fun
- Have a Great Holiday
1. Plan in Advance
With the holiday season quickly approaching, now is the time to start thinking about how you will be preparing your home for hosting guests. One important tip is to plan and buy items you will need in advance, such as pre- and post-party needs like a wooden dish brush, which can be used to clean plates and bowls (especially those tought to clean Thanksgiving dishes) before and after serving. You can find a high-quality dish brush at The Earthling Co.
Having these items on hand can avoid last-minute scrambling and ensure that your holiday gathering runs smoothly. So, take a deep breath, list what you need and get ready to enjoy the holidays stress-free.
2. Delegate Tasks
One of the keys to hosting a successful holiday gathering is delegation. With so many tasks to be done, it can be tempting to try to do everything yourself, but this will only lead to frustration and exhaustion.
Instead, delegate some of the tasks to other family members. For example, you can assign some family members to use a dish scrubber on the dishware while you clean the tables. Doing this will help to get the job done more quickly and efficiently. By delegating some of the work, you can make hosting during the holidays a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
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3. Create a Timeline
Another important tip for hosting during the holidays is to create a timeline that will help you to stay organized and on track as you prepare for your guests. Start by listing all the tasks that need to be completed, then assign each task a date.
Be sure to allow yourself some buffer time in case anything unexpected comes up. Once you have a timeline in place, it will be much easier to stay on track and ensure that everything is ready for your holiday guests.
4. Set up a Buffet Table
This way, you can put all of the food out at once and people can help themselves. This is especially helpful if you’re expecting a lot of people. Buffet tables are great because they free up space on your kitchen counters and stovetop.
If you’re short on space, you can even put the buffet table in another room. Just make sure there’s enough room for people to move around freely.
5. Serve Finger Foods
Serving finger food can make things easier on yourself. That way, your guests can help themselves to whatever they like, and you won’t have to put together formal plates of food. Finger foods are often less messy than full meals, so there won’t be a big mess afterward.
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6. Choose Eco-Friendly Decorations
A great way to set yourself apart from other holiday hosts is to choose eco-friendly decorations. There are now many options for sustainable decorations made from recycled materials. You can also make your decorations using items you already have around the house. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you’ll save money!
And who doesn’t love a bargain during the holidays? If you’re looking for a way to stand out this holiday season, go green with your decoration choices. Your guests will be impressed, and you’ll be doing your part to help the planet.
7. Make Sure There’s Enough Seating
Another important thing to remember when hosting the holidays is to ensure there is enough seating. Whether hosting a family dinner or a large party, you need to make sure everyone has a comfortable place to sit. One way to do this is to have plenty of chairs on hand.
Another option is to provide cushions or blankets so that guests can sit on the floor. Either way, it’s important to make sure your guests are comfortable and have enough space to enjoy themselves.
8. Keep Things Flowing With Games and Activities
The key to a great holiday party is keeping your guests engaged and entertained. You can do this by having a few games or activities on hand. For example, you could set up a photo booth with props or have a competition to see who can build the tallest gingerbread house.
Not only will these activities help to break the ice, but they will give your guests something to do if they start to feel uncomfortable. By keeping things lively and fun, you can be sure that your holiday party will be a hit.
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9. Get Everyone Involved in Cleanup
Even if you have a dishwasher, consider buying solid dish soap and setting up a washing station in your kitchen. This way, everyone can pitch in and help with the cleanup after a big meal.
Not only will this make things go more smoothly, but it will also help to build up some goodwill before the next round of gift-giving begins. So, if you’re looking for ways to make your holiday gathering go more smoothly, be sure to involve everyone in the cleanup process.
10. Don’t Forget to Have Fun
The most important thing to remember when hosting during the holidays is to have fun. No matter how much planning you do, things will inevitably go wrong sometimes. But if you can roll with the punches and enjoy yourself, your guests will too. So, relax, take a deep breath and enjoy the holiday season. After all, that’s what it’s all about!
Have a Great Holiday
By following these tips, you can be sure that your holiday gatherings will be a success. From serving finger foods to involving everyone in the cleanup process, there are many things you can do to make your party run smoothly.
