Hosting for the Holidays
It is officially the holiday season, which means if you have space and the people, you might be hosting for the holidays! While throwing a party and making your home look beautiful can be fun, it’s also hard to stay merry and bright if your casserole is burning, you’re trying to change into your holiday outfit, and your Cousin Paul is loudly sharing his political opinions. Don’t fret, I have some tips to make your season a little brighter, your hosting duties a little easier.
First things first, you need to decide what kind of party you are having. Are you thinking a sit-down dinner or something more casual, like a cocktail party or even a buffet?
Buffets make dinner parties easy: You can get dishes out quickly and keep them warm while guests can help themselves. Cocktail parties can be stress-free if you stock the pantry and prepare hors d’oeuvres ahead of time. Choose what fits your time frame and abilities best.
Next is the guest list and the menu. Knowing what type of party, who is coming, and what you are having, will make planning a whole lot easier now. Do you plan on having other people bring things? If so, maybe make a google doc or a text chain so that everyone knows who is bringing what so there isn’t 5 green casseroles and no mash potatoes.
If you’ve decided to host a cocktail party, put together a list of the appetizers you’d like to serve. We suggest using recipes that can be made in advance, which will save you time and energy on the day of the party.
Of course, drinks are a must at any party, so instead of spending your party fixing drinks, set up an easy-to-make cocktail bar. People don’t mind making their own drinks, and you can make it fun with precut garnishes, infused vodkas, and cocktail recipes.
Decor is always essential at parties, but you don’t have to go overboard. When it comes to decorations, think small. Save space for food by displaying low arrangements of blooms instead of a large centerpiece blocking views of people.
