You can find plenty of tips out there on how to have the perfect, Instagram-ready holiday setup. So why am I writing yet another one? Because I believe hospitality is about so much more than having a picture-perfect table. In fact, I think hospitality can be so much simpler than that as well.
The holiday season can be filled with mixed emotions…reuniting with loved ones is a beautiful gift, but it can also come with family tension and some awkward moments (hopefully not for you!). I want to give you some of my favorite tips on hosting for the holiday season. Whether it’s Friendsgiving or family Christmas, a stress-free (or stress-less) and beautiful celebration is possible!
Pull out the serving platters and dishes ahead of time and label them all
I have officially become my mother. Before every family gathering, my mom pulled out her trays, salad bowls and cheese boards and scribbled every type of food she needed to set out on sticky notes. She placed each sticky note on its respective dish, and left them in a corner until it was time to set up.
I used to think she was going overboard, but it actually takes so much stress out of the last minute details. Everything will have its place, and you’ll be ready ahead of schedule.
Stock up on a few beautiful, but affordable, serving pieces
You don’t need to have a fully matched china set or even 12 matching cocktail glasses. You can make your home look beautiful with a few simple staple pieces that won’t break the bank.
Here are just a few ideas:
A wooden cutting board: such a simple way to put together your cheese and crackers, or a perfect backdrop to get creative with your charcuterie skills.
A cake stand: a simple purchase that can make your appetizers and dessert bites stand out.
Various-sized bowls: say goodbye to trying to make a pile of crackers look nice or figuring out how to make mashed potatoes not look bland. Find a few nice bowls and fill them up!
Serving trays: these can be a great way to pass appetizers, load up rolls, or even class up your cocktail station as a place to put all of your glasses. You will never regret stocking up on a few cute trays.
Signature cocktails
I know everyone loves to have a fully-stocked bar to satisfy each guest's preferences, but that can run up your costs quite quickly and you’ll still get flack from Aunt Betty that you did not, in fact, provide the right liquor for her after-dinner drink.
Choose one or two festive cocktails and serve them in large pitchers or beverage dispensers with cute descriptor cards. Then, fill out your bar with a wine or two, a crowd-pleasing beer, some soda options and sparkling water. Not only are you saving money, but you can make it look cute and festive!
Here is a great list of holiday cocktail ideas:
It’s about receptivity, not perfection
Like I said, the holidays can bring up lots of emotions for people on different walks of life. The loved ones coming into your home care far less about the place settings than they do about feeling loved. As stressful as hosting can be, it is also important to remember what a unique position you are in to be the person to bring a cheerful smile and a joy filled home to someone in need of rest. Try not to worry about proving yourself with how you present your home, and focus more about being present and attentive to your guests. Your guests will forget what your centerpieces looked like, but will remember what your home felt like. Focus your energy there.
Take Care of You
Cleaning your house, making food, decorating, and explaining to your grandma why you are still single takes a toll on anyone’s mental energy…so set aside time to relax prior to the big event. Exercise, read a good book, grab coffee with a friend, set aside time for prayer, or get out and get a pedicure. Whatever it is, try to clear your mind and fill up your own cup. This will help you get back to the basics of making your guests feel welcome and loved!
#LoretoKitchen #Hospitality #HostingTips #HostessWithTheMostest #Holidays #HolidayHosting #HolidayHostingTips
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