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With Thanksgiving and Christmas so close, I thought it might be helpful to share some tips if you’re hosting family/friends this holiday season!
Hosting can be really stressful but if you’re prepared, it can be so much fun! My biggest piece of advice is to start planning WELL in advance. BUT if you tend to be a procrastinator like I am sometimes, below are some tips that can help make things easier on you!
- Plan the menu and advance, make a running list of things you need to accomplish, and delegate dishes to your guests so everyone is clear on what they’re bringing. I also kindly ask everyone to arrive with their dish mostly prepared, so that there aren’t 15 people trying to make their dishes in your kitchen (this will help avoid more of a mess for you to clean up too)!
- When I’m asked to bring something, I try to bring my dish already prepared in a Crock Pot on low so that there is no mess to be made for the host. There’s nothing wrong with suggesting that your guests do this if possible!
- Buy a bunch of cheap Tupperware ahead of time so that you can send leftovers home with people as they leave. This way, you’re not left with everything AND you can give everyone’s serving dishes back to them that night!
- The night before, set out your serving dishes/utensils and label what food goes in each dish with a sticky note. This will help you make sure you’re not short on serving items and if needed, you can run and grab whatever else you need in the morning.
- A friend of mine shared that someone she knows always brings her dish on a pretty platter, writes a nice note and sticks it to the bottom, and then gifts it to the host. I thought this was such a thoughtful gesture!
- Prep/cook as much as you can in advance! If you’re making something that you can’t necessarily make ahead of time, you may be able to at least chop/prep the ingredients to make things easier the day you’re hosting.
- Buy some decaf coffee for people that like to sip coffee with their dessert. My Papa LOVES to have coffee with his dessert and I always forget to have decaf for him!
- If you’re hosting guests from out of town, leave a few essentials in their room like clean towels, bottles of water, a hairdryer and basic toiletries. It’s also helpful to write them a note with helpful tips for their stay (things like your wifi password, instructions for the TV, etc.) This will help them feel welcome and will also save you from needing to provide these things later.
- Think about where everyone’s shoes, coats and purses should go! Free up space in your coat closet if needed, that way everyones things aren’t scattered all over the place.
- Think about the little things! Fresh flowers, a good candle in the entryway or bathroom (but don’t over-do it with too many), a spare phone charger on the dresser, cookies in the kitchen, etc… these little touches will make people feel cozy and comfortable.
- If you’re stressed about seating, look into a local rental company! Last year, my husband and I hosted Thanksgiving and our table was not big enough to seat everyone. We rented a couple of tables and some chairs and made one big table in our basement. It worked out great!
- Make sure the dishwasher is completely empty before guests start to arrive. That way you can throw things in there throughout the night and dishes won’t pile up in the sink/on the counters!
- Stock your bathrooms with lots of toilet paper and make sure it’s obvious where it is for someone who uses the last of a roll! I always stack a few rolls on the back of the toilet in a nice little pyramid. It’s also nice to have a pretty bottle of air freshener in there in case someone needs it 😉
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help! As much as we’d like to believe that we can do it ALL, we can’t necessarily do it ALL, ALL THE TIME. Ask a family member to do the vacuuming, set up the glasses on the bar, or help people find a drink when they arrive. People are always so grateful to the person hosting and WANT to lend a hand!
- If you have kids attending, make them their own “kids table” and put a few things on the table that will keep them entertained. Maybe it’s some crayons/papers to color, some trucks, some Barbie dolls, etc. All the adults will be happier if the kids are happy/occupied!
- Consider investing in a cleaning service to come ahead of time (or even after). A lot of people think this is a ridiculous expense, but it’s probably not as pricey as you may think. Do your research! This could take a HUGE weight off of your shoulders. Plus, they can usually do it in half the time… and they see dirt in places that you don’t because you live there!
- Deep breaths! If you’re frantic and stressed, people will pick up on that energy. If you’re relaxed, your guests will be too. If you burn something, no one will starve. If you forget something, it’s likely that no one will even notice. Try to ENJOY!
