Feeling any pressure this time of year? If you are like many of us, you have plans to gather with loved ones. If you are the one hosting, whether for a meal, a party, or overnight guests, it can be especially overwhelming. While the holidays are a time for family, joy, and togetherness, hosting can also be a source of stress.
Any experienced host or hostess will tell you that making a list and checking it twice is wise, but if you don’t think of adding it to your list, you could still have an unwanted surprise. The more you plan, the less likely you’ll run into something you didn’t anticipate. To ensure your gathering is memorable for all the right reasons, here are 10 tips to make holiday hosting a breeze this season. (As this concludes the rhyming portion of the article, we will now get right into it).
- Plan Ahead
Start your planning early. Create a checklist for everything from guest lists to meal preparation. This will help you stay organized and ensure nothing is forgotten.
- Set a Budget
Hosting can get expensive quickly. Decide on a budget for food, drinks, decorations, and activities. This will help you prioritize and avoid overspending.
- Know Your Guests
Consider dietary restrictions, preferences, and any special needs your guests might have. Knowing these details will make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. You could even go so far as to find out which aspects of the holiday experience are most important to guests to maximize their joy. Social engineering tactics are also useful in avoiding hot button issues and encouraging conversations. Try introducing guests to one another by including thoughtful pieces of information to help facilitate conversation starters, such as bringing up what they might have in common.
- Create a Warm Ambiance
Decorate your space with festive touches like lights, candles, and seasonal flowers. Play soft holiday music in the background to set the mood. Consider a specific area that may be used for guests to gather for group photos and make the space extra special.
- Prepare Food in Advance
Choose dishes that can be prepped ahead of time. This reduces last-minute stress and allows you to spend more time with your family. Think ahead about the baking and cooking that will need to happen, your oven space, and refrigeration logistics. Remember, making food together can be a source of fun and memory-making too, so don’t hesitate to let others be side by side with you in the kitchen as space allows. Preparation can also happen at the dining table and may be a better option for those who need to sit while helping.
- Delegate Tasks
Don’t do it all yourself. Assign tasks to family members, whether it’s setting the table, pouring drinks, or bringing a dish to share. If guests offer to help you, it’s okay to accept. Everyone wishes to feel useful and many tasks are more pleasurable when shared.
- Have Activities Ready
Plan fun activities for all ages. Board games, a holiday movie, or a craft station for kids can keep everyone entertained and engaged.
- Create a Comfortable Space (Guests Staying Over)
When hosting guests overnight or for several nights, consider the sleeping arrangements carefully. If you have a guest room, take time to spruce it up with small touches like holiday-themed pillows or a cozy throw blanket. Pro-Tip: One way to ensure your guest room has everything needed is to spend the night there yourself. This allows you to determine if there is anything missing that would make your guests more comfortable. Ensure guests have fresh linens, toiletries, and a little extra comfort like a bedside lamp or water bottle. Nightlights in halls or bathrooms are helpful for those unaccustomed to your home.
For those sleeping in shared spaces, such as the living room, make sure the area is tidy and provides a privacy solution, like a folding screen or curtains.
Be mindful of your guests daily routines. If possible, set up a coffee or tea station for early risers so they can start their morning without waiting for everyone else. Provide a schedule of planned activities and meals but also give them space to unwind or do their own thing.
Consider dietary preferences and provide a designated spot in the kitchen for snacks and beverages that guests can help themselves to.
Stock the bathroom with plenty of towels, a variety of toiletries, and even a few thoughtful extras like scented soap or a small basket of essentials.
- Be Flexible
Things don’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. Be prepared to adapt and focus on enjoying the time with your family. Thinking ahead for contingency plans may help here; communicate with members of your household beforehand as to how certain issues may be handled.
- Relax and Enjoy
The most important thing is to enjoy the holidays with your loved ones. Don’t sweat the small stuff; your family will appreciate your efforts regardless. Take time to connect with your guests and bask in the glow of the memories you’re all making together.
By following these tips, you can have a holiday hosting experience that’s as stress-free as it is delightful. Happy holidays!
Jessica Sheehan is a columnist, 2x bestselling author and freelance writer with bylines in everything from USA Today to the DC Chronicle. Jessica is also a TV show host, ghostwriter and managing editor of bestselling books for Top Talent Publishing.