We all do that same song and dance, Holiday Parties are coming up and you may have the honor of hosting friends and family over to your home. You start making a list of everything you need to get done in preparation for Holiday Guests knocking at your door. The morning of, panic sets in when you realize you’re not ready. Let me show you some fun and easy ways to stress-free Holiday Hosting that will take the stress off your Holiday Hosting duties so that you can enjoy this most wonderful time of the year! There are just some things you have to do the day of the party, cooking the meal, baking the cookies, mixing the drinks… but let’s take a look at some items you can do ahead of time, days or weeks ahead, during those little bits of free time right before you head off to bed.
Stress-Free Holiday Hosting Tricks
Tablecloth and Napkins
If you host frequently or in a rotation, you probably have an idea of what you are going to set out on your table come party time. For those that are new to hosting, trust me, a tablecloth is a life-save at the end of the night when you wish you could snap your finger and all the mess would go away, the tablecloth is the closest thing you have to cast that spell. At the end of the night fold in the sides and carry it right into the dishwasher, along with cloth napkins if you are using them. Once you figure out what tablecloth you’ll be using pull it out and set it on a nearby buffet or display it in the center of your dining room table.
Serving Bowls & Pie Dishes.
If you love the look of your serving and mixing bowls, you can pull them out early too. And don’t forget about those pie dishes you may have too. If you are like me, seeing the things out helps me prepare and keeps my mind more organized, keeping it at the top of my mind each day. I am sure I am not the only one that has forgotten a dish, seeing a pair of serving bowls and a pie dish helps remind you of exactly what each is going to be used for.
Plates and Silverware
Plates are another great display item you can get a jump on, and also make your current dining room look great. I like to take a quick count of how many people are expected, and then add just a few more pieces in the event we have a late add or someone has an unexpected plus one. Having a few cute little stacks in the center of the table or on a buffet is cuter than it may sound. I like the look of just ceramics and stoneware, but if you have you’d like to set out some silverware too, place it onto a long-serving plate or in a cute little stoneware cup or mug.
Sprinkle in some Decor
Lastly, if you are planning on adding some decode in the table, bring that out early too. If you are using a buffet or price with a blackening, a seasonal sign like this one from Joyfully Said is a perfect way to make your table of preparedness look like an intentional vignette.
This little tip of having your items out early is a huge stress reliever on the day of. It’s also a great way to take a quick inventory of everything you have for your gathering. With everything out, it’s easier to delegate setting the table and grabbing mixing bowls. And being ahead of the game makes the day much more enjoyable while also giving you more time to add some extra details like adding more decor into your space.
I hope you enjoy this quick tip to having a stress-free holiday party when it comes to hosting. I’m rarely ahead of the game, so being able to do some decorating that helps keep me organized & ahead of the game, almost seems too good to be true. As always, thank you so much for stopping by the blog today & every other day. It means the world to us here on the farm. If you want more ideas for how to create spaces for the holidays, feel free to find me on Facebook and Instagram.
xxLiz Marie
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