The holiday season is here, and with it comes a long ‘to do’ list. Hosting your friends and family for Christmas can be a stressful affair, with different expectations, preferences and pressures to juggle before and on the day. These tips will make your hosting experience stress-free and enjoyable.
Make a detailed timeline
Preparation is the key to hosting any good festive celebration, especially when guests have particular expectations for the day. So whether you’re making a Christmas lunch with turkey, ham and an array of deserts, or putting out a lighter offering, preparing beforehand will make your holiday event a much more enjoyable occasion.
If you can, ask someone to come over a day or two before to help set the table or prepare the dishes that take a longer to make. Not only will this make the process a bit more fun, it will also mean there’s no last-minute running around on the day of celebrations.
Budget
Anyone who has ever hosted a holiday party will know that it can get expensive fast. So it’s important to always set a budget. Write down a detailed list of ingredients and items you’ll need as well as their prices before heading out to the shops. Most importantly, when shopping, stick to your budget!
Grazing boards
If you are hosting a larger group this holiday season, grazing boards can be a fantastic way of ensuring your guests are never hungry. Likewise, cheese boards are another excellent way of providing a delicious snack for guests until the main meal is ready.
Establish traditions
Traditions are often a part of holiday celebrations that people most look forward to, whether it's an annual kris kringle, cookie decorating or watching a holiday movie as a family. They provide a sense of comfort and community for everyone involved. Of course, a major element of a tradition is that they take place every holiday season. So establishing your own traditions can foster a sense of community and holiday spirit amongst guests.
Decorating
Decorations will transform an ordinary gathering into an event filled with festive spirit. No matter how you celebrate the holidays, themed decorations and table settings will create a warm and inviting atmosphere for the day.
Hosting during the holidays can be a stressful time for anyone, but with these simple tips you can be sure to create a beautiful, and memorable festive day for your guests.
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