10 Hosting Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Season
Did you volunteer to host the holiday gathering this year? Whether this is your first time or you’re an experienced host (or hostess), we have a few top-notch tips that will make celebrating with your loved ones an even more enjoyable experience.
1. Write down your to-do list
There may not be anything magical about a to-do list, but writing down the things you need to accomplish before your guests arrive creates accountability, relieves stress and gives you a clear idea of what needs to be done before the doorbell rings.
2. Cook in advance
More often than not, the host is responsible for most of the cooking. Even the most wonderful home cooks can feel a little frazzled while entertaining guests. One of the best ways to avoid putting yourself in that position is to take a look at your holiday menu and see what can be made in advance. Many desserts, dressings, appetizers and snacks can be cooked, baked or tossed together and stored in the refrigerator or freezer up to three days in advance of when you plan to serve them.
3. Think through the minor details
It may seem counterintuitive, but the small details can make all the difference when it comes to hosting your loved ones for the holidays. Have you restocked the toilet paper in the bathroom and put out fresh, clean towels? Is there room in the coat closet to store your guests’ jackets, hats, mittens and shoes? Do you have seasonal candles ready to light to give your house that cozy ambiance we all love this time of year?
4. Wrap gifts ahead of time
Are you hosting Christmas guests overnight leading up to the big day? Don’t wait until the last minute to wrap your gifts. It will hang over your head and take quality time away that could be spent with your family members. If all of the presents are purchased and ready to be tucked under the tree, spend an evening or two wrapping and labeling them so you can cross it off your to-do list well before managing your hosting responsibilities.
5. Stock the pantry
Whether you have guests staying overnight or just for the day, you’re going to want a well-stocked pantry. Even the most professional of hosts can find themselves peeking into the pantry in hopes of finding just one more snack for that extra-hungry visitor.
See more: 15 Easy Holiday Brunch Recipes You Can Prepare the Night Before
6. Clear out the fridge
The funny thing about holiday gatherings is that you inevitably end up stuffing the refrigerator with leftovers until it looks like the door stands a good chance of never closing again. Avoid the last-minute stress of wondering how it will all fit, or having to play Jenga with all those Tupperware containers, by clearing out the fridge of anything you don’t need the day before your guests show up.
7. Accept offers to help
If your guests want to contribute to the holiday cooking, cleaning the house or serving the meal, don’t be afraid to say yes. Most people understand just how much responsibility comes with hosting for the holidays and are more than happy to pitch in and lighten your load. Likewise, if your loved ones want to bring side dishes, drinks or desserts to make your to-do list a little shorter, give them a thumbs up!
8. Prepare a coffee station
The afternoon lull after a large meal is virtually guaranteed at any family gathering. Be prepared with a fully stocked coffee station. Gather all your clean mugs (purchase or borrow extras from friends and family if necessary), fill the kettle with water and make sure you have more than enough coffee beans (or grounds) for each of your guests to enjoy a warm cup when afternoon drowsiness strikes.
See more: 18 Holiday Appetizer Recipes to Get the Party Started This Season
9. Set the dinner table in advance
One of the easiest things you can check off your to-do list is decorating the dinner table. You can begin placing table settings as soon as you have a confirmed guest list. But don’t stop there. Go ahead and add garlands, candles, and other seasonal décor to the table so you aren’t scrambling to put on the finishing touches before guests arrive. As an added bonus, this holiday tableau will lift your spirits and keep you excited about hosting your loved ones each time you pass by.
10. Have realistic expectations
When you host friends and family for the holidays, it can be tempting to aim for perfection. The perfect dinner, the perfect decorations, the perfect house. But what inspired you to host in the first place? Gathering your loved ones together is the real meaning of the season, as they say, and that tops everything else on your list. It’s still important to provide the food, set the atmosphere and make sure the fridge is stocked. But don’t set your standards so high that you spend the entire time fretting over what you can do instead of investing in quality time with the people you love most.