This really is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s  time to eat, drink, be merry, and spend quality time with loved ones. However, you may feel like hosting a holiday party is a cruel punishment that will leave you stressed out and on edge. I’m here to tell you that hosting a holiday party can actually be a fun, stress-free experience – IF you follow these simple rules.

 

 

Your Guide To Hosting A Fabulous, Stress-Free Holiday Party

 

Create a “Welcome” station

As soon as guests enter your home, greet them with visible welcome station. This can include a place to hang coats, self serve cocktails and appetizers. Having a clearly defined layout will relieve you of giving each arriving guest with a tour.

Thanksgiving_Appetizers1

{Pier 1}

 

Keep decorations simple

Who says you have to have elaborate, expensive, floral arrangements? Consider using the natural elements around you. Fall leaves of various hues from your backyard in an inexpensive vase or mason jar make a simple, chic centerpiece. For a more interesting lighting solution, layer acorns or cranberries in  small candle votives and place them throughout your home.

 

Fall_decor

{BHG}

 

Zhush up those store-bought appetizers

Don’t waste your time and energy on homemade appetizers when everyone is looking forward to the main event (i.e. the bird and dressing – or “stuffing” for you Northerners 🙂 When it comes to apps, it’s all about presentation and maybe a little extra “kick” here or there. Re-replate store-bought hummus (or your favorite dip)  and top with dash of olive oil, paprika, or a sprig of parsley. Voila! You have an appetizer that looks and tastes good.

 

Thanksgiving_Appetizer
{Inspired Taste}

 

Serve a signature cocktail

Instead of setting up a full service bar, serve one signature cocktail – preferably, one that you can make a large batch of before your guests arrive. Place it at your designated “welcome station” and let everyone serve themselves. This will free you of bartender duties and give you time to finish those last minute touches and enjoy yourself.  I’m hosting Thanksgiving this year and I’ll be serving this delicious Spiked Apple Cider. You can also make a virgin version for kids and guests who do not drink. Get the recipe here.

 

Bournon-Spiked-Hot-Apple-Cider

 {Vindulge}

 

Prepare for the Kiddies

If kids will be attending your holiday party, designate a special area for them do activities like drawing, playing games, are watching movies. Providing them with entertainment reduces potential  kiddie meltdowns and chaos. And parents will thank you for allowing them to have a little kid-free fun.

 

Kids_Thanksgiving_Table2

{PG Everyday}

Kids' Thanksgiving Table

  1. Felt Turkey Decorations from Party City make great “centerpieces” for a kids table, $1.99
  2. Plastic Ramekins from  Dollar Tree, are perfect for kid-sized pre-dinner snacks -$1.00.
  3. Turkey Tealight Candle Holders can also hold kid-size snacks like cereal or goldfish crackers –  Party City, $1.99.
  4. Kraft Wrapping Paper makes the the perfect kid-friendly tablecloth that doubles as a canvas for their Thanksgiving artwork – Wal Mart, $9.99 – $23.49.
  5. Plastic Tumblers with Lids will prevent messy spills at the kids table – Dollar Tree, $1.00.
  6. Stash crayons, markers, or arts and crafts material in these Pumpkin Bamboo Baskets from Party City, $7.99.

 

Relax, Relate, Release

Don’t sweat the small stuff! Did your version of Grandma’s Pound Cake turn out a little dry? Top it with a scoop of ice cream! Turkey a little dry? Give it an extra dose of gravy. Holiday parties are not about perfection – they’re about having a little fun, making memories with your family and friends – and delicious cocktails. 🙂

2 Comments on Secrets to Hosting a Stress-Free Holiday Party

  1. Hey I love this??. The welcome station might be the best idea every my family is always late with the main dishes!!! Everyone is waiting around and if we have guess this is super good always good stuff!!!

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