The holidays are just around the corner! If you read that and thought, “Not again…” trust me, you’re not alone. Wonderment runs high this time of the year, but so does the stress that comes with hosting while trying to keep up the merriness the whole time.
The holidays can be complicated, no matter how to you paint it, but hosting doesn’t have to be a burden. Whether you’re throwing an intimate dinner party or hosting a cocktail party for everyone and their mother, these hosting tips will help you maintain your sanity while still enjoying the good parts of the holiday season.
Simplify as much as possible.
This is not the time to go overboard – you already have enough on your plate! Simple is better, especially if it will put your guests more at ease. And trust me, people will enjoy your company more than any Instagram-worthy tablescape.
Get organized.
Planning in advance is the best thing you can do to put your mind at ease. Before you throw a party or open your home up to extended family, get the following details on paper:
- Who is coming?
- What are you making to eat?
- Will you need refreshments?
- What sort of cutlery and serving utensils will you need to make available?
- What do you want the ambience to be like? Is this candles and rosé or board games and popcorn?
- Is there anything you can cook or prepare in advance? The freezer is your friend.
Accept help when offered.
If your mother-in-law wants to help with the dishes, let her. Allowing other people to help you when you’re busy or overwhelmed will empower you to remain open and relaxed over the holidays.
Outsource and collaborate.
Potlucks are your friend! Share the burden of hosting with other people in your life and try to stay inclusive. When everyone contributes, the event becomes a shared experience you’ll remember forever! The holidays are a family affair. Give everyone the opportunity to join in on the fun, and the work too.
Abandon any visions of perfection.
It’s so easy to become preoccupied with low points and hiccups, forgetting the long stretches of goodness in between. Sometimes the most magical moments are those that seem dull to the untrained eye – sitting in the living room under twinkling Christmas lights, retreating to the couch for a nap or finishing a puzzle with your grandmother.
Take quiet moments whenever you can get them.
We all need time to recharge, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Exercise, take a hot bubble bath, walk the dog. You’ll need moments like this to keep your energy up and your spirit upbeat in the midst of the busyness, so don’t neglect them.
And remember: as long as you and the precious people in your life are enjoying themselves, you’ve succeeded. Happy holidays everyone!
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