Holiday hosting means welcoming family and friends into your home, celebrating the past year, and looking forward to the year ahead. A thoughtfully planned celebration — no matter how large or small — will leave a lasting impression on everyone who comes to your home. If you’re looking for a smooth hosting experience this holiday season, read on for go-to holiday hosting tips.

Create an event blueprint

When you’re cooking, baking, serving drinks, and decorating the house, the timing can be the most essential part. Create a blueprint to follow in the weeks leading up to the event and the day of the party. This will help ensure the food is purchased and cooked, the bar is stocked and prepped, the florals are fresh, the tablescape is set, and the house is ready. When you create your timeline for the day, be sure to leave plenty of time for you to get dressed and ready. A calm host is the key to a festive and celebratory gathering.

Prepare in advance

Whether you’re cooking, ordering, or catering, have as much as possible done in advance. Preparing dishes the day before or making them in advance and freezing them can be a significant hosting timesaver.

Create ambiance

The ambiance of an event can shape the entire experience. When guests enter your home, have a signature cocktail ready, a subtle holiday scent throughout your home, a festive playlist, and soft lighting.

Direct the flow

People often gather where the food and beverages are displayed, so direct the flow of your guests by putting appetizers in the areas where you want people to gather. Also, set up several bar stations to help your guests spread out.

Illuminate the home

When you’re hosting, leave off the recessed lighting and rely on the task and accent lighting. Turn on the fireplaces, lamps, sconces, and candles for a cozier and more inviting feel.

Set up a guest room

Freshen up your guest room if you have any last-minute guests who will stay the night. Leave out several clean towels, a phone charger, a carafe of water, and some toiletries to help your guests feel comfortable spending the night in your home.

Clean as you go

Subtly clean throughout the night to keep your home feeling fresh and avoid an overwhelming job when the party's over. Set out small waste cans throughout the house to make it easier for guests to throw out their trash. If you’re hosting a larger group, reduce the clean-up amount by renting linens and dishes or using disposable alternatives.

Be ready for spontaneous entertaining

Some of the best gatherings are last-minute affairs. Keep your freezer and pantry stocked with the essentials if you find yourself hosting at the last minute. From frozen dips or appetizers in the freezer, nuts and jarred dips in the pantry, and your favorite wine or spirits on hand, always have a few essentials in your home so you can easily be party-ready.

As you host, remember your guests will remember how they felt in your home, not how perfectly executed the event was. So relax, enjoy yourself, and take a moment to celebrate your year with family and friends.

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Holiday Hosting Tips