Hacks for Holiday Entertaining

We all exclaim the same thing every year. “I can’t believe it’s almost December!!” Why does it seem that no matter how far in advance we plan, regardless of our intentions to not stress out, the holiday season and all it entails sneaks up on us and spins us into a frenzy?

Coming from a large extended family, the locations of our holiday gatherings were limited to the houses that could comfortably fit 65 - 70 people. With my my mom and dad’s house being one of the two options, we knew that every other year, Christmas would be held at our house. Despite knowing this was the running pattern for 40+ years, somehow my mom would still end up frantically running around the week leading up to the party (picture the Magda vacuum scene from There’s Something About Mary). And like clockwork, the debate between my parents over my mom’s insistence of using real plates versus paper plates would resurface on the evening of December 23rd.

In the end, the preparations produced a wonderful Christmas gathering. But honestly, I don’t remember the decor, centerpieces, or what plates and drinkware my mom used. What I do remember is eating all the yummy food and desserts, hanging out with my cousins, cramming into the living room to watch the family variety show and laughing at silly skits, and singing carols accompanied by one of my cousins on the piano.

While I greatly appreciate my mom’s hostess abilities, I vowed never to get so stressed preparing for a party that I was exhausted before the guests even arrived. How do we avoid deflating joy from the most wonderful time of the year while hosting gatherings AND creating lifelong memories full of merriment and laughter?

Follow these easy tips:

1. Notify guests early of your party. November and December dates fill up rather quickly. An earlier RSVP date gives you a better idea of the head count.

2. Create a list that follows a timeline of things to do, things to buy, and things to borrow. Keep in mind the list should be flexible and can pivot as needed.

3. Your house should be decorated for the holidays by the time your party rolls around. If your party has a theme (i.e. ugly Christmas sweater), add just a few decorations but keep it simple!

4. Unless guests are bringing something to share, keep your menu simple. Make dishes that can be prepared in advance. Mix store bought with homemade; embellish store bought to make it seem homemade!

   • If guests are bringing dishes, leave extra serving utensils out so anyone can add them to the dishes.

5. Line garbage bins with 3-4 bag liners. You will save time by not having to replace the liner every time a full bag is removed. Place bins strategically around the party area.

6. Start the party off with an empty dishwasher. Inevitably, it will fill up as the event carries on.

7. Offer your guests a beverage upon arrival. After that, they can help themselves to a drink at labeled self-serve beverage stations.

   • Cold drinks: white wine, bubbles, beer

   • Non-alcoholic cold drinks: water, sparkling water, juice.

     • Adding frozen cranberries to drinks is a festive way to keep drinks cold!

   • Room temp drinks: red wine, spirits/liquor

   • Hot drinks: hot chocolate, cider

8. A hot chocolate bar is sure to be enjoyed by all ages!

   • Use a crockpot to keep drinks warm. Be sure to place a ladle on a spoon rest next to the crockpot.

   • Using a coffee dispenser is a great alternative to a crockpot and ladle. Plus it’s mess free!

   • Pour toppings into bowls and add individual spoons:

     • mini marshmallows

     • white/dark chocolate chips

     • crushed Andes mints

     • crushed peppermint

     • candy canes

   • If it’s an all ages party, label adult add-ins and place on the opposite side of the toppings:

     • peppermint schnapps

     • baileys

     • run/spiced rum

     • mezcal

   • Cinnamon sticks make great stir sticks.

9. If you use real plates and don’t want to deal with washing them, consider renting plates from a party rental company. After scraping off food scraps, place the dishes into the storage containers they arrived in and they’re ready for pickup! (My dad has never, nor will he ever, win the debate to use disposable plates for any occasion planned by my mom.)

10. I have learned over the years that whenever a friend asks the day of the party if I need any last minute items from the store, to request a bag of ice. It always gets used.

11. Have two hand towels available in your powder room. If guests are using the same bathroom and wiping their hands on the same towel, it will be a soggy ball by the end of the party. Two hand towels are better than one, especially if you’re too occupied to swap towels out.

12. Kids at the party? Here are some boredom buster ideas:

    • Gingerbread house decorating contest (pre-made house kits). I have watched both boys and girls of all ages spend a lot of time detailing their houses!

    • Play holiday movies in a separate room.

    • Set up Minute to Win it games (Pinterest is great).

13. This goes without saying, but do as much as possible the day before the party. Move furniture, put drinks needing refrigeration in the fridge, bring out drink dispensers, serve ware, plates, drinkware, and utensils, line garbage bins, empty the dishwasher, prep food, and so forth.

14. On the day of the party, light candles and turn on music an hour before everyone is set to arrive. This will help you get in a festive mood for your own party!

Hopefully, using these tips before your gathering will help you feel relaxed the day of so you can be engaged with your guests and have fun. The guests will appreciate the beauty of your setting, but what they will remember most is the company and the warm and welcoming environment.

As for my family that keeps on growing? We still gather for the annual Christmas dinner and variety show, BUT we rent out a community hall that is already decorated. A cousin came up with this genius idea a few years ago! AND we use compostable plates and utensils. It’s simplicity at its best.

Cherie Frazier