Holiday Hosting 101: Tips for Stress-Free Gatherings

by SheSpeaksTeam

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Nov 30, 2023

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With the holiday season in full swing, you might find yourself thinking about hosting for the upcoming December holidays - dinners, brunches and other gatherings. And although hosting can sometimes feel daunting, with creativity and organization, you can pull off a holiday gathering that will leave your guests raving.

Keep reading to learn our five key tips for a fun, stress-free, winter holiday hosting experience.

1. Create a festive atmosphere
Holiday-ify the atmosphere of your home by decking the halls with twinkling lights, fragrant candles and seasonal decor. We love these string lights from Amazon for creating soft, cozy lighting!

Don’t forget the power of sound—create a playlist of your favorite holiday tunes. Combining sights, scents, and sounds can make your guests feel like they stepped into a holiday movie.

2. Plan a crowd-pleasing menu
Food is a highlight of any gathering. Take time to craft a menu that caters to a variety of tastes and diets. Combine traditional holiday dishes with modern twists, and try to choose dishes that you can prepare in advance to eliminate day of stress. A great menu ensures that your guests will leave your gathering full and satisfied.

3. Offer signature cocktails and mocktails
Along with creating a food menu, prepare festive drink options for your guests—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic! Consider making a signature cocktail to add a personal touch to your gathering, or build a DIY cocktail and mocktail station to let guests play mixologists and create their own custom drinks. We love this aesthetically pleasing mixology set from Amazon!

4. Create seating areas
Creating seating areas is a pro-level hosting move. Encourage conversation among guests by strategically arranging seating areas throughout your home. Whether you're hosting a formal dinner or a casual get-together, having a mix of seating options—from traditional dining chairs to laid-back lounge spots—ensures everyone can find a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the festivities.

5. Plan activities and entertainment
Finally, be sure to plan activities and entertainment for your guests to keep the energy high and the laughter flowing. Consider holiday-themed games or trivia, photo props, or traditional board games. Planning activities can help you ensure that your guests stay entertained and engaged throughout the entire celebration.

Are you hosting friends and family this holiday season? Let us know in the comments! And to help kick off your holiday hosting, you can enter below to WIN the mixology set and festive string lights mentioned above.

Holiday Hosting 101

Thanks to all who entered! Congrats to our winner SheSpeaks member Alexis01.

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Comments

by onda_13 | CRESCENT CITY, CA

Dec 02, 2023

Yummy food means everyone will be busy stuffing their faces rather than causing drama

by smeltzeramy | Cumberland, MD

Dec 02, 2023

do not have plans

by jinnlo | Nixa, MO

Dec 02, 2023

I'll be hosting Christmas this year. Lots of drinks and food!

by stylinstar53 | YARDLEY, PA

Dec 02, 2023

I'm not sure yet if I'll be hosting family this season, but if I do, I will be sure to stock up an array of beverages so that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

by Sweetdoll1 | BROOKLYN, NY

Dec 02, 2023

We always bring lots of food. No party is fun without food.

by NinNin | OCEAN SPRINGS, MS

Dec 01, 2023

I'll be hosting, but only for my close family. Wish I could host more of my family but they are all much too far away.

by HelgaHelga | HOLLY POND, AL

Dec 01, 2023

My tip is to provide a diverse selection of appetizers and beverages to suit every preference and dietary need.

by NicoleF | CHICAGO, IL

Dec 01, 2023

If you have good food and drinks everyone will be happy.

by NicoleF | CHICAGO, IL

Dec 01, 2023

If you have good food and drinks everyone will be happy.

by lprice079 | Redmond, OR

Nov 30, 2023

My tip is to choose a theme for the gathering and stick with it. All of the other details will fall into place if you keep things cohesive and on-theme.