7 Secrets to Holiday Entertaining Success
As you prepare to open your home for festive gatherings with family and friends during the holiday season, it’s easy to feel stressed. Getting a head start now can help maximize merriment for all, including the host! We are a few weeks out from Thanksgiving, so now is the perfect time to get started. There are a few things you can do to take your holiday from typical to extraordinary. Read on for our 7 secrets to holiday entertaining success.
1. Planning, organizing, and executing.
Planning is critical for a successful holiday. We recommend starting with the “four Ws”–who will be invited, what will be served, when dinner will take place, and where the guests will be. Additionally, planning and organizing ensure that you can enjoy your holiday without any last-minute surprises, but if the unexpected does happen, you will be ready to manage it.
2. Start with a handwritten or printed invitation.
In this day of electronic messages, receiving a thoughtful holiday invitation in the mail makes a special and caring statement. Your guests will immediately feel excitement for your event, setting it apart from the rest.
3. Dress mantles, windowsills, and chandeliers in your favorite holiday style.
Fill your space with festive decor and scents using fresh florals, greenery, and candles. Taper candles on the mantles and tables work well for small groups, while pillar candles and votives are safer for larger crowds.
4. Menus make the memories.
If you don’t enjoy cooking, hire a caterer for all or just part of the meal. First, starting with a signature batch cocktail or champagne bar allows guests to easily serve themselves, so you can mingle or finalize dinner. Create a menu that features your favorite appetizers, a main course, and sides, concluding with a delicious dessert. Signature menu items give repeat guests something to look forward to, and serve as a welcome surprise for new guests.
5. Set a festive table.
Colorful pottery, unusual stemware, and baskets work well to set the scene. Whatever your design preference, create a tablescape that expresses your own unique style. Be creative with your serving pieces as well. Check local thrift stores or online sale forums for interesting vintage pieces that can spark a conversation.
6. Place cards and printed menus add a special touch to your holiday tables.
Place cards eliminate seating confusion, and a menu card enhances your holiday experience by informing guests of what to expect. And don’t forget the music. Create a playlist of your favorite holiday tunes, but remember to keep the music soft so that guests can enjoy interesting conversations.
7. Send your guests home with something extra.
Finally, providing your guests with something to take home when they leave is the perfect way to conclude a memorable holiday gathering. You could bake an extra batch of cookies or cook enough turkey so everyone can have a leftover sandwich the next day. Your guests will be remembering your hosting skills for years to come.
