We have all been there. We volunteer to host the Holiday party or dinner and it starts to become a burden instead of fun. Help yourself enjoy the holidays to the fullest, even if you have the big task of hosting, by taking a little time to organize and prepare for your event. It seems easy to tell yourself, "Oh, I'll just get everything ready the day of" but that can be a mistake. I remember when I once hosted an event and having things prepared beforehand allowed me to enjoy the party just as much as everyone else.
Tip 1: Clear out the Fridge
How often do you clean out your fridge? I'll admit, sometimes there’s a good amount of time in-between cleaning my fridge, but before a party is a great time to check this off your list. Take this opportunity to discard any old condiments, get rid of leftovers you don't want anymore, and take inventory of things you may need. It's a lot easier to prepare dishes when you can find everything you need in a clean fridge, and you WILL need the space to store any dishes you need to keep cold.
Photography by: Troy VanLangen-Above the Horizon Media
Tip 2: Take Specialty Cookware + Linens Out of Storage
When hosting these spectacular holiday events, you want to use the specialty dishes that you purchased for just such occasions. Most likely you don't have these sitting next to your everyday dishes, so make sure you take these items out of storage. Doing this early allows you time to clean them and have them ready in advance for the yummy dishes you are preparing.
Design by: Jessica Crosby
Photography by: Troy VanLangen-Above the Horizon Media
Tip 3: Set the Table the Night Before
Think about all the things you can do the day or night before. The table is a big one. Set out each place setting (with the appropriate place cards if using them), arrange your centerpieces, and scape that table out. If you get the table set ahead of time, you won't have to worry about it the day of the party.
Design by: Kathy Levin
Photography by: Troy VanLangen-Above the Horizon Media
Tip 4: Set Up a Smart Drink Station
This tip is to help you out during the party. Let’s take a task off your plate and create a drink station so your guests can serve themselves while you concentrate on what you have to do in the Kitchen. Find a spot where the conversation is and set up the drink station there. Get creative with this and make it fun for your guests. Add some decoration and make it inviting. Include your liquors and mixers along with plenty of cups, beverage napkins, garnishes, and a bowl of ice. If your drink station is well stocked and visually pleasing, you should be able to complete anything you have to do without having to make sure your guests are topped off.
Your holiday party is supposed to be fun and enjoyable, not just for your guests but for you as well. Try to make it as effortless as possible during the party by preparing ahead of time. Make your lists and check off as many things as you can before your event. Trust me, you will be so pleased with yourself that you did.
Hopefully these tips will make hosting your holiday party a breeze! Get more exclusive design tips and behind-the-scenes peeks in our monthly newsletter.
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