Holiday season is upon us and cue all the dinner parties, potlucks & get-togethers! Schools are closing, work is winding down (hopefully!) and it is time to take stock of what this year has been and get prepped up for the next! But what is a holiday season without having friends & family over? It is the much needed break we have all been waiting for. Take some time off work, road trip or fly to be with your loved ones.
And, if it is you who is hosting, chances are you are overwhelmed ensuring everyone’s having a good time but you get tangled in all the planning & logistics and you hardly get involved in the fun.
No one expects you to be a domestic goddess. Rather, do not take it upon yourself to be a domestic goddess. You do not need to have an origami swan on your guest beds or the toilet paper folder like a flower or a 3 course meal cooked every day. I love to host and having people over and here are some tips that I have learned in these years that make it stress free and fun!
Start with a clean well stocked home
A clean home is the absolute basic must when you are having people over. I will have all the common areas and guest rooms cleaned as the first step.
If you have people staying over, then it is essential to stock up on the basics toiletries and groceries. It is always good to have extra soap, tooth paste, brush etc on hand. Based on the number of guests, have basic groceries and some snacks stocked up as well. Pay extra attention to the dietary needs & allergies of your guests – diary or no dairy, gluten free, coffee or tea etc.
Standout Tip –
- Stock up the guest room with fresh towels, water bottles, phone chargers and toiletries ahead of their visit.
- Avoid candles on coffee tables & bedside tables when you have a lot of people or kids around. Instead use diffusers for a pleasant ambience.
- Clear the coffee table and side tables of all the extra clutter. A simple vase of flowers will add a warm welcoming touch to your home.
- Have the wifi password and any security or gate code on a note by the TV or on the fridge.
Planning the food
What are holidays without good indulgent food right? With a lot of activities going on and more mouths to feed, one could easily get pulled towards fast food and unhealthy last minute choices. If you are planning to cook at home or you are having it catered or a bit of both, plan ahead. Research and choose restaurants to show off your unique local flavors & cuisine. And make reservations if needed. Often times, it is not the amount of things you do rather a well thought out simple plan that will stand out.
If you plan to cook at home, do keep it simple. I always go for one pot meals or dishes that can be individually assembled like tacos or burgers. It is good to have a list of dishes you are planning to cook and get the shopping and some of the prep done beforehand.
Standout Tip: Even a simple meal can be elevated by serving it in style! A backyard dinner or picnic (if the weather permits) will definitely impress your guests. Use what you have at hand. My mantra is to always mix & match. Nothing I own matches with another.
Organize a beverage & snack bar
Have the fruits, snacks, juices, coffee, tea & the fixings out & handy so your guests can help themselves whenever they need.
Keep the kids occupied
Even the best of plans won’t work if the kids are bored and come running to you every 5 minutes. Depending on the age range of kids, have a couple of movies/games/paint/play dough to keep them occupied & out of your hands!
Organize fun activities
Take your friends out on your favorite trails or restaurants. Show them your local scene or get cozy at home with a movie or games. Anytime we have friends over, we have long long nights of games, drinks & chatting.
Be mindful of the waste generated
Having people over is no reason to turn to single use plates and cutlery or bottled water. Please stock up on plates, cups and cutlery. Cleaning is an extra task, agreed! But I assure you, people will appreciate your effort and will pitch in with the help. Get a big refillable can of water and have few bottles around. I have had a lot of friends move away from single use serve ware after seeing it only takes a little bit of effort to make a change!
A good break is needed for anyone. A change of scene or a change of routine will leave you relaxed and refreshed. Enjoy this holiday season and if you are visiting someone, remember to be considerate and pitch in to help your host!
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Very concise tips š Iām going to try a few for my next party