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Hosting the holidays can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re nervous about making holiday meals or hosting out-of-town guests, there are ways to make it manageable.
In this article, we’ll share the top tips to make hosting the holidays a breeze, so you can enjoy the day too.
Tips to Make Holiday Hosting Easier
Relax and holidays are two words that can pair well together if you follow the tips below to help keep you stress free and a hosting champion. Here’s how to relax into the role of hostess with the mostest.
Holiday Dinners
If you’re tired of hosting holidays, a formal dinner might seem a bit much. Take a moment to breathe before getting yourself in a tizzy. After all, hosting a holiday dinner can be business as usual—you’re just adding some spots to the table. Pick and choose your favorite holiday dinner ideas for a simpler hosting experience.
Opt For a Potluck
Hosting holidays can also mean breaking tradition. Maybe you decide to make the turkey and stuffing but ask guests to bring sides or dessert. Every little bit counts!
Keep It Simple
Hosting dinner doesn’t necessarily involve a five-course meal. Stick to a meat (or veggie alternative), starch and vegetable before adding on extras.
Shop Around
Homemade is great if you’ve got time for it. While you’re making the turkey, save some time buying pre-made rolls, pies or sides for a little help.
Spray Your Surfaces
Keep yourself and your family safe by disinfecting your counters regularly. Let friends and family know their safety is your priority.
Limit The Guests
The pandemic has meant making adjustments for safer family gatherings. Try to keep your guest list reasonable to prevent a crowded space.
RELATED: Virtual Holiday Party Ideas to Keep You Connected No Matter What
The Out-of-Towners
Hosting friends and family from out of town involves cooking, cleaning and strategic planning. Get a sense of what you can and can’t handle long before the invites go out. Here’s how to go about hosting out-of-town guests like a pro.
Get a Headcount
Are you hosting a family of three, separate singles or even pets? Know exactly who’s coming and where they can sleep well in advance.
Check Your Bedding
Do you have enough beds? What about sheets? Have you checked for blankets and pillows? Make sure to get your house in order in time for their arrival.
Prep Toiletries
We all know what it’s like to forget essentials at home. Make small but helpful toiletry baskets for your guests to cover all their bases.
Go Soap Crazy
The pandemic has taken hand washing to new heights. Stock up on soap, hand towels and hand sanitizer for an extra hygienic home.
Close Company
Sometimes, nearby friends or family might join you for an evening or enjoy a holiday at your house. Here’s how to go about entertaining people for a shorter visit:
Prep The Rooms
Even if the stay is short, you’ll still need to strategize. Know exactly how many people to expect and where they can stay.
Make Your Meals
Are your guests coming over for dinner or spending the weekend? Will you and your pals be eating in or out? Try to get a sense of food needs with plenty of time to prep.
Ask About Plans
Knowing your guests’ plans helps you establish how much time you’ll spend together or apart. Communication is key, so don’t be shy about politely digging for details.
Confirm Plans
Particularly for friends or family who live nearby, plans to stay over can feel really casual. Confirm your plans are still on a day or two before just to be safe.
Safety First
Your friend or family members might live nearby but that doesn’t mean they’ll remember to bring everything. Provide provisions like a mask, mini hand sanitizer and personal-size tissues for a safe stay.
RELATED: Home Holiday Decorating Ideas to Celebrate the Season
Delays and Declines
Sometimes, life is too full to accept guests. Declining to host may seem taboo, but there are ways to do so nicely. Here are some of the best ways to decline hosting a holiday dinner.
Give Notice
If you must pass on hosting the holidays, be sure to give plenty of notice. Guests will forgive you more quickly if there’s enough time to make alternate arrangements.
Explain Your Reasons
Life is busy, and you may have a valid reason. Do you have health concerns? Are you tied up with work? Are personal issues getting in the way? Tell them why you can’t commit without divulging too much.
Postpone Your Plans
Sometimes people may ask you to host without enough notice. It’s not always fair or easy to accept under those circumstances. Ask whether they’d be willing to push things back to a later date instead.
Suggest a Compromise
Say your family wants to come over for Christmas, but your in-laws already made plans. Suggest hosting the next big holiday to meet them halfway.
Final Thoughts
Hosting conjures up all kinds of ideas, from enormous dinner parties to picture-perfect expectations. Stay grounded this holiday season by hosting with others and taking help where you can get it. Remember, having people over is supposed to be fun, so don’t get too caught up in the details. Here’s to you, your guests and a safe and enjoyable holiday season!
KEEP READING: How to Host a Holiday Dinner
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