The Lazy Guide To Holiday Entertaining
After taking 2020 off to stay socially distanced, you might be a little out of practice when it comes to hosting a holiday party. But a festive get-together doesn’t have to be a stress-inducing event. Just follow our lazy guide for easy entertaining – without a whole lot of effort required.
Whether an intimate gathering or a major to-do, your holiday party should be an occasion to celebrate – not stress! So keep scrolling to learn our 6 tips for a super easy soireé that anyone can pull together.
Check out our favorite ways to get in the holiday spirit for lots of ideas to enjoy the season!
Photo: Camille Styles
Make Cocktails Ahead of Time
Instead of worrying about playing bartender, simply make a batch of cocktails ahead of time and serve in a pitcher or punch bowl. (Try these 3 easy cocktail recipes for an option everyone will love.) Not much of a drinker? Mocktails or a non-boozy punch will work just as well.
Decorate With Produce
A simple solution to add some stylish decor to your table? Just grab a selection of fresh produce (think oranges, lemons, and pomegranates) and pair it with some pine branches – which you could trim from your own backyard. It’s a chic way to style the table, plus, you can eat them when the party is over!
Shop Holiday Party Essentials
Opt For Easy Appetizers
Stick to easy (pre-made) appetizers and snacks to take the stress out of feeding your guests. Cheese and crackers, veggies and dips, or a pre-sliced ham with rolls are all simple options that are totally appetizing. Or try a Charcuterie Chalet if you’re feeling a little bit ambitious. You can even steal a few lemons from the decor to use as garnish.
Create A DIY Bar
In addition to your batch cocktails, set up a bar area (away from the food to avoid congestion) where guests can serve themselves. All you need is a large bucket or bowl of ice, a few bottles of liquor, mixers, and glasses. You can even steal a few lemons from the table decor to use as a garnish.
Photo: Jenni Kayne
Plan Your Playlist
Every great party has an equally entertaining soundtrack. So a few days before your shindig, download some of your favorite Xmas and party tunes into a playlist. Then on the day of, all you have to do is hit play and let your music selections put everyone in a festive mood!
Use What You Have
You don’t have to purchase tons of new products to have a great party. Instead, utilize what you already have on hand. Use extra forks and spoons from takeout orders for cutlery, your collection of mixing bowls to serve snacks, or any extra candles to set the mood.
I’m really enjoying your advice and decorating articles.
Where can I find the 3-shade lighting feature shown in the small bathroom article?
You can shop that sconce here. Thank you so much for your comment. xx -B