Tips and Tricks for Hosting this Holiday Season

Thank you, Nespresso, for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I think we’ve all been there. That moment of panic and sweat when your doorbell rings and the roast isn’t near finished, dishes are piled up all over your counters and you never did take that shower you intended. And then, yes, your heart drops when you remember you’re out of trash bags and dish soap.

Friends, you’re most certainly not alone. Hosting can have its stresses. But when it’s done right it can be great, if I dare say, even enjoyable. Nothing gives me more happiness than the hum of a dishwasher and the smell of burnt out candles signaling the end of a great evening with friends.

Over the years of hosting gatherings, I’ve picked up some tips and tricks that make the whole experience, from planning to clean up, effortless. I’ve outlined them for you below so we can all face the holiday season fearless and determined.

1.    Plan the Menu First

You’ve found a date that everyone can agree upon. The invites have been mailed or e-mailed and your mind is swirling from place settings to music selection. But before any of that can be planned, you must set the menu.

The menu determines the type of serving ware you will need, the music that will follow and the time of day. Here are some things to consider:

1. Determine if there are any allergies you need to be aware of. I find it best to serve the whole group based off of one person’s restrictions so that you’re not singling out one guest.

2. Set a menu that is made up of recipes that you’ve tried before. You don’t want any surprises. Hosting a dinner party is not about showing off impressive recipes. It’s about creating a warm environment for your people to feel comfortable in. Below is a great recipe for Espresso Browned Butter Glazed Knots I made with espresso from my Nespresso Essenza Machine. You can also find so many great recipes on Nespresso’s Pinterest Board here.

3. Only serve two dishes that have to be made right before the guests arrive. Everything else should be done ahead or prepped. This will greatly reduce your stress the day of.

2. Clean the House

I know. This is your least favorite part. So here are two of my best suggestions for you.

Set a cleaning schedule that is spread out throughout the week of the party. This way you’re only cleaning 15-30 minutes a day instead of frantically the day of.

Or, if this still isn’t your groove, that’s okay! There are plenty of places that you can rent to throw a party in! It will be cleaned and ready for you and most places, with a small deposit, will do the cleaning for you, too!

4. The Day Before

This day is your best friend. Enjoy it, breathe it in. The more you do today, the more you will enjoy tomorrow. So, go out and get your flowers, press your linens, and set the table. I REPEAT, set your table. Make a list of last-minute things you need, make your dessert, prep your ingredients, chop the onions, brine the meat, etc. Today is your best friend.

5. Set a schedule

Set a schedule for the day of and follow it to a T. Plan to have everything ready a half an hour before guests are set to arrive. The most important thing about hosting is making sure your guests enjoy themselves. They will not enjoy themselves if you are stressed. A happy host makes happy guests. Include in the schedule when you will light the candles, when the music will start and when you will have time to shower and primp.

6. Accept Help

If a guest wants to help with dishes, let them and show your appreciation. If a friend wants to bring a side, let them bring a side. Again, parties are not about showing off, they are about creating a safe place. If people offer help, take them up on it! You won’t regret it.

7. Serve Yourself

Set the food out buffet style to reduce the stuffy atmosphere that most dinner parties have. It will leave more room for your beautiful centerpiece to shine in its rightful place on the table.

One of the best tips is to set out a coffee station for your guests to serve themselves when they are finished eating. This will eliminate some of your work and allow for more conversations to flow. I use my Nespresso Essenza Machine at all my parties and set out a selection of decaf and regular espresso pods along with some whole milk and simple syrup. Take a look at some of Nespresso’s machines and accessories here.

And there you have it! Some simple, easy ways to enjoy entertaining this season. Let me know if you have any tips and tricks in the comment section! I know we can all benefit from our shared experiences.

And don’t forget to BUY NOW for your holiday season!

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