The holidays are filled with delicious food, festive celebrations, and guests upon guests. Whether you’re hosting a few family members for the whole weekend or having the entire family over on the big day, there’s a lot of preparatory work to do. From cooking a feast to preparing the guest bedroom, there are several ways you can make your life a little easier while your home is occupied by extra people. Here are six holiday hosting tips to get you through the end of the year.
1. Cook in advance.
When you have a house full of guests, food preparation is key. Desserts are easy to make a few days before Thanksgiving. Chop vegetables and prepare casseroles so all you have to do is pop them in the oven on the big day. This is a game changer and will allow you to spend more quality time with family and friends.
2. Stock up your pantry.
Snacks are essential! Chips, nuts, crackers, granola, bread, nut butters, and jam are great to have on hand. This way, your guests can easily help themselves to a snack when they get hungry.
3. Provide information.
If guests are traveling to see you from out of town, leave a few essential items in their room, like clean towels and basic toiletries. It’s also extremely helpful to leave a note with the WiFi password, directions to the nearest coffee shop, and instructions for the TV.
4. Use real silverware and linen napkins.
Away with paper plates and napkins! Thanksgiving is the real deal. If you’re hosting a large amount of people, scope out a local thrift shop and buy some trendy, mismatched items. IKEA has inexpensive dinner plats and flatware, too.
5. Invest in a coat rack.
Your guests will love the convenience of having a place to hang their coats and jackets. Target, Walmart, and IKEA have some great, affordable options.
6. Breathe.
The holiday season is exciting and filled with joy, but it can also be very stressful. Take some time to yourself to breathe, relax with a hot bath and a good book, or meditate. In order to put your best food forward, you need to allow yourself time to decompress.