Holiday Hosting Made Simple: 10 Must-Know Tips

‘Tis the season to eat, drink, and be merry! But let’s be honest—sometimes hosting can feel more like a chore than a joy. Hosting doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. We’ve gathered some advice from holiday experts to make gifting, decorating, cooking, and entertaining stress-free. Here are a few standout tips:

1) Prep Self-Serve Cocktails
Avoid the hassle of stocking a fully-loaded bar cart with endless options. Instead, choose one or two festive drinks—like spiked apple cider, Moscow mules, or a winter punch—and prepare them in advance. Use punch bowls or pitchers for easy self-service, so guests can help themselves, leaving you free to enjoy the party too.

2) Go for No-Cook Appetizers
Skip the stress of hot hors d’oeuvres by creating stunning cheese and charcuterie boards. These crowd-pleasers are quick to assemble and look impressive on wooden, slate, or marble boards. Include cured meats, cheeses, olives, crackers, grapes, spiced nuts, and spreads! Alternatively, prepare one appetizer you can heat and serve warm.

3) Simplify Gift Giving
Whether it’s stocking stuffers, Hanukkah surprises, or something for someone special, streamline your shopping by focusing on meaningful, practical gifts. Experiences, like concert tickets, spa days, or cooking classes, often make a greater impact than material items.

4) Delegate Tasks
Don’t hesitate to share responsibilities! Whether it’s tidying the yard, cleaning the guest bathroom, or creating a holiday playlist, involve your partner or kids. Dividing tasks ensures smoother and more enjoyable holidays for everyone.

5) Delight Your Guests
Use fresh flowers or personalized photo ornaments as place cards for a thoughtful touch. Keep a deck of cards or simple board games nearby to keep the energy lively. These small details leave a lasting impression.

6) Ace Your Holiday Décor
Create festive DIY decorations by repurposing items you already own. Fill clear jars with ornaments, pinecones, or string lights for simple centrepieces. Handmade garlands using dried citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, or paper cutouts add a natural, cozy vibe.

7) Level Up Your Servingware
Stay organized by pre-labelling serving dishes and cookware with the names of the dishes they’ll hold. Use sticky notes or tape, removing them before filling. This ensures everything is ready and keeps your kitchen chaos-free.

8) Fill Your Home With Festive Fragrance
Skip pricey scented candles and embrace natural seasonal scents. Use ingredients like sliced citrus, apples, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to create a warm, inviting aroma. Arrange them in small bowls throughout your home for a festive atmosphere.

9) Stock Up on To-Go Boxes
Preserve your own food storage by getting affordable containers for leftovers. Reusable options like Stasher bags or durable Pyrex containers are practical and thoughtful for sharing meals while keeping your kitchen organized.

10) Make Crusty Pots Easier to Clean
Fill pots with water and a squirt of dish soap, then simmer for 10–15 minutes to loosen stuck-on food. If you’re not scrubbing immediately, turn off the heat and let them soak overnight to simplify cleanup.