HOST WITH the most!
ENTERTAIN A CROWD WITH EASE, THANKS TO THIS HANDY GUIDE
Having people over for Christmas often comes with an endless to-do list that can leave you feeling overwhelmed. But the key to being a great host is quite simple – it’s all in the organisation! Here’s how preparing your day in advance can make your hosting duties as easy as pie...
GETTING ORGANISED
Start by planning every detail for the big day. This will include your guest list, food and drink menu, decorations, gifts, and even transport, such as who will be picking up Nan!
Having a clear plan can help the day run smoothly and minimise stress. Use your guest list as a guide on how much to buy. Once you have confirmed attendees, you can then source the appropriate amount of materials, such as bonbons, dining and tableware, ingredients, and more. This is handy when working within a budget, as you won’t be buying excess. Just be sure to keep updated on any COVID restrictions that may arise.
PLAN YOUR MENU IN ADVANCE
Food is one of the most important aspects of the day, so planning ahead is vital. Once your guest list is locked in, it’s time to start organising your menu. Put together a meal plan and an ingredients list of everything you’ll need including appetisers, mains, desserts and drinks. Make sure to check for any dietary requirements and take this into consideration – you don’t want anyone missing out on your scrumptious spread! Whether you’re planning a seafood feast or a classic barbecue, keep in mind that the holiday season is the busiest time of the year for food retailers, so order any food you can in advance.
Alex Stollznow, Customer Experience Coordinator at Sydney Fish Market, recommends maintaining a cold temperature for your seafood from purchase to storage to keep it fresh.
“Bring a chiller bag or Esky along and ask your fishmonger to pack some ice with your purchase,” he says. “After getting your shopping home, most seafood species will keep well for two to three days when stored in the coldest part of your fridge.”
SET THE SCENE
Scented candles and diffusers are ideal for setting the mood and creating a cheery festive atmosphere. Opt for Christmas-scented candles for a cosy touch. A holiday playlist of carols and season classics can lift the spirits of even the grumpiest of Grinches. You can make a playlist and tailor it to your guests’ tastes, or save time and hit play on the various themed ones Spotify has to offer.
DRESS UP YOUR POOCH
Who says humans are the only ones who can dress for the occasion? Deck out your furry friend in a themed outfit for a bit of festive fun! Guests will love the extra touch and it can make for great photo opportunities.
GET CREATIVE WITH DRINKS
Ensure you have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments available. Homemade cocktails are a great way to impress, and it’s always a good idea to have a fruity mocktail ready for the kids. Once you have all the ingredients, concocting drinks is easy, with the added bonus that it looks impressive! A garnish can be a game changer and Christmas is all about excess, so top up your drinks with lemon wedges, mint, dried orange slices or cinnamon sticks for a fancy finish. A fun idea is to create a DIY garnish station.
Simply place your ingredients in jars or bowls and guests can select their own drink garnishes.
SIT BACK AND RELAX!
After the busy weeks leading up to the whirlwind Christmas and New Year period, make sure to take time out to enjoy Christmas Day for yourself. Sit back, grab a generous serving of dessert (you’ve earned it!) and spend some quality time with your loved ones.