How to host a stress-free gathering
THE season of celebration is here, and if this is your first time hosting family or friends at home for the holidays, you may be wondering how you’re going to pull it off.
A few words of general advice: You don't have to throw the party your parents (or grandparents) did. This is your show.
If you want to break out your wedding china and serve a traditional dinner menu, do it. But if you're more the chilli and beer type, that's fine, too.
Are you more of a morning person? Serve mimosas and quiche at a brunch.
Hate holiday music? Queue up an R&B playlist.
If living through a pandemic has taught us anything, it's to let go of what's not important.
Speaking of the pandemic: This year's gatherings will probably be merrier than 2020’s thanks to coronavirus vaccines.
But Covid concerns are still on the menu.
Some people might not be travelling, or they might cancel at the last minute. The ingredients you need for that dessert you planned on making might be sitting in a container ship. Stay flexible.
And know your audience, says Darcy Miller, a celebrations consultant and the author and illustrator of Celebrate Everything! Fun Ideas to Bring Your Parties to Life.
If you have guests who are more nervous than others about sitting close to one another, create your own individual mini-graze boards.
“People then have their own platter and it's also active decor when you line them up on the table,” Miller says.
The boards can include savoury or sweet foods and be topped with placecards for a personal touch.
We talked to party-planning experts and culinary gurus for advice on how to plan, shop, cook, serve and clean up for your nearest and dearest this holiday season – without losing your mind.
Game plan
It's all about the game plan. The best way to avoid being frazzled is to be prepared. Many seasoned hosts set their tables several days in advance.
"Always pretend your event is a few days before. It's like putting a fake date on your calendar," says Miller.
There is always work you have to do at the end, such as cooking and getting fresh flowers.
She recommends cleaning the house, rounding up an extra dining chair and buying beverages a few days in advance.
Serving set-up
Pick a serving set-up. Before you choose your menu, determine your serving style. Buffets are good if you don't have a large dining table.
If you've got the space for it, a family-style meal - where people sit around a table and food is passed on platters - this can cut down on the need for elaborate decorations, says Amber Mayfield, an event planner and the founding editor of the magazine While Entertaining.
“Food can be part of the design, so you're not going crazy with flowers or anything,” she says. “And the beautiful platters of food give you a ‘wow’ moment.”
Set up a bar in advance with a big ice bucket, wine that has been uncorked, mixers and garnishes. You don't have to have a full bar - sometimes one specialty cocktail is enough, as well as non-alcoholic choices, such as sparkling water, fruit juices and seltzers.
Your house
Dress the house in your own style. Small touches can add warmth to your gathering, whether it's personalised place cards made by your kids or party favours that include chocolates.
Designer and author Justina Blakeney of the Jungalow lifestyle brand goes outdoors for inspiration.
“Rely on seasonal greenery… Pluck some and use them as a runner to create a lush look.”
She also likes botanicals and bling: greens paired with gold, silver, bronze or mercury glass. You can zhuzh up your everyday white plates with cloth napkins, jewel-toned glassware and lots of candles, Blakeney says.
Nicole Jones, divisional merchandise manager for gifts and entertaining at Anthropologie, says setting a holiday table can be a great time to pull out items you never use. If your grandmother is coming, put something she gave you on the table for extra points. Most importantly, try to be relaxed.
“A house doesn't have to be perfect or completely done for it to feel festive or inviting,” says Blakeney, who designs products for Target.
“Chill out. These are family and friends, and they are not judging you.”