Just as you’re celebrating the fact that your Thanksgiving turkey turned out perfectly (not too dry, I hope) and you survived the family antics and drama, you realize the Holiday season is just around the corner. If you’re like me, your mind starts racing… gift lists, shopping trips, recipe ideas, and more holiday parties and dinners than you can count on both hands. Where do you start?
If you’re like me, hosting holiday get togethers are at the top of the list. How do you ensure they go off without a hitch? Here are a few simple tips and tricks that will make every meal a hit:
Make a list and check it twice. There are great organizational apps (I like to think of them as my virtual assistant) that can help you prioritize. From stocking up your pantry and creating menu ideas to managing RSVP lists, storing these items in one place can help you organize and strike off those to-dos! Plus, the feeling of accomplishment you get when you check an item off your list is always a bonus (whether it’s on paper or on your phone!)
Get the fancy silverware and dishes ready. Holiday feasts and festive parties mean bringing out your best silverware and serving dishes. To refresh your silver, try Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. Just rub a paste of three-parts Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and one-part water onto the silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Then rinse thoroughly and your dinnerware will be sparkling-ready to impress your guests!
Expect the unexpected. For that unexpected guest who drops by, not-so-holiday-specific items like stationary, pens and notebooks are a nice last-minute gifting idea that anyone will appreciate. Taking a non-holiday themed approach means items can be purchased well in advance of the holiday shopping rush.
Keep messes to a minimum. Having a trusted stain fighter on-hand to tackle those holiday spills and stains is a must! My go-to products are the OxiClean MaxForce Foam Laundry Pre-Treater and MaxForce Spray Laundry Pre-Treater. Both can treat wine stains, gravy spills and stains from sticky fingers to keep linens and napkins table-ready for next season. The Pre-treaters can stand for up to a week before washing.
Pamper yourself! Treat yourself to that festive latte, Santa-shaped cookie, or extra hour in bed without the guilt! You deserve it for all your hard work, and it may be just what you need to keep your spirits up and stay energized for your next dinner party!
What are your tips for easing dinner party prep and clean-up stress? I’d love to hear them!
I usually create a menu, shopping list and things to do list like cleaning bathrooms two weeks in advance to make sure I can plan days to food prep or clean my house. That way I’m not leaving everything til the last day.
Yes you definitely have to expect the unexpected. These are some great tips. I always have my lists planned quite a bit in advance, especially for the food prep. Cleaning is always an ongoing thing but I always try to do a bit extra before guests arrive.
Great tips! I dont have a big family get together. I wish we did. It would be nice to plan a dinner!
Best tip is to allow someone else to host! LOL.
I love the sparkley trees in the top photo! We always make sure we have lots of non-alcoholic beverages for those who do not drink 🙂
We don’t have really fancy dinner parties but I like to be organized for the family dinners.
This is a great list, I plan out my menu weeks in advance and that way I allow myself plenty of time to make the 300 trips to the store I end up making no matter how hard I try.
All great tips, making lists is a big help so you don’t forget anything!!
Great tips thanks for sharing! We host a dinner party every couple years and I do my.best to stay organized
I love hosting dinner parties. I always plan what I’m going to have, I prepare what I can a head of time. My fav thing is getting the table set beautifully and I always put little gifts on each plate.
These are awesome tips. Thanks for sharing. I really like hosting parties.
What a super table setting in the photo, I do like that. If I’m entertaining then I try to do as much preparation in advance as possible, this leaves me more time to enjoy my guests.
love the tips!
awesome tips,love to have fancy parties
great tips. I do ever year have friends and family gatherings.
oh I will totally be pampering myself. This is the time of year to get away with it and in January I will deal with it lol
I am a “last minute” person and work better when I have a tight timeline to stick to!
Thanks for the tips.
I am a big list person, the more I can plan ahead the better.
My biggest tip is make a list, and start checking things off. It’s never going to go perfectly and at least you know how much you’ve got done.
wonderful test! The best is to clean as you go!
My best advice for a dinner party is to limit the invites to people you actually want to spend time around.
To be honest, we usually just use pretty paper plates and cups. With an average of 26 people at each dinner (16kids) it’s just way easier.
We don’t host often… But we definitely should get in the habit. Thanks for the tips!
It’s always good to have easy cleaning products!
I do love beautiful place settings and table decor for a dinner party or a buffet. Parties take a lot of preparation.
It’s so nice to have company over to celebrate and have fun. I like your tips and advice !
Plan ahead of time an prepare some dishes in advance
These are all great tip! I always expect the unexpected and go with the flow. Good food, great family enjoying each other company. I try to do as much as possible the day before. Going to do my tourtiere this weekend.
All great tips.
I always make a list of things to do around the house, setting table, cleaning, decorations, etc. and also a list of foods I am preparing ahead of time. Try to do as much as possible day before or before guests arrive. then on day or evening of guests arriving, you can relax and visit more.
Great tips! I love the beautiful holiday table setting in the photo! 🙂
Great tips! I try to plan and organize lots before and I keep the menu simple. Tried recipes that I know will turn out.
prepare early, cook as much as you can the day before…hire someone to clean your house ( one less thing you have to worry about)
Yes keeping extra gifts ready is something i do. I try to plan as much as possible but i do get s bit stressed
I love using lots of candles – it’s an easy mood setting decor idea.
My best tip – the mess can wait – go enjoy the party.
Great tips!
I love the gold theme, I didn’t used to like it but suddenly everything gold just looks so festive and classy to me!!!!
great tips, making lists far in advance is a must
I make lists and include all the details. Double check the day before. I hate surprises.
Thanks for these tips!
I love your table setting and those are great tips.I think making lists is really important especially if you are forgetful like me.LOL 🙂
I like to offer one brand of wine in red and white to keep it simple.
My tip is to accept help when it’s offered — e.g., if someone offers to bring a dish, take them up on it!
My best tip? Have someone else host the party – ha ha. When I am hosting, though, I try to clean up as .uch as I can throughout so that I am not left with a big mess at the end.
I like to have pot luck dinners . Its less stressful.
I like the idea of a list. I tend to forget things.
great tips to keep in mind! thank you
It’s inevitable, any time I host a dinner someone manages to spill something on my carpets….I shall prepare next time with plastic sheets LOL! But honestly, Oxiclean is a go to spill cleanser in my house!
Great tips, I must say I have been lazy the last couple of years and not used my best china!
I make sure that I create a menu and follow up with guests to see if there are any special dietary concerns. I also try to complete any advance meal prep as early as the day before for the event. The most important thing that I do is not put anything sweet out; even dessert is hidden until it’s time to be served.
These are great tips – as I rarely host (read never), I am very greatful for these – maybe I will try!
These are great tips! Planning in advance and having lists is most helpful. There are things out of your control that will always happen so the more well-organized you are, the easy it is to quickly deal with out-of-the-blue issues.
Great tips being prepared for the unexpected is so important
I like to prepare everything I can ahead of time and get help from family if needed. A to do list and timeline when they need to be done is essential.
Cant wait to use these tips for Christmas!
I really dislike hosting but when I do, I just buy party platters rather than kill myself making them.
I decide what I am making and who I am inviting in case of allergies, make my list and go from there but always stressed
The thought of hosting a dinner party terrifies me. Will save this post and use your tips to take some of the pressure off when it’s my turn and I can’t get out of it. lol
I always make a list, plan a budget and I allow plenty of time in advance. Thanks for the tips!
awesome tips! pot luck make great dinners imo—Its less stressful.
I thinking PLANNING ahead is your best bet – holiday hosting is stressful to say the least but it can be made easier for sure
Prepare as much as possible in advance, and don’t be shy about asking for help the day-of for last-minute things!
I try to keep it simple and have everyone bring something to make the night a little easier!!! Kids are great helpers in getting the house ready too!! Bribery!!!
My wife is a good host….me, not so much.
I do agree with your comments. Make a list and check it twice, and then a third time. And I always have extra boxes of wrapped chocolate under the tree just in case someone unexpected drops in.
We plan a similar meal or treats for each party we have – takes the stress out of over-thinking things!
My husband is the king of lists. He makes lists for everything! Also, you are right about “expect the unexpected”. Something always happens that you’re not expecting. My advice, accept it and go with it. Move on.
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda do really work on the silver. I spread my silver on tin foil with the baking soda and water. Lets it stay awhile and it does really work.
I usually plan a menu and make a list of everything we need. And I start early! Little things that aren’t expected can happen and derail your plans!
If someone offers to help accept it.
I always have lists and pre prep whatever food we can the day before!
I make a loose plan and prep as much ahead of time as possible. Definitely have to expect the unexpected!