The holiday season can be a chaotic and stressful time for everyone. But if you’re hosting this year, you might already feel the extra pressure closing in on you! Before you go into crisis mode, take a deep breath and relax! These holiday hosting hacks will make last minute preparation go smoothly:
Have Mini Meals Ready
If you think you’ll need more time to prepare your Christmas dinner, be sure to have appetizers and mini bites for guests to munch on while they wait. This will help buy you time in the kitchen while keeping guests happy. Grab frozen appetizers and dress them up on a decorative food plate for a simple yet delicious treat that’ll look like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. When it comes to the actual meal, keep things simple and non-fancy, to avoid a merry meltdown.
Create a Crafting Corner
If you have lots of kids coming for Christmas, set up a crafting corner that will entertain the little ones for hours. Provide materials including old Christmas cards, markers, glue, ribbon and scissors. Kids can create their own place cards for dinner or personalized stockings, while you focus your efforts on preparing the meal.
Designate Helpers
While you might get wrapped up roasting the potatoes or stirring the sauce, assign a helper to greet your guests so they don’t feel neglected. This person will play an important role in keeping the room alive and refilling holiday cocktails until dinner is served.
Keep Emergency Backup Gifts
As part of your holiday hosting survival kit, stash simple gifts as a backup in case unexpected guests arrive last minute. Holiday candies, cakepops or small candles are always good things to keep on hand and will ensure that no one is left out.
Simplify Your Wrapping
If time it of the essence and you’re worried about handling last minute details, forgo elaborate gift wrapping and go for a “minimalist chic” approach.Wrap gifts with brown paper and twine and use a black sharpie marker to write the recipient’s name and a holiday love note. Not only is this a time-saver, but you’ll save money and it will look cute too.
If you’re looking to plan the ultimate stress free, holiday party, turn to the Italian Center Banquets to take care of all of the details from start to finish. To schedule your event with us, give us a call at 203-322-6950 or visit our website to learn more about the services we offer.