Thanks so much to Tara At Home for sponsoring this post!
‘Tis the season for hosting festive gatherings! There’s something in me that absolutely thrives on hosting friends and family in our home. The issue with having a desire to host #allthethings is that it can get a little overwhelming! So many details, so many expectations and FAR too many things on the to-do list! Can I get an AMEN!?! Thankfully I’ve learned a few tricks that have helped me simplify holiday gatherings! I’m so excited to share a few tidbits of wisdom with y’all today!
This year I’m doing everything in my power to keep the holiday hosting simple. I want to enjoy the events we host in our home and be available to entertain my guests! There’s nothing worse than a stressed out hostess!
We’re not hosting Thanksgiving this year but we are DOING IT UP for Christmas! We hosted a “Christmas in January” get-together last year (we closed on our house four days too late!) and it was fun but I’m so excited to get back into our tradition of hosting the family on Christmas day! I want to be intentional about how I choose to host this year, keeping simplicity and sweet time with family in mind!
Today I’ve rounded up a few of my very best tips for hosting a stress-free holiday gathering so you too can enjoy the holiday’s with your fam bam!
Tip #1: Delegate!
You do NOT have to do it all! Delegate the details to the baker down the street, the caterer around the corner, and the guests attending your event! While I TOTALLY recommend cooking up a few homemade dishes (it’s what any good Southern lady would do!) it’s also important to remember that it’s 2018 and “ain’t nobody got time for that!” haha! There’s nothing wrong with picking up a few dishes from a caterer or outsourcing your pie baking duties! Mixing the outsourced goodies with a few homemade treats is an excellent way to save time!
Tip #2: Set Your Table Ahead of Time!
Setting the table might seem like a small task but in all actuality, it’s a BIG deal! My Christmas table is already set… which might sound insane but it’s honestly such a stress-relief! In addition to place cards and pretty napkins, I set out my serving pieces with pre-labeled sticky notes so I know what goes where! (Ex: there’s a note for mini pecan pies on this platter and rolls on this platter!) Goodness, it’s such a relief to have all of these details prepared ahead of time! This year I’m thrilled to be using Tara at Home pieces to display my holiday goodies! Tara at Home is a new-to-me company that exists to recognize the goodness in our lives and help women achieve their greatest goals and dreams! Now that’s a company mission statement I can get behind! I adore this gorgeous Cashmere Flurries collection! Can’t wait to enjoy these pieces with my family!
shop the Cashmere Flurries Collection here!
Tip #3: :Let Go of Your Expectations!
Nothing will ruin a get-together quite like unrealistic expectations. I can preach this one from the pulpit because I am the reigning queen of unrealistic expectations! I blame Pinterest!!! Intentionally setting expectations for hosting an event will set you up for success and allow you to relax and enjoy the time together! KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE! Take into account the needs and likes of your guests, co-hosts and family members! Ps. Clear communication is key! If you’re thinking “black tie, fine china, five-course meal” and your guests are thinking “burgers and apple pie” you’re bound to run into some disappointment! Expecting one result and getting anther can be tough on a hostess. Do your best to clearly communicate expectations but don’t stress out when things don’t go your way! Invitations or even a detailed text message can help communicate your wishes. But when things don’t go your way… try your best to adopt a care-free, “roll with the punches” mentality! I promise, you’ll have a much better time!
I hope your holiday gatherings are a huge success!
love y’all, mckenzie
