Hosting Stress Free Christmas Quick Guide

Plan Your Menu

• This is the time to get out special recipes and make festive foods that really feel like Christmas – family favorites – think about if anyone is gluten free, dairy free or other issues – not that it will change your menu but people appreciate thoughtfulness
• Compile your grocery list in advance
• Shop early or even consider grocery delivery but have them delivered a day early in case there is something last minute you need – or they are out of anything
• Remember to plan the beverages too adults and kids, kids love festive drinks in fun glasses and so do adults consider have a signature cocktail for the grown ups
• Do as much meal prep ahead of time as possible
• Accept help from your guests when hosting Christmas

Clean & Decorate Your House

• Nothing says Christmas like a beautifully decorated tree, lots of lights, and a merry table setting.
• Tableware: There are two schools of thought:
  • Pull out your best china and silver to make the meal feel special or use.
  • Use every day dishes with extra fancy touches to make clean up simpler.
• Deep clean entertaining areas and any guest bedrooms you will use
• Add touches like candles and throw blankets to create a cozy atmosphere, and if you have a fireplace light a fire (but always test the fireplace a few days ahead to make sure the smoke draws correctly) ((Yes this is from a bad experience J)

Create A Fun Celebration

• Plan the event - Know when you want to serve your meal and then let the rest of the events fall around that
• Let your guests know when they should arrive and what they should bring
• Plan some entertainment whether it’s a fun card game, charades, carols or even dancing
• Consider how clean up will work and what to do with leftovers
• Have Christmas music ready (online, records or event local Christmas radio station) Here is a list of our favorites.
• Plan ahead what you and your family will wear and set it out – this will help eliminate last minute running around when kids can’t find their tights and the Santa hats are missing.

Gift Exchanges Tis the Season

• Decide in advance whether this party or dinner involves giving gifts and let your guests know
• If this is your big family present, get out garbage bags for the paper, and shopping bags for people to bring their gifts home
• You can do something jolly like a white elephant or simple like secret Santa
• As the host it is always a nice gesture to give a party favor, and at this time of year a small ornament or cookies you made

Expect the Unexpected

• Pre-think contingency plans especially if you are cooking something new
• Be ready for that guest that over indulges – they spend the night or Uber
• Stock your medicine cabinet in case of a headaches, minor injury or upset stomach
• Focus your attention on the joy of the event, everything else will work out fine – and if it doesn’t that makes a great story next Christmas