HOW-TO | A Guide to Stress-Free Hosting: From Planning to Celebration
The holiday season is upon us, and there's no better time to gather friends and family for a festive Christmas celebration. If you've taken on the responsibility of hosting this year's festivities, fear not! With a well-thought-out plan and a dash of creativity, you can create a memorable and stress-free Christmas gathering. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for hosting Christmas with ease.
1. Create a list:
Start your Christmas hosting journey by establishing a list that includes decorations, gifts, food, and anything else you want to add to your day. Once you have a list in mind, create a guest list to determine the number of people you'll be hosting. This will guide your planning process and ensure you have enough space and provisions for everyone.
2. Plan the Menu:
Consider your guests' dietary preferences and any special requirements when planning the menu. Whether you decide to go for a traditional Christmas feast or a more casual gathering, ensure that the menu is diverse and caters to various tastes.
TIP: Let go of the fiddly entrees in favour of a gorgeous grazing board. See some grazing board inspiration here
3. Decorate with Style:
Set the festive mood by decorating your home with seasonal cheer. This doesn’t necessarily mean to go out and buy new things. We find the most appealing decorations are usually the DIY creations. Like creating your own Christmas wreath.
4. Prepare Your Home:
Ensure your home is ready to welcome guests by tidying up and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Set up a designated coat or bag area, clear clutter, and provide ample seating. If you have overnight guests, prepare a comfortable space for them to stay and perhaps offer a special guest gift.
TIP: An inspiring stay is a sensory experience, don’t forget about smell! Evoke memories of Christmases past with traditional smells. Layer aromas such as twine wrapped rosemary, a sprig of pine in a decorative vase or lightly simmer cinnamon sticks & orange on the stove.
5. Get Creative With Your Tablescape:
The table is typically the central focus of most Christmas celebrations. We think tablescapes should be fun, and truly reflect the house they’re in. Sticking to a colour theme has a great impact. Try sticking to two colours and playing around with variations of the same tone. Likewise, add some height or form to our tablescape with sculptural elements, like a vase or decorative bowl. Read our in-depth guide on how to style a festive table here.
6. Create a Timeline:
To avoid last-minute chaos, create a detailed timeline for the days leading up to Christmas and the day of the event. This should include a schedule for cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, and any other preparations. Having a timeline will help you stay organised and reduce stress as the big day approaches.
7. Entertainment and Activities:
Plan some festive entertainment to keep the holiday spirit alive. Create a Christmas playlist, organise a gift exchange, or set up a cosy corner for holiday movies. If you have children attending, consider arranging activities like cookie decorating or a Christmas craft station. Or, for our southern-hemisphere counterparts, experiencing a Summer Christmas, set up backyard activities to keep them entertained.
8. Stay Flexible:
Despite meticulous planning, things may not always go as expected. Stay flexible and embrace the spontaneity of the season. Remember that the most important aspect of Christmas hosting is creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere for your guests.
9. Delegate Tasks:
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Delegate tasks to family members or friends to lighten your load. Whether it's setting the table, preparing a side dish, or helping with decorations, involving others will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
10. Enjoy the Celebration:
Once everything is set up, take a deep breath and savour the joy of the season. Spend quality time with your loved ones, revel in the laughter and merriment, and capture the moments that make Christmas special.
Hosting Christmas can be a rewarding experience with proper planning and a positive mindset. By following this guide and infusing your celebration with love and festive spirit, you'll create lasting memories for both yourself and your guests. May your holiday season be filled with warmth, joy, and the magic of Christmas!