Table of Content
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, the holiday season, and that means playing host or hostess to family, friends and neighbors. If you are hosting the holidays this year, here are ten tips to help you host holiday guests this winter season.
#1 Name Cards
When hosting a holiday dinner, create holiday inspired name cards for your holiday guests. Decorative name cards can take your dinner table decor to the next level and add a much-appreciated personalized touch.
Hosting a dinner that mixes new and old friends? Use these decorative name cards to assign seats. It might not feel necessary if everyone knows each other, but if you’re mixing new people together, it can relieve so much stress for guests about where to sit!
#2 Create Custom Cocktails and Mocktails
If you are playing holiday host or hostess, create a variety of custom cocktails and mocktails for your guests to sip and savor all day long. Whether it’s a steaming hot mug of mulled wine or hot apple cider, channel your culinary creativity. Need some inspiration? Check out these recipes for holiday cocktails and mocktails.#3 Delegate Dishes
Hosting a larger holiday dinner can be a big undertaking (even if you are a seasoned vet) so don’t be shy to delegate dishes to your guests! Whether it’s appetizers, side dishes, or desserts, have everyone help. Claim the dishes you love to cook and let your guests take over the remaining, but remember to be very specific when designating dishes. No one wants three trays of roasted cauliflower showing up.
#4 Free up the Fridge
A few days before your big event, start clearing out the fridge and freezer to make space for your holiday recipes and future leftovers. It sounds small, but something like this can save you a lot of stress the day of your holiday celebration.
#5 Get in the Holiday Spirit
When hosting a holiday party, don’t forget to get in the holiday spirit. Display a few tasteful decorations and set the mood with some festive music. Ambiance can help your party guests get excited for the fun night that you've planned, so take a moment to put a personal touch on your space this holiday season.#6 Have a Head Count
Whether you are hosting a smaller, more intimate affair or a larger, elaborate holiday celebration, make sure you have enough food and drinks for all of your guests by taking a head count of attendees prior to the big day. When in doubt, always prepare extra! You would rather have plenty of leftovers than not enough food for holiday guests to enjoy.#7 To-Go Containers
Since everyone's eyes are usually bigger than their stomachs, you will most likely have holiday leftovers. Stock up on tupperware and to-go containers beforehand so you can dish up to-go plates for all of your guests to enjoy the next day. You can also ask holiday guests to bring their own containers if you are low on storage!
#8 Stock Up on Snacks
When hosting holiday guests, always have tasty snacks on hand. Some good go-to options include a fresh fruit tray, vegetables and Saffron Yogurt Dip, and homemade snack mixes like this recipe for spiced nuts. Snacks are a perfect way to treat guests that arrive a little earlier than scheduled!
#9 Sweet Send Off
Give your holiday guests a sweet send off by sending them home with some delicious desserts leftover from the holiday festivities. Some of our favorites include Saffron Orange Cupcakes, Eggless Saffron Almond Cookies and Saffron Cream Cheese Brownies.
#10 Enjoy the Moment
Remember, hosting the holidays does not have to be perfect. There may be some hiccups along the way and that’s okay. At the end of the day, if you are surrounded by family and friends, you have a lot to be thankful for and isn’t that what the holidays are all about?Help us empower women, families and farmers in Afghanistan by supporting our mission here.