5 Tips for Hosting a Stress-Free, Last-Minute Holiday Party
You didn’t plan on having a holiday party this year. But after scrolling through Pinterest and feeling inspired by all of the colorful Christmas decorations and festive recipes, you’re left with some serious hosting #goals. Good news — it’s not too late! You can easily throw a fab and festive last-minute affair with little to no stress. We’ve got a few tricks and tips up our sleeves to help get you geared up.
Send out e-invitations
Eco-friendly e-invitations from sites like Paperless Post are easy to create and mail out on a whim. They’ll also take a lot of stress out of the equation; the last thing you want is to be left wondering who is going to show up on the day of. Send invites, request an RSVP, and stock up accordingly so you can keep your guests fed and satisfied.
Opt for a casual mingle over a sit-down dinner
Sit-down meals are nice and all, but save ’em for other occasions. A holiday mingle is the perfect excuse to invite your favorite people over without the stress of putting on a big show. Since December is busy for everyone, your guests will appreciate the idea of a low-key soirée just as much as you do! Everyone loves a wine and cheese party, but if you want to go for a different angle, draft up a simple drink menu, pick out some easy crowd-pleasing foods, and keep things super casual.
Serve simple finger foods
Save your slow cooker for the mulled wine, because no ones wants to mingle while juggling a drink and a limp paper plate full of heavy foods. Grazing-type snacks are totally where it’s at. Think one-bite and three-ingredient appetizers, like crostini and mini tarts. On top of that, a simple cheese board goes a long way and always looks elegant.
Set Up A Self-Serve Bar
Asking your guests to serve themselves isn’t rude or tacky at all. It gives you a reason to set up a cute drink station lined with wine glasses and sparkly stir sticks. (Pinterest win!) Stock your beer fridge, set out your wine, put out a bowl of punch, and let ’em have at it. You can also include a signature cocktail to keep things interesting without going overboard. Whatever you do, don’t play bartender, or you’ll spend the entire night shaking and stirring and missing out on all the action.
Don’t Obsess Over Decor
We all want to set the scene for the perfect evening, but most of your guests won’t notice half of your decor. Chances are what you’ve already got going on with your cozy holiday home setup is sufficient. Put the fireplace on, string up some little white lights, and set out a few flameless flickering candles for a warming glow. Because let’s be real: It’s all about the food and the drinks anyway.
For more holiday party inspo, follow us on Pinterest.
(Photos via Brook Lark, Brook Lark, Joanna Kosinka, and Mikayla Mallek / Unsplash)
