Happy happy Thursday from Prague, friends!
You guys, we rented a car and had THE BEST day yesterday exploring the Czech Republic. I am so happy we went on a little adventure to see more of this beautiful country. We drove about two hours each way to visit THE MOST charming town. It would have been beautiful any time of the year, but the fact that it was drenched in fall foliage just about made this fall girl’s heart explode.
It was stunning! S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G.
Okay, you guys, I have A LOT of entertaining posts on my blog. Over the last 16 years, I have shared my tips, tricks, keys and best ideas to hopefully encourage you to have people into your home…but keep things simple for you as the hostess. I am a girl who LOVES to entertain because I love spending time with my friends and family…with a good meal too.
Today, I looked back over my posts and decided to make one big SHAY’S WAYS for my 19 KEYS TO HOSTING FESTIVE & EASY HOLIDAY PARTIES as the season is upon us 🙂 .
I don’t know about you, but I will be entertaining quite a bit starting the week of Thanksgiving through Christmas Day.
I love having people over for a meal or a party. I love small groups and big groups…any size group. There is just something about inviting people in and breaking bread together that makes me super happy.
Come in to my house today for my 19 KEYS TO HOSTING FESTIVE & EASY HOLIDAY PARTIES:
#1: Be relaxed about the date on the calendar. If you looked at my calendar, the most “expensive” real estate in my year would be the three Fridays and Saturdays leading up to Christmas. I mean, come on, there are just so many fun things one could do on a holiday weekend night, so many obligations, so many local festive things happening…plus, sometimes a girl just wants to stay home and enjoy that week’s new Hallmark movie, sooooo even though I prefer to host parties on Friday or Saturday nights, I understand that it’s probably super difficult for people to commit to those spots on their calendars, so maybe I’m hosting on a Tuesday night? Or a Thursday night? I’m flexible with my party date because I know people are slammed this time of year…especially on the weekend. BUT, if that date is just really, really important to me, I’m sending out invitations early.
#2: Get ready, don’t organize/clean. When it’s time for me to “get ready” for my party, I get ready and clean the appropriate areas of my house (guest bathroom, living area, etc). As tempted as I am when I’m freshening up the guest bathroom, this is not the time to stop and declutter the cabinet under the sink. My guests aren’t needing towels at my dinner party, so I don’t need to waste time stopping and organizing that space (or whatever it is). I know that I often easily get sucked into cleaning/organizing things that really have no effect on my party just because I see that it needs to be done. Move on and do that another time. If you stop and do things like that now, you’ll end up rushing later because you’re out of time.
#3: Relax and have fun! I always think that the more relaxed the host is, the more fun the party is. If the host is fretting over the food, it’s hard for the guests to sit back and relax. I always try to make entertaining nice for my guests, but at the same time, I just want them to come in, relax and have a nice time.
#4: Don’t make everything. I heard someone on Food Network say this one time (I think it was Barefoot Contessa), and it’s always stuck with me. I try and make about three things when I have people over and then I let the store help me with the rest (or some great bakers!). For instance, I’ll make a lasagna, salad and pie, but I’ll order a cheese board from my grocery store and pick up bread from the bakery. Or I’ll buy a turkey from the store and make two sides and buy a pie. I just don’t want to be so busy in the kitchen that I miss out on being with my guests. Which leads me to tip #3…
#5: Make as much as you can ahead of time. I try to be really organized so that I don’t have to be cooking when people are over. I’ll have things already in the oven, salads made, desserts ready to go and whatnot, so when they ring the doorbell, I’m not preoccupied with cooking.
#6: Play fun music! I know this sounds silly, but music sets the mood for any party! We always have a big Halloween dinner prior to trick or treating, and we’ll play a spooky mix on Pandora or during the summer outside, we’ll play oldies. There is always a play list for every occasion 🙂 . Music makes things FUN!
#7: Have a signature drink. If you are planning on serving alcohol at your party, do not worry about having “all the things”. You can keep it simple with just a few bottles of wine or one kind of beer or a signature drink. You are not a restaurant, do not feel like you have to have a ton of options. Keep it simple. We like to have one signature drink like my Merry Cherry Mules.
#8: Use white plates. After years and years of buying colorful plates with cute patterns, I realized that gosh darn it…food just looks better on a white plate. So, I went to Walmart and stocked up on plates (they were $1 each!), and we use those for every occasion. I change out the napkins and table decorations to make things seasonal, but my plain white plates stay the same.
#9: Turn the a/c up! I went to a dinner party one time and I thought I was going to have to go to the restroom and take off my pants. I was DYING! It was so hot in there! As silly as this tip sounds, you have to remember to cool things down. Nothing is worse than eating hot food in a hot room.
#10: Make your wifi password easy. I mean, even at a party, people will want your wifi password, so I try to make it something easy because they’ll ask and won’t remember if it’s hard. One of you sweet readers suggested that tip to me one time and it stuck!! This is good for overnight guests too.
#11: Clean up later. I’m really big on enjoying people when I have them in my home, so I clear the table (if we stay around to chat) or just leave the dishes there (if we move into another room) and worry with the dishes and mess later. The dishes will be there, but your friends will eventually leave, so I make sure not to clean while they’re hanging out.
#12: Make it fun! I host several parties a year that involve contests or games. For instance, I always host my annual recipe exchange where the best recipe earns a prize (voted on my the guests) and then for Christmas Eve, we like to play fun “minute to win it” type games. This stuff just makes people laugh and have a good time. Plus, nothing is more fun than seeing your friends get competitive. My prizes always vary…but it’s the game that people enjoy the most.
#13: Have the basics for outdoors. We host a lot of outdoor parties, so I make sure to keep sunscreen and bug spray out where they can spot it. I learned this just from attending parties where I was dying for some bug spray but didn’t want to bug the hostess for some (because those darn mosquitoes just love to bite me!). So, now, I keep that stuff out along with towels for them to use too (if we’re swimming and they didn’t bring one) in a place that is very visible, so that if they need it, it’s there.
#14: And let’s go ahead and say bathroom basics too. Um, yeah. Make sure you have soap, lots of extra TP and I like to use those long napkins for hand towels during a party instead of a hand towel. Because I don’t know about you…but it’s kind of gross to me to dry my hands on a wet towel that other people have used. This way, they can dry it off with a napkin and toss it.
#15: Make sitting fun and easy. I’m all over the place on whether or not to assign seats at a dinner party. I get why it’s good because you get to mix up people, but I typically just have my table set and tell people they can sit anywhere they like. I realllllly try and keep things unfussy.
#16: Have a theme! I love a good themed party. Whether it’s a theme in cuisine (like Mexican or Italian) or a theme in holiday (a spooky Halloween supper, ugly Christmas sweaters, or a British hat party)… themes are just plain fun (and keep the mood LIGHT!).
#17: Don’t stress about decorating. Listen, I love to go over the top with decorations for the holidays, but you do not have to do that. A cozy atmosphere (dim the lights!), a few candles, some festive music and maybe a string of twinkle lights somewhere and bam, instant festive evening. Don’t stress if your house isn’t obnoxiously “Christmas”.
#18: Party favors are fun for adults too! I almost always give out a little party favor when my guests leave. It can be anything from a candle to popcorn from our town’s popcorn shop to a jar of apple butter to a fuzzy throw…just a random assortment depending on the season/how many people/the occasion. I think it’s fun to give gifts and passing them out as people leave always makes me happy.
#19: I try to be sensitive to food allergies and what I’m serving. I have several friends with severe food allergies, so I really try and make sure nothing served has anything in it they might be allergic to. Also, when I invite new people over, I ask them about allergies and I also ask them if there is just something they don’t enjoy eating. If they hate pork, I sure don’t want to serve it.
I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again, for me, when people leave my house, I don’t want them to remember what they ate, I don’t want them to remember how pretty the table was, I just want them to think back with warm fuzzy thoughts about how much fun they had. That’s it. That’s all I want them to think about…the fun.
Now, it’s your turn! What are your favorite tips for easy holiday entertaining? I can’t wait to read them!!! With the holidays quickly approaching, I know we’re all probably doing more entertaining than normal. Please share 🙂 .
Don’t forget, I have so many other SHAY’S WAYS, but several are already dedicated to the holiday season and/or entertaining.
Just look:
25 Keys to a Peaceful Morning
22 Keys to making Fall Cozy
19 Key Fall Kitchen Essentials
18 Keys to Prepping for a Trip
14 Keys to simplify BACK TO SCHOOL
21 Keys to Savoring Summer
21 Keys for Working at Home {Summer Edition}
25 Keys to Outdoor Summer Entertaining
25 Keys to Maintaining our Yard
17 Keys to my Holiday Prep
11 Keys to a Cozy Winter
9 Keys to Returning from a Trip
12 Keys to Leaving Your Kiddos When You Travel
13 Keys to Meal Planning
8 Keys to Creating Daily Routines You Love
21 Keys to Elevating the Everyday
13 Keys to Managing Jet Lag
9 Keys to a Cozy Halloween Night
Thank you in advance for your tips below! I always get so many good ones from YOU!!
Merry Thursday, friends. I’ll see you tomorrow! xx
Brittany says
You *have* to read the Art of Gathering by Priya Parker!! I love hosting but she has me re thinking everything- gathering my folks with more meaning.
Elspeth says
I love these posts! I always get great ideas from them! I alway have some Rubbermaid’s or plastic containers on hand to send leftovers home with leftovers if there’s a lot of extra food!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Emilee says
Such a perfect post ahead of Holiday entertaining!
Julianna says
I like to put extra trash cans around in visible places. Then I’m not worry about emptying as frequently and people aren’t looking in my kitchen cabinets for the trash. I also put one out by our playground so kid’s trash is more likely to be thrown out rather than left in the yard!
Erika Slaughter says
Great tips! And this is perfectly timed as I’m sure we’re all about to welcome more guests!
Dana P says
1. I’m remembering how beautiful fall is in Europe and I’m loving it, too. Come on through the ‘burbs of Paris and I’ll show you some of our favorite spots! I feel like that’s something not many people realize…
2. These lists are SO helpful! The only one I’m on the fence about is not cleaning up during the party. Maybe I’m a party pooper, but I love straightening up toward the end and usually someone else will pitch in and we have a great talk, too. That helps me not to be overwhelmed with hosting the next time as well. And I know many people (myself included) who prefer to be doing something instead of standing around. I just hope it doesn’t make people feel like they HAVE to help..
3. Having conversation starter cards on hand for when there is a lull is helpful, too!
Kay says
So fun! Thank you for sharing these great tips. I don’t have any of my own above and beyond the things you mentioned, but I do have a question! How/what do you do with the DOGS? I have two golden retrievers and my older 10 year old dog is very cranky now when people come over. (He didn’t use to be?). It takes me a while to calm him down but then he just sleeps through anything. Do you let the dogs roam around or do you constrict them to one area of your house while entertaining? And if you do, do they bark the whole time? Thanks for any tips on this!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh good question! My dogs are all crate trained, so when we entertain, they chill out in their crates. They love it so they don’t bark, but if other people have dogs that aren’t crate trained, maybe they can chime in? Great question!
Katie says
Hahah. This is totally something my husband and I disagree on when it comes to entertaining. I think the dogs should be in crates or contained in another room away from guests and my husband (who believes The Golden Rule applies to all living things) thinks they will get FOMO if they are not part of the action. We usually go back and forth between putting the dogs up and letting them out to mingle. Hahaha. I’m firmly in the camp of putting the dogs up unless they are really good with guests and don’t bark or try to beg for food, or if all the guests are big dog people and would prefer to have them around. You just never know who might be allergic or uncomfortable around dogs, or even who might try to feed them under the table!
Sheaffer says
Great tips! I can’t wait until you have me over and put all these tips to use! 😉
Arika says
I know you try and mix in some nonfiction books in your reading. You should check out The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. I heard her on a podcast and her book is on my list. It is less about the logistics of hosting and more about bring intentional in creating meaningful experiences for different groups. Her thoughts were insightful, I’ve ordered the book!
Kelli says
Thank you for considering and mentioning food allergies. ❤️ My 12 year old is allergic (anaphylactic) to peanuts. I’m always so appreciative when others go the extra mile to avoid peanuts, find out and provide food that is safe for her to eat, or even welcome her to bring her own food so she’ll feel safe. That way she can still participate and be a part of the event!
Kelly says
I second this. As someone with a severe food allergy, I am used to bringing my own food, but I always really, really appreciate it when someone takes my allergy into consideration. It is so thoughtful!
Beth Valenta says
I love a good party! I always do two things besides the food…1. I have a trivia type of game around my theme party and number them and put them around the rooms downstairs. I have game sheets for them to guess with a random partner for a prize. I learned this from my mom, it gets people talking that may be quiet and it lets them not bottle up in my kitchen talking the whole time. 2. I have some type of pairing for fun on my island in the kitchen. At my fall ladies party I did a popcorn pairing with various white wines that matched, at my barbecue I had them guess what lite beer out of 3, I have done potato chip pairings too. All on Pinterest and cheap fun. 🙂
Amy Ms. Azza says
One tip that has really helped me relax during parties is I hire a service that sends one or two people to help set up during the party and then they come back and clean up after the party. It is very inexpensive- usually about $40 for two people and they come 1-2 hours before the party and set everything up and then they come after the party and stay 1-2 hours cleaning everything up. I love to entertain but stress about everything looking perfect and I hate the clean up part so this is genius. They even will put ice in my cooler and then fill it with water and soda. I love using this service!
Alison says
If I’m hosting a larger sized group, I use drink tags for the stem or handle. Otherwise, there’s an island full of glasses/cups and no one knows which one is theirs. My friends love to see what cute or silly tags I’ve set out for the night.
Olivia says
I agree with this tip. One year I had stemless wine glasses for everyone to put their cocktails, wine or water in and I bought some inexpensive gold glitter sticker letters and put their names on each one. Everyone thought it was neat.
Irene Kelly says
Hi Shsy, I just forwarded your Part 1 of your London trip to my friend who will be visiting there for the first time. She just got back from a cruise up/down the Danube. And has traveled Europe many times but missed the UK. Since I am rather new to your blog I need to ask how you decided on your name Mix & Match Mama ?
Mix and Match Mama says
I hope she has so much fun!! Years and years and years ago, I came up with the name because I was mixing and matching recipes to make things simple for busy ladies in the kitchen. Instead of learning a lot of new recipes, I was sharing one basic recipe and then showing you tweaks to make it different but still simple and delicious 🙂 .
Mimi says
I never turn down help from a family member or close friend if they offer to bring something or help with something…and I always repay them at their house when they host.
Tracy says
Is that Cesky Krumlov? It’s one of our favorites.
Mix and Match Mama says
It is!!!!!!
K.K. says
Shay, these are so good! So, I laughed out loud when you mentioned wanting to take your pants off!! ah ha ha… And then, I flashed to Ross on Friends and his leather pants…I hope you know the episode I’m referencing! And I hope this gives you a laugh too! I hope you’ve never had a situation like that… 🙂
Pam says
Would love if you could share your minute to win it games!!!
MelanieL says
Another great Shay’s Ways!! The napkins in the bathroom has been the best tip that many may not think about but I learned from you before. Put those hand towels away and provide the napkins!! I have enjoyed following along on your trip! 🙂
Ann-Michele says
Great ideas Shay! Someone recommended to me that you keep track of people’s allergies/dislikes/favourites in the comments/notes section under their contact in your phone. I love using this to treat friends with their favorite Starbucks orders! (For dinner parties this is also a life saver!)
Linda Lipinski says
Instead of an evening party in December, try a Saturday morning brunch open house. You set the time that works best for you.
Guests can come in and visit, have something to eat and drink, and then get on with their Christmas shopping or whatever else they might need to do. It works so well this way.
Lisa D says
I think just being prepared ahead of time so that there’s not a lot of stressful last minute things to do.
I love serving dessert on colorful paper plates that match my theme.
I stopped giving party favors because it became an expense, and also, how many candles does anyone need? Or want 😉
Happy hosting!
Natalie says
Before Halloween sometime we have an annual pumpkin painting party and serve chili, etc & everyone brings a pumpkin for their kid and we have paint etc. but now that it’s Christmas I want to do Christmas! I picture eating good food, someone playing piano and Singing Christmas songs and outdoor fire and visiting. Is that corny 😂🤗
Jaren says
Such great ideas! Love the signature drink and white plates!
Lindsay D. says
We have a QR code for our wifi password. Makes it easy for when our daughters have their friends over.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that! How 2023 of you! I need to do that too!
Jes says
Love that you have games during your events. Can you share what the prizes are? I have multiple versions of BINGO for my get togethers and I’m running out of prize ideas!
Mix and Match Mama says
I have had so many different prizes over the years. Sometimes, I’ll have things as simple as a seasonal bag of popcorn from our gourmet popcorn store on our square to festive earrings, a candle, a blanket, a piece of Kendra Scott jewelry, I’ve done gift cards…I’ve really done so many different things.