Hosting a stress-free holiday event at your house can be a delightful experience.
To achieve this:
- you’ll want to plan ahead
- keep things simple
- ensure you have the right decor, cocktails, and appetizers.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you host the perfect non-stressful holiday event:
1. Plan Ahead:
- Choose a Date: Select a date that works for you and your guests, ideally a weekend or a day when everyone can attend.
- Create a Guest List: Determine the number of guests you want to invite and send out invitations well in advance, either digitally or via traditional mail.
- Budget: Establish a budget for your event to keep your spending in check.
- Menu Planning: Decide on your holiday cocktail and appetizers, and make a shopping list. (see below for inspiration)
2. Holiday Decor:
- Affordable Decor on Amazon: Here are some links to popular decor items:
3. Holiday Cocktail:
Cranberry Moscow Mule
- Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- Ginger beer
- Fresh cranberries and lime wedges for garnish
- Directions:
- Fill a copper mug or glass with ice.
- Add vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice.
- Top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with cranberries and a lime wedge.
4. Holiday Appetizers:
5. Party Essentials:
- Don’t forget to have enough
- Plates
- Utensils
- Napkins
- Glasses
- Here’s a curated playlist of holiday music.
6. Prepare in Advance:
3-5 Days Before the Event:
- Plan the Menu:
- Finalize the menu, including your holiday cocktail and appetizers.
- Make a shopping list for all the ingredients you’ll need.
- Decor Shopping:
- Order or purchase decor items from your preferred sources (like the Amazon links provided earlier).
2 Days Before the Event:
- Shop for Groceries:
- Buy all the necessary food and beverage ingredients.
- Check your list twice to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything.
- Prepare Appetizer Components:
- Prepare any components of your appetizers that can be made in advance and stored. For example, you can chop vegetables, make dips, or marinate ingredients.
1 Day Before the Event:
- Decorate Your Space:
- Set up and decorate your space using the decor items you purchased.
- Ensure your table is set and ready for the event.
- Prepare the Holiday Cocktail:
- If possible, mix the cocktail in a large batch and chill it. Add ice or garnishes just before serving.
- Clean and Organize
- Tidy up your home, clean the areas where guests will be, and organize the space.
On the Day of the Event:
- Prepare Remaining Appetizers:
- Assemble any appetizers that couldn’t be prepared in advance.
- Set the Table:
- Lay out the plates, utensils, napkins, and glasses
- Lighting and Music:
- Ensure your lighting and music are set to create a festive atmosphere.
- Last-Minute Prep:
- Prepare your cocktail garnishes (e.g., lemon wedges, cocktail cherries).
- Double-check that you have enough ice.
- Relax and Enjoy:
- Greet your guests, offer them a drink, and enjoy the evening with them.
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