With Thanksgiving just around the corner and the inevitable fast-forward to Christmas, my thoughts have turned toward themed table settings, making space in the hall closet for guest coats, and the great canned-versus-fresh cranberry jelly debate. Sweating the details seems to be an intrinsic part of the holiday season! For example, do you remember the Crate and Barrel commercials where actress Reese Witherspoon obsessed over getting the details just right for her holiday parties? In them, we saw her “behind the scenes” preparations — testing 30+ cranberry jellies and nearly setting the house on fire practicing a lit cocktail. The ads were hilarious and memorable… but all too true. Hosting successful events takes plenty of practice. And, effortless entertaining actually requires the preparation of a General.
With the holiday season fast approaching, are you living in dread, reminiscing about an event in years past that went hopelessly awry? Or, do you simply want to be a bit more organized for your next event? Here are my Top 9 Tips for Effortless Entertaining (or at least entertaining that looks that way):
1)Make a list
If you’ve already hosted one event this season, start a list today, while it’s still fresh in your mind. What went right? And, what went wrong? Include new menu items you’d like to try, ideas for decor, and any other details.
2)Decorate early
Each year, I take a whole week (after Thanksgiving) to decorate for Christmas. Since I have the luxury of time, I can tackle not only the Christmas trees, tabletop displays and front porch, but I can also try some of the vignettes and ideas I’d been saving on Pinterest all year long. Once I am done, I am done. Plus, starting early gives me plenty of time to enjoy the effect which makes me more relaxed and oh-so-happy.
3)Wash and store serving pieces
Throughout the season, I like to use pretty silver chaffing dishes to keep things warm on a buffet table. And, I also use quite a few large crystal platters that have been given to me over the years. Since these items aren’t often used, I polish, buff or wash them and then stash them in sealed plastic bags out of sight in the garage. Then, when I need them, they are ready to go with just a quick wash.
4)Use dishes that go in the dishwasher
My “good china” is simple white with a gold band. Lovely! However, the gold band means it can’t be used in the microwave. And, the dishwasher is also a no-no because dishwasher detergent will eventually take the finish off. So, instead of laboriously hand washing every plate (which I’ve done too many times in the past) this year I will save myself a ton of effort and use blue and white plates. These coordinate beautifully with oranges for Thanksgiving and reds for Christmas . Plus, they are microwave and dishwasher safe. I will save “the good stuff” for small events and dinner parties, where washing masses of dishes isn’t an issue.
5)Choose make-ahead items (and actually make them in advance)
This year, there were several dips and spreads on my menu that really require a day to mature. And, there were other side items that can be prepared, then frozen. A full month before the holiday, I start clearing out the freezer, leaving plenty of room for any dish that can be done ahead. (Freezing multiple batches of cookie dough is one of my favorite tricks!)
6)Enlist some help
Even if you don’t normally use a cleaning service, if you are hosting a big event, this is a gift to give to yourself. (It is supposed to be effortless entertaining, right?) Make sure to book your date well in advance, as slots fill up quickly around the holidays. And, consider hiring some trustworthy teens or college students to work during the party. They can valet park cars (a wonderful idea if you have older relatives), take coats, bus tables, wash dishes, take out the trash, and more.
7)Remember your wee guests
Keeping kids entertained can be challenging. Although my own children are grown, I’ve held onto some of their favorite toys and games, which definitely come in handy. Keep a stash of crayons and paper for the youngest guests.
8)Stock up on storage containers!
A few years ago, after frantically searching through the cupboards for matching containers and lids (and not finding any), I was reduced to storing leftovers in zip lock bags. This year, I found some fabulous glass storage containers that I am not embarrassed to store leftovers in at the end of the party.
9)Embrace imperfection
Although a picture perfect, Insta-worthy holiday is a lovely dream, it isn’t completely realistic. Even with the best of plans, things sometimes go wrong. If you are entertaining, you are bringing people who you love into your home to share a special experience. So, cut yourself some slack! A frantic hostess doesn’t make anyone comfortable. Remember to breathe and enjoy the party. In the past, I have set the prime rib on fire, mopped up after the basement sink overflowed, and broken a precious gift just moments after receiving it. And, do you know what? Although not “perfect,” it was they were lovely holidays just the same.
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Susan Said… WHAT?! is your guide to a life filled with style and was named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone. You’ll find everything from fashion, jewelry, beauty and accessories, to gorgeous gardens and stunning interiors and DIY projects, plus the latest ideas events of all kinds. Susan Conforte McNeill is an author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the literacy organization Success Won’t Wait!