Coffee naps, meditation, and yoga are just a few tactics to survive the holidays. But sometimes, we end up with our face plated in a pillow instead of breathing deep in the down dog. This year, we’re trying to cut our stress with these seven tips for holiday prep.
There’s much to do as we host, gift-give, and celebrate. Coming from a big family with years of hosting dinner parties and holiday gatherings, I know what it takes to make guests feel right at home. From setting the vibe to planning the menu, I’ve learned to streamline the process while keeping things festive.
With my background as a chef, I’m all about balancing flavor with efficiency. So, I’ve rounded up my top tips for holiday prep that’ll help you stay calm, collected, and caffeinated.
Seven Tips For Mastering Holiday Prep
Tip 1: Plan Holiday Meal Prep
From cocktail parties to holiday meals to weekend brunch, there are many occasions to get in the kitchen. We do our holiday meal prep early in the day to get it done while we’re bright and cheery!
But it starts well before the big day. At least a week out, look at your menu and identify what can be made ahead. Sometimes, it’s simply a part of the recipe (like chopping all the onions, making the salad dressing, or preparing all the garnishes), while other recipes can be made all the way through and, like this Roasted Red Pepper Romesco Dip, get better as they sit!
Once you’ve identified your game plan, start making a shopping list. If anything can be made ahead, do it up to a few days before. We split a lot of the prep for a big dinner across multiple days and, say, cut all the veggies one night and then make all the sauces the next. Doing a few things before or after you prepare other meals will break it up, so it’s less daunting.
Tip 2: Holiday Cookie (Meal or Gift) Swap
The cookie swap has existed since your grandma’s time, and with good reason: it’s a way to socialize while completing your to-do list.
We say invite friends over and get more hands on deck for any and all mutually beneficial holiday prep, from Christmas cookie baking or healthy meal-making to even gift-wrapping or, for really good friends, helping with cleanup.
Also, if you need some ideas, check out these cookie recipes for swapping, baking, mailing, and eating this holiday season.
Tip 3: Holiday Table Setting
Chances are you aren’t inviting the same people to every holiday event you have so we say you can repeat your table setting without shame.
Every season we decide on one table setting then get everything from the plates to utensils, napkins, and glassware out. We wash it all and then stack it up out of the way.
Also, be sure to group and label all the platters and serving pieces with sticky notes to indicate what goes with each dish. That way when it’s go-time for your party, anyone can help you with table setting by merely following your pre-determined sticky notes!
Tip 4: Plan The Holiday Recipes
This time of year, our weeknight task is to devise a list of all the recipes we possibly want to make and then categorize them for the occasion.
We have tried-and-true holiday entertaining recipes that we make year after year, but we try to mix things up and add a few new ones each holiday season.
This year, we’ve made many of these recipes to keep houseguests well-fed without adding more to our schedule or oven.
We’ve also regularly made this Upside-Down Baked Apple Pecan French Toast, which is way less work than standard French Toast and has the bonus of maple-espresso-glazed bacon!
Tip 5: Holiday Card Writing
As stationery fiends, picking out holiday cards is one of our favorite things this time of year. However, card writing can quickly go from fun to tedious. To avoid card-writing burnout, do it in shifts and write just a few cards daily for a few days. That way, you can write something thoughtful and enjoy the entire process of holiday cheer.
Tip 6: Houseguest Coffee Station
How do you level up your hostess skills this holiday? With unexpected details, such as DIY stations from a DIY cocktail bar, DIY breakfast set up, and a DIY coffee service for after a big meal. But instead of becoming a barista at a party, make a coffee shop-quality coffee station in your home.
For example, set out an espresso machine with a variety of capsules for a functional and festive coffee station, letting guests enjoy their perfect cup any time of day.
Tip 7: Sweet Retreat
Last but not least? Book some downtime for yourself. It’s hard to sneak away with houseguests and in-laws in town, but we do our best to clock in a little me-time every day.
Curl up with a book and have an afternoon pick-me-up of espresso and a treat, be it a square of chocolate or a full-on affogato, an ice cream, and an espresso float.
With these seven strategies, your holiday prep will be as enjoyable as the celebrations. So, grab a cup of espresso, dive into the list, and make this your best (and most stress-free) holiday season yet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing your home for holiday guests involves several vital steps to ensure both comfort and festivity:
- Declutter and Clean: Start by thoroughly cleaning your home, focusing on guest areas like the living room, guest bathrooms, and kitchen. Declutter to make space for decorations and guest belongings.
- Set Up Guest Spaces: If you have overnight guests, prepare the guest rooms with fresh linens, extra blankets, and toiletries. Consider adding thoughtful touches like a water carafe, reading materials, and a welcome note.
- Decorate: Create a festive atmosphere with wreaths, lights, and a Christmas tree. Aromatic candles or a diffuser with holiday scents like cinnamon or pine can enhance the ambiance.
- Plan Seating and Space: Arrange your living and dining areas to comfortably accommodate your guests. Ensure there is ample seating and space for people to mingle.
Crafting a holiday menu that accommodates all guests involves thoughtful consideration of dietary preferences and restrictions:
- Ask About Dietary Restrictions: Well before the event, inquire about any dietary restrictions or allergies your guests may have, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or nut allergies.
- Balance the Menu: Include a variety of dishes that cater to different dietary needs. Ensure there are vegetarian and vegan options, and consider gluten-free or low-sugar alternatives.
- Include Classic and Creative Dishes: While traditional dishes are a must, adding a few creative or unexpected items can make your menu memorable.
- Prep in Advance: Choose recipes that allow for prepping or cooking ahead of time to minimize last-minute kitchen stress.
Keeping guests entertained is crucial for a successful holiday gathering:
- Music and Atmosphere: Create a playlist of holiday music or soft background music to set the mood.
- Games and Activities: Plan a mix of activities suitable for all ages, such as card games, board games, or a holiday movie viewing.
- Interactive Food Stations: Set up stations like a DIY dessert bar or a hot cocoa stand where guests can customize their treats.
- Outdoor Elements: If weather permits, incorporate outdoor elements such as a bonfire with marshmallow roasting or a lighted patio for fresh air and conversation.
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Holiday Food And Wine Pairing Tips
As you dive into holiday entertaining prep—from setting a festive table to planning the perfect menu—consider how the right food and wine pairings can elevate your gatherings. Thoughtfully selected wines can highlight the flavors of your holiday dishes, making every bite and sip more memorable.
For expert advice on pairing festive foods with the perfect wines, check out our holiday food and wine pairing tips guide. Discover which wines complement everything from savory roasts to sweet desserts and impress your guests with perfectly balanced holiday flavors.
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