Want to manage holiday entertaining stress? It becomes much easier when you follow these simple, spirit-saving strategies from Margeaux House of This Curvy World.
I, virtually met Margeaux House from This Curvy World this week. We had a wonderful sister-to-sister chat about each of our endeavors. Margeaux is passionate about sharing herself and showing up for other women. Her blog and Instagram accounts showcase her amazing spirit and bravery. She wants to be there for other deliciously curvy women. She wants to shine a light on how skinny is NOT the only way in which to live a happy, healthy life. We discussed ways to collaborate; how to be better together, and I am thrilled that Margeaux said “yes” to being part of our Kuel Community.
Poking around her blog site, I came across her piece on ways to manage stress when entertaining during the holidays. Given that the season is upon us, whether we like it or not, I felt compelled to share this on Kuel Life.
10 Simple Strategies to Manage Holiday Entertaining Stress
1. Deep Clean Early to Reduce Holiday Entertaining Stress
Cleaning the house is super time-consuming, so do a deep dive housecleaning at the beginning of the season. This way, all you have to do is a light dusting or vacuum before entertaining, and you’ll always be ready for any impromptu guests.
2. Plan Ahead and Spread Out the Cost
Plan ahead. Start by making a list of everything you will need for your event weeks in advance. During that time begin picking up your décor items, platters, candles, etc. This will allow you plenty of time to get everything you need while spreading out the cost of hosting over time.
3. Create a Menu but Don’t Make Everything Yourself
Create your menu, but don’t think you need to make every dish on it. Whether it’s canapes or a sit-down dinner, outsource some of the dishes to friends. We all have friends or family who love to cook, and many people even have a favorite holiday dish that they like to make… so let them bring it. I used to make the mistake of feeling like I had to make everything myself…food is love, so trust me, others are happy to pitch in.
4. Keep the Bar Simple
Don’t go crazy with the bar. Choose one type of spirit to create a signature drink and serve beer and wine–especially if you want to keep things simple while still offering thoughtful options—like choosing a bottle that can pair wine with seafood dishes or appetizers you may be serving. This way, whether you’re hosting at home or entertaining before heading out to a restaurant, you create an experience that feels polished without the stress of managing a full bar. Your friends and family are sure to bring libations as well, so you don’t need to provide a full bar.
5. Make Holiday Playlists in Advance
Make a few holiday playlists with a total of at least 8 hours of music that takes you through the mood of your party. Light music while your guests are arriving and through dinner, and then maybe pick up the vibe as the evening gets later.
6. Rearrange Furniture Early in the Week
If you will need to move your furniture to accommodate the amount of guests you have, then start setting up the layout of the house and do the rearranging earlier in the week. This will allow you some time to feel the flow of the space and make any tweaks you think you may need.
7. Set the Table or Buffet Ahead of Time
For a sit-down dinner set the table the night before. If you are doing a buffet, lay out the platters that you will be using for each dish so you know exactly how much room you will need to allow for the food.
8. Try an Easier Hosting Format
Instead of hosting a formal dinner do a champagne and dessert party, asking your guests to bring a bottle and their favorite dessert. It’s the holiday’s and everyone will want to contribute in some fashion anyway.
9. Keep Simple Snacks on Hand for Drop-In Guests
Around the holidays we tend to have impromptu guests drop-in often so I like to keep a few cheeses, crackers, fruit, and a few bottles of nice wine on hand during the holiday season. This way if someone calls to say they are in the neighborhood can they stop by, I don’t have to rush out to the store at the last minute.
10. Remember What Truly Matters
Remember the holiday season is about friends, family, peace and love. No matter what type of event you are hosting if you remember that… it will be wonderful.
Welcoming Margeaux into the Kuel Life Community
Kuel Life hopes to be seeing a lot more from Margeaux and we are excited to be in cahoots!
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