We have barely had time to finish the Halloween candy before the first signs of the holiday season begin emerging, and if you are playing hostess this year, every second counts towards ensuring that you enjoy the holidays right alongside your guests. To start the party season off on the right heel, ensure that your home is ready for the barrage of guests, neighbors, delivery men and all those unexpected visitors that will be trafficking your halls over the next few weeks.
This week I am sharing my 10 top tips for stress free holiday entertaining, starting with these 5 merry makers…..
Get your calendar sorted now to avoid confusion later: Plan out your party schedule, both those that you are hosting, and attending. Ensure that you allocate time for buying hostess gifts, preparing dishes, shopping, and the other endless tasks that often slip through the cracks till the last minute. The best party calendar is one where you allocated time for everything, including a night to put your feet up and re-charge. Learn how to make your calendar do all the hard work here.
Arrange a greeter: Hiring a butler for the night is an amazing treat, but not in everyone’s budget. Instead, hire a local high school student to answer the door, hang up coats and then lend a hand in the kitchen….it is amazing how fabulous it is to actually have a conversation with your guests without listening for the door.
Hire what you need: Do you have enough serving dishes, stem-wear, cook-ware, linens, chairs, tables and everything else you need to serve your guests? Having limited dishes should not put you off hosting a large event, many catering companies hire them out to private customers and start taking bookings in early fall.
Ship Shape & Bristol Fashion: Clean your crystal, china and silverware now, then to a light touch up prior to the event to save valuable time later. In addition to your serving pieces, take stock of your home, look at it with fresh eyes and try to see what your guests will see. Focus on corners, bathroom drawers, your pantry, under to sofa….all those forgotten places that are likely to be seen by your guests but that you have grown immune to. Get started with caring for silver, kitchen cleaning guide, and deep cleaning action plan.
Stock your larder: Ensure that you have a fully stocked pantry now, to prevent you from dashing to and from the shops at the last minute. A full pantry will save you valuable time and give you the confidence you need to get cooking. While you are there, fill up your freezer with ice….it may be cold outside, but no one likes a luke warm cocktail. Print out my pantry shopping list here and learn now to clean your pantry in 5 simple steps.
Looking for tips 6-10? Find them in part 2 here.
Recommended Reading
Clean cocktails for stress free entertaining | Housewife Bliss
How to avoid the Holiday Inn effect | James Swan for Housewife Bliss
The Gracious Toast | Housewife Bliss
Thanksgiving ideas | Coryanne’s Gobble Good Pins