These simple and stress free holiday hosting tips are the key to making hosting and throwing parties fun again.
The holidays always seem to sneak up on us, don’t they? One minute it’s October and you’re picking pumpkins, and the next you’re suddenly prepping for family gatherings, dinner parties, and all the festive fun that comes with the season. I love hosting—truly, nothing makes me happier than getting my favorite people all in one place! But, I also know how quickly it can go from joyful to… a little chaotic. Over the years, I’ve found a few simple things that make hosting feel easier and calmer so that I can actually enjoy the party too.
If you’re opening your home this season for any sort of festive get together or dinner party, here are my favorite tried-and-true tips to make your holiday gatherings feel warm, welcoming, and beautifully effortless.
10 Stress-Free Holiday Hosting Tips to Make Parties Fun Again
Prep Ahead So You Can Actually Enjoy Your Guests
The best gift you can give yourself is prepping as much as possible in advance. If you’re cooking for your guests, this can easily eat up a ton of your time. Chop veggies, prepare sauces, set out serving pieces and utensils so you’re not digging around at the last minute. Anything that you can do ahead of time, do it! Even a day ahead so you’re not exhausted on that night of your party.
If you can make a dish ahead and reheat it, even better.
I also love choosing one or two “hero” dishes and keeping the rest simple—think chilled salads, easy to prep sides and desserts that I bought at the store. Your guests will remember how they felt—not whether you made everything from scratch.
Set the Table A Few Days in Advance
Just like prepping food in advance, set your table a day, or even two ahead of time. My family typically eats at our kitchen table and we save the dining room for fancier events, mostly because I don’t trust my kids to not spill on my chairs. If you’re like me, this makes it easy to knock this off my to-do list in advance.
Set the Mood with Lighting (It Matters More Than You Think)
The quickest way to make your home feel cozy and inviting? Lighting. Turn off the harsh overheads and rely on lamps, dimmed chandeliers, and candles—anything that gives off a soft, warm glow. It instantly makes your space feel intentional and special. Sorta like an intimate restaurant. There’s something about a flickering candle that just calms my mood instantly, plus they can add a nice scent that makes your space feel elevated and fancy.
Batch a Signature Drink (It’s Easier Than You Think)
A signature cocktail or mocktail makes everything feel more special, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Even better to make one that you can batch in advance. A simple cocktail mixed in a large pitcher allows guests to come as they please and doesn’t force you to make individual drinks everytime someone new walks through the door.
Mix Real + Store-Bought—No Guilt
This is your friendly reminder that you do not need to cook every single thing from scratch. Buy the dessert. Grab pre-made rolls. Pick up a charcuterie kit and zhuzh it up with fresh herbs or some fancy olives.
No one is keeping score, and half the time people can’t even tell the difference.
Add Holiday Touches Without Going Overboard
A garland on the dining table, a bowl of ornaments, a vase of winter greenery—little things go a long way. You don’t need to redecorate your entire house to make it feel festive. If you’re short on time, swap in seasonal linens or candles or pick up flowers that fit the color palette of the season. Use your dish ware or glassware that feels more festive! They instantly shift the mood with almost zero effort.
Create Zones: Food, Drinks, Cozy Hangouts
If everything is in one spot, guests tend to cluster which is usually in the kitchen, often the last place you want everyone hanging out. So, spread things out and kindly force people to move about the house.
- Have drinks in one area of the kitchen or a bar area if you have one
- Place snacks or small apps on the coffee table in a room with comfortable chairs so guests can sit and settle in
- Put main dishes in the kitchen or on the table if you’re serving family style
- If you live somewhere where the weather permits, and outdoor area with a fire pit and twinkle lights can be the perfect place for post-dinner drinks and conversation.
It encourages flow and keeps things from feeling cramped. Moving around throughout the night keeps things interesting and makes guests want to linger.
Always Have a Playlist Ready
Silence feels awkward, especially at the start of a party. Have a curated playlist ready to go—something upbeat but not overwhelming. Music is one of those small details that guests may not consciously notice but absolutely feel as it sets the tone for the party. I always leave my husband in charge of this one because it’s easy and he’s much better at it than me!
Don’t Forget About You, the Host
Hosting isn’t just about the guests, you’re having them over because you wanted to spend time with them, so make sure that you feel good too. Get dressed in something that makes you feel confident, touch up your makeup, or just give yourself a few minutes away from the kitchen to breathe and chill before your guests arrive.
And remember—you’re welcoming people into a place you love. That in itself makes the night special.
Embrace Imperfection
You know that saying, perfection is the thief of joy? It’s absolutely true. Let go of it being perfect. A candle might burn out. The dog might bark. A dish might be overcooked. A wine glass might spill or break. It’s fine. It’s real life. And honestly, those are usually the moments everyone remembers and laughs about later.
Your home doesn’t need to look like a magazine. It just needs to feel warm and welcoming!
We may earn revenue from the products linked on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
