Holiday Ready for Your Party

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the joy (and occasional chaos) of hosting a party. But fear not—creating a magical and stress-free soirée is possible, even if your guest list resembles a small town meeting. Below are expert tips to ensure your gathering is the talk of the season, all while keeping your home a happy place.

Simplify Your Decor to Save Your Sanity

Let’s be honest: towering centerpieces are great for Instagram but impractical for conversations over dinner. Opt for small, elegant arrangements that won’t block anyone’s view of Aunt Susan reenacting her latest TikTok dance. Scatter gilded nuts or miniature ornaments on the table for a festive touch—just make sure no one confuses them with snacks.

The key is balance. Your home should scream “holiday cheer” without looking like a craft store exploded. Use warm lighting, cozy textures, and subtle accents to create a space where your guests feel festive yet comfortable. After all, the goal is to make your home a happy holiday haven, not an over-the-top showroom.

Stock the Bar Like a Pro

Nothing says "I’m a thoughtful host" like having your guests’ favorite beverages on hand. Is your best friend obsessed with a specific microbrew? Stock it. Does your neighbor exclusively drink 18-year-old single malt scotch? Splurge a little (or just hide your budget-friendly bottle behind the premium one). Bonus points if you encourage guests to bring their favorite drink to share—it’s a party, not a free bar service.

Speaking of drinks, why not offer a guilt-free holiday cocktail? Mix wine with club soda, a splash of cranberry juice, and garnish with a festive fruit slice. Call it “Jingle Juice,” and voilà—your signature drink is born. It’s tasty, festive, and won't derail anyone’s holiday diet.

Plan Ahead (and Then Some)

Holiday hosting is not the time to embrace spontaneity. Invitations should go out three to four weeks in advance because no one likes a last-minute scramble. Give your party a fun name like "Holiday Open House" or "Festive Feast" to make RSVPs easier and set the tone for your soirée.

Now for the logistics: Map out your space well before the big day. Decide where the bar, food, and seating will go, and don’t forget a spot for coats and cleanup supplies. Hosting at home? Be sure to invite your neighbors—it’s the polite way to soften the blow of your post-party noise.

Why Hosting Should Be About You

Let’s get real for a second. Hosting is not about Pinterest-worthy spreads or comparing your party to your cousin’s gala. It’s about creating a warm space where you and your loved ones can relax and celebrate. Your party should reflect your style and priorities, not anyone else’s. If you want to serve takeout on your finest china, do it. If you’re planning a theme around ugly holiday sweaters, own it.

By focusing on what makes you happy, you’ll find the stress melts away. Remember: It’s a celebration, not a competition. Your guests are there to enjoy your company, not to rate your ability to carve a turkey or make the perfect mulled wine.

Don’t Run Out of Booze

There’s no greater party faux pas than running out of drinks. A good rule of thumb is two drinks per person for the first two hours, then one drink per person for each additional hour. For a 25-person party, plan for 60 bottles of beer, nine bottles of wine, and three bottles of liquor. Double those amounts for 50 guests, and well, you get the idea.

If you’re looking to impress, consider a holiday beer, something like an Orange Vanilla Pale Lager. It normally has a nostalgic nod to childhood creamsicles with a grown-up twist—perfect for holiday mingling. Just remind everyone it’s for adults only (no juice box confusion allowed). I would have included a couple of holiday beer choices, but they really haven't published their holiday beer as I'm writing today. LOL

Keep It Fun, Keep It Simple

The holidays are hectic enough without turning your party into a high-stakes event. By focusing on thoughtful details, planning ahead, and embracing the true spirit of the season, you can create a memorable gathering that leaves everyone smiling. And if all else fails? Pour yourself a glass of Jingle Juice and toast to surviving another holiday season. Cheers!