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Hosting Guests for the Holidays? Here Are Our Top Party Do's + Don'ts
Impress guests with multiple forks at the dinner table. Fancy!
SolStock/iStock
From casual holiday gatherings to more formal affairs, even the most novice hosts and hostesses can perfect the menu, decor, table and more with our top tips. Dive in, then pour yourself a glass a wine — you deserve it.
PLAN AHEAD (AKA START NOW!)
You've probably known you were having guests over for quite a while. Or, maybe you just got the hosting duties sprung on you last minute. Either way, we have three ways to ensure your soiree planning goes smoothly.
1: Pick a theme and share it with your guests. If you're having an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, definitely relay the message.
2: Get organized. Create lists to help you keep track of everything you need, from shopping to expenses.
3: Get help when you need it. Don't be afraid to enlist friends to help. And don't try to make everything from scratch — pick up menu items from a local bakery.
Get More: Party-Planning Tips From Camille Styles
CREATE A PARTY-PERFECT MENU
When creating your party's menu, always keep a few things in mind:
1: Your guests' dietary restrictions;
2: The season;
3: And a balance of ingredients. (You don't want heavy cheese appetizers followed by a heavy cheese entree, for example.)
Entertaining expert Camille Styles says, "Don't try to prepare more than three items for one meal." If you're making the entree and two side dishes, buy the appetizers and dessert. You'll thank yourself later.
BE A GOOD HOST(ESS)
You can throw a holiday party or dinner without the stress. Here are a few tips for party success.
1: Serve dinner on time.
2: And serve dinner at a reasonable time. You don't want people drinking on an empty stomach.
3: If you're having a dinner party, don't make it too complicated.
4: You may have indicated an end time on your invite, but you can still hint that the party is winding down by tidying up and serving coffee.
Party Host Do's and Don'ts 02:04
Get More: Britiquette Party Host Do's and Don'ts
SET THE TABLE THE RIGHT WAY
Most of us aren't following table-setting etiquette guidelines on day-to-day basis. But if you really want to impress your guests, follow these simple tips to get a structured look without the fuss. (Seriously — once you know the rules, it's easy!)
How to Set the Table 01:15
ARRANGE THE SEATING
Many think assigned seating at dinner parties is awkward and formal, but it's actually quite the opposite. Camille Styles suggests reasons why it makes a dinner party flow much better for the host(ess) and guests.
1: It puts guests at ease. No one is anxiously trying to figure out where to sit.
2: It's a great icebreaker for guests, especially if they're sitting next to someone they don't know.
3: It can spark new friendships or relationships (if the host{ess} gets sneaky and plays matchmaker).
GO BIG WITH A BUFFET
Get your mind far away from hotel breakfast buffets and chafing dishes. If you're hosting a large group of people, go big — with triple layers. To take your holiday buffet to the next level (and have your guests raving about your spread for months), try these three ideas:
1: Mix mirrors and lights. Add battery-operated lights to tall vases, then stack mirrors on top to create multiple levels for a variety of foods.
2: Opt for unexpected serveware, like candleholders and vases.
3: Use stacked books to create height throughout the buffet table.
Create a Multi-Layered Buffet 01:19
Give dimension to your holiday party buffet with these clever ideas.
Get More: 3 Multi-Layered Buffets
Get More: What Not To Do On a Buffet
