Holiday Hosting Tips

You have probably already attended a holiday party or maybe you are preparing to host one. Either way, we want to give you some holiday hosting tips for hosting people and helping them feel at home in your home!

Create a Flow

When you host a party you want to make sure your guests know where to find everything. You want to make sure they know what to do when they arrive. Let’s start at the front door and create a space for them to put down their bags, take off their jackets or their shoes. If you don’t want those items at the front door, create a little chalkboard sign with a warm message. This can be a good time to let them know where to safely store their items in a whimsical way. You could say something like “Lay your coats and bags in the second room to your right and head straight on to cocktails!”. This send them to the next area where everyone is likely already mingling.

Part of this flow is creating one area for drinks and a separate for the main foods. Feel free to add snack items and desserts where the drinks are located if you are limited in counter/table space. Want to spread out the gathering to the outdoors? Set up similar stations there so guests can decide where they are most comfortable.

Comfort and Warmth

Some of our parties can go well into the evening! With the Arizona winters we go from warm afternoons to cold evenings very quickly and our guests should still feel comfortable while mingling. We suggest setting out a few blankets in a basket outside and one inside. This will help your guests feel welcomed to take it if they need it! Also, we suggest switching up activities to warm ones. Try hot cider or a hot chocolate bar! Do you have a fire pit? Make a s’mores station! If you don’t have a fire pit or outdoor fireplace, feel free to call us. We would love to help prepare you for this time next year!

We also love homes that break out the floor pillows or pouf ottomans! This is great for game nights or a cozy station in your home for people to site on the floor but without the discomfort.

Holiday hosting can be stressful for some and a much looked forward to time of year for others. Either way, you want this to be a time where people gather and feel comfortable to continue to gather. What is more important this time of year than spending time with people you love?!