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It’s that time of year again—the holiday season has arrived! If you’re planning to host guests, it’s helpful to plan ahead to avoid unnecessary stress. Below, you’ll find a few of our best tips for staying calm during the holidays and hosting like a pro.
Find Inspiration For Décor
Many hosts or hostesses focus on the menu weeks in advance, but forget about décor until the last minute. To ensure that your home looks festive and inviting, start browsing Pinterest or other sources of inspiration to find ideas. While get-togethers and reunions are special any time of year, you can set the tone by welcoming guests into a cheerful environment. You don’t need to go all out, but it’s nice to have a theme in mind before heading to the home goods store or shopping for décor online.
Stock Up On Snacks And Drinks
If you’ll be hosting parties this season, be sure to have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand; it’s surprising how quickly the snack table can run out of refreshments. To be on the safe side, stock up on the essentials like cheese, crackers, and dips. Buying more than you think you’ll need might seem unnecessary, but it’s always better to be prepared.
Make a Few Dishes Ahead of Time
If you save all the cooking for one day, you’ll likely end up feeling frantic and stressed. While it’s usually best for the main dish to be cooked shortly before guests arrive, side items that heat up well are perfect for preparing a day in advance. For example, mashed potatoes are a great choice for prepping the day before the event. Unlike meat or other main courses, mashed potatoes retain their original texture and flavor for a few days, and they’re easy to quickly re-heat before serving. In addition to prepping a side dish or two the day before the party, it’s also helpful to start chopping veggies or marinating meat. You may be surprised at how much time you can free up by getting a head start on simple tasks.
Set Realistic Expectations
Holiday hosting is a blast when you set achievable goals and expectations. While it would be awesome to have an immaculately clean home and an impressive selection of food, it’s not always possible to get everything done in time. Don’t be afraid to close off a room that you didn’t have a chance to straighten up, or to order side dishes or desserts from a restaurant or catering company. When you begin to feel overwhelmed or realize that you’re running low on time, it’s worth taking steps to alleviate stress.
Are you looking for a new apartment home this holiday season? Feel free to get in touch with our team. Habitat Apartments is conveniently located in Boulder and offers excellent amenities. To tour our community, give us a call or stop by our leasing office.
Meta description: Are you planning to host guests this holiday season? Read on to find tips and suggestions for stress-free get-togethers.