Ah, the holidays! This time of year fills us with so many emotions. First, we’re excited to think about (finally) spending time with family and friends. Next, we start thinking about everything we need to do to get ready. Then we pour some wine to calm our nerves as we think about hosting duties.
Don’t worry! We’re sharing some tips and trends for holiday gatherings this year that will help ease some tension and get us ready for the joy of the holidays!
Tip #1: Anticipate that some guests can’t or will choose to not attend.
COVID is still unpredictable, and many people have young children or elderly parents they are concerned about. That’s ok, we aren’t taking things personally this year, right?
You can still make guests feel like a VIP with a custom invitation, like this one from The Plush Party.
Even if everyone can’t attend in person, make plans to get everyone together via Facetime or Zoom. Buy a stand that can hold your phone so you can participate hands-free. Incorporating some virtual aspects into your holiday party can help make you feel connected, even when you’re far apart.
And speaking of digital elements, take some time to create a great playlist on Spotify, or download a great mix on Mixcloud. Nothing is more awkward than a quiet party!
Tip #2: Give each guest a token of your appreciation.
A thoughtful gift like these custom candles by Candle Royal will let your guests know you appreciate that they took the time to join you, and they will go home with something special to remember the occasion.
Tip #3: Do share your menu with guests.
We have lots of challenges with traditional menus filled with butter on top of butter. Some folks have stomach sensitivities, some people are on diets, and some simply don’t like what you’re serving! And you know what? That’s ok.
When inviting family and friends over, let them know what you’re preparing and ask them to feel free to bring a side/appetizer/dessert/drink, etc. that they’d like to share. Then, share what other people are bringing. But if they chose to bring their keto mashed potatoes or turmeric cookies, make sure you have someone else also bring the traditional stuff so grandpa doesn’t complain.
Tip #4: Order or create your own individual mini-grazing boards.
People will have their own platter to munch on and we don’t have to worry about sharing utensils. Madre Florals is offering mini charcuterie boards this holiday season to make this easy peasy.
Tip #5: See what you can buy in advance and buy it!
We know there will be shortages at the store. What are items you can get way in advance? Hint: The fridge can be your best friend.
We know the Holidays are all about putting your best foot forward when it comes to food. But whether it’s obvious things like your wine and veggies, or not-so-obvious things like bread and custom cookies like these ones from Puffect bakery, feel free to stock up in advance and put them in the fridge or freezer until the big day!
Tip #6: Do let your guests help.
Gone are the days of having everything done when your guests arrive. Cooking, prepping, and lending a hand is how we bond with our guests and make everyone feel like they are a part of the night’s magic.
Tip #7: Outsource your decor.
There are so many options for decor these days, and Festively can help you find some fabulous local vendors who would love to make your space pop. Go over the top with your decor with these marquee lights by Alpha Lit IE and balloons by Desinz & De’kor by Lala.
You will want to create a space for photo ops, so make an extra special one like we created for this Holiday Cheer party scene.
Tip #8: Make your table an “intimate dinner” setting.
If you’re going to have a smaller guest list, caterers like Tiffany’s Bakery are now offering beautiful tablescapes that come with cutlery, glassware, full table setting, and more. You just have to invite everyone to sit down and enjoy.
Tip #9: Have you heard about the floral shortage?
If you’re looking for your favorite florals at the grocery store, you may have noticed a price increase or less selection than in past years.
We recommend you check with your neighborhood florist and ask them to create a centerpiece with flowers that are in season and that match your lovely table setting. Florals always bring a beautiful spark to your holiday table, like these beautiful florals that can be ordered from Madre Florals.
Tip #10: Host a mini wine tasting!
Have guests bring a bottle of wine they’d like to share. Before you put the wine out to enjoy it, put the wine bottles in wines bag and label them with numbers. Have your guests taste different wines, and take notes on which ones they like best. Then after dinner, reveal the wine bottles, and let your guests share who brought what.
Lots of times, a bottle of wine will have a special story. Like our friends at Teneral Cellars who created a “Peace, Love, and Joy” holiday wine collection, which is all about uplifting and empowering women and families impacted by COVID. When you bring a bottle like that, you want to share the story with everyone!
Tip #11: Consider hosting your gathering at a venue!
Maybe you don’t have enough space in your living room, or now your living room is also your office. The reality is, our homes aren’t always the perfect place to host a gathering. From bad parking to outdated appliances, sometimes we’d rather host a gathering elsewhere.
Looking for a place where you can bring in your own food, that also includes rentals, and has a kitchen? Check out The Canvas LA. The ladies that own this venue have created a space that is welcoming and inviting.
Tip #12: Include a conversation starter at each place setting.
This can help facilitate dialog that the whole table can be part of, and can even help bring up some topics that may have felt taboo before.
If your family is loud and likes to talk, getting a word in at the dinner table can be tough. You can bet there are probably a few folks who stay pretty quiet. We are finally ready to have a diversity of thoughts and be more tolerant of different opinions. Because we can’t pretend everything is perfect!
These cards by LA Design Boutique encourage questions about women’s rights. Or if you’d rather play it safe, have cards with pop culture trivia. The key is to give everyone a chance to read a question and give an answer.
Bonus Trend & Tip: Hire a photographer!
We can all agree that gatherings have even more meaning as we emerge from the pandemic. And while some people are great at capturing the moment, the reality is that the hostess is usually too busy to take pictures, and almost never comes out in the photos themselves.
Consider hiring a photographer. They can stop by for even just an hour and capture the fun of the occasion, take a few family photos, and make sure your memories are commemorated forever. We loved working with Denise Hernandez photography, and she took some amazing photos!
Last thoughts
As we get ready for the holiday party season, let’s remember what this time signifies in our lives. We get the opportunity to show our thanks for the many blessings we have, and appreciation for our loved ones in our lives. After a year like we’ve had, that’s really what it’s all about!
