Let’s Look: Hosting Holiday Parties

Happy hump day everyone! It’s a Let’s Look link up, and today the topic is hosting holiday parties. This one is tricky because it is generally our parents having everyone over for the holidays. We joke – our house is the summer party house. Indoor parties are tough in our house because we have a choppy set up and not the best family room for everyone to gather together.

With that being said we have hosted a couple holidays so I will reflect on those!

Gather all your decor

First up, decor… I like to put a lot of focus on decorations when hosting parties and for holidays in particular it’s my tablescape. The table changes with the holiday, but it includes something from each category below. I wrote a whole post on this, a couple years ago!

Good China/Formal Dishware – I still feel this is a wedding registry must have!
Chargers – love the layering look and you can change out colors for the season/holiday!
Table runner
Tablecloth
Napkins and decorative napkin rings
Seasonal accent decor
Candles/lights or votives
Centerpiece or decorative trays

Keep a running to do list

Make a list! I make so many lists when we are going to have a party! The grocery list, house to do list and day of party list. These lists are all done on my iphone – I shared how I use lists before – it is so helpful!

So, that’s how I set the stage and prepare for the party – here’s how I serve…

Keep it simple and stick with the tried and true

I like to serve easy crowd pleaser foods for birthdays i.e. burgers, chili, spaghetti and meatballs, pizza, salads, etc. I try to pick foods that can be done ahead of time or in the crockpot. For holidays you obviously stick with the traditional foods – ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, salads, green bean casserole, rolls, etc!

I will generally pick a new signature punch, drink or side dish to share that goes with the theme of the party, but keep the main meal as simple as possible.

Serve buffet style and let guests graze

We keep our table free of all the food dishes (simply because of limited space) and have guests load up their plates on our kitchen “island”.

Last year we had Andrew’s family over for Christmas breakfast – I loved it! We served a breakfast casserole and this sweets board right here. It was an absolute hit!

I like that family can help themselves and grab whatever they want whenever without feeling the pressure that people are watching you grab seconds or thirds when sitting and serving at the table.

I love a good theme board…

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