With shorter days and fresh, crisp air hitting Chicago, it can only mean one thing...the holidays are quickly approaching. I love all the warm and fuzzy feelings that this season brings. A room full of excited (and sugared-up) kids enjoying a lively game of charades. Large glasses of spiced sangria and old-fashioneds clinking. Dancing flames in the fireplace. These are the cozy Midwest vibes that I love.
This year, we’re excited to get back to gathering freely (safely, of course), but if you’re like us, it may have been so long that you’ve forgotten how to entertain. Maybe the sheer thought of setting the table for more than four feels overwhelming. You’re not alone!
Gathering with our loved ones is something that we’ve learned to never again take for granted, and this year as we gather to celebrate all the lost time together, it’s even more important to focus on the things that matter most and leave the stress behind.
Today I’m offering 5 helpful tips to turn hosting into a happy experience that forgoes the stress and favors connecting with your favorite people. Come take a look...
1. Have a Designated Layout for Entertaining
Instead of stressing at the mere thought of hosting Thanksgiving, why not come prepared with a tailor-made plan for your hosting needs?
A designated floor plan for entertaining offers an easy and specialized solution for an all-too-common problem. When you know exactly where to add that second table or how to perfectly arrange the seating to be conducive for mingling and comfortable conversation, it leaves the daunting guesswork behind.
2. Create Comfortable Seating for Easy Conversation
It’s important to remember that you have the freedom to rearrange your furniture to fit your needs. When entertaining, you’ll want the seating in your home to face one another and be centered around a focal point, like a beautiful, glowing fireplace. This gives way for comfort, natural conversation, and all the special moments in between.
3. Utilize Surface Space
Give the chef the space they need by designating specific areas for drinks, plates, and beverages away from the central cooking zone. For example, a credenza or sideboard makes the perfect spot for storing glasses, plates, and setting up a personalized beverage station. What’s a holiday party without mulled wine or spiced sangria?
4. Have Trays and Coasters Readily Available
Have you ever had to uncomfortably and awkwardly maneuver carrying a full plate of food and a glass of wine over to your landing spot while trying not to spill anything? Me, too. (And while praying the twins wouldn’t run out at that exact moment!)
While you may have a steady hand most of the time, your guests might not. By keeping trays and coasters in plain view, your guests will have an easy and practical way to carry their food and drinks while protecting your furniture at the same time.
5. Designate a Kid-Friendly Area
Every parent knows that if they want to enjoy themselves at a party, it’s essential to create a space where kids can be kids. By having a large, open area full of games, a simple holiday craft table, and plenty of snacks, kids will have the freedom to play, create, and eat to their hearts’ content. And if your kids are anything like ours, you won’t hear from them until the snacks run out. ;)
Fun tip: Cover the table with craft paper instead of a traditional tablecloth and leave crayons or markers out for the kids to let their imagination run wild! They can enjoy a game of tic-tac-toe or simply express themselves with cute doodles or their own personalized place setting.
There you have it — simple tips for thoughtful hosting that will keep the overwhelm at bay and allow you to actually enjoy this holiday season. What could be better?
If you need help with creating a functional design plan for your home that can alleviate stress both while hosting and during your daily routine, we can help. Until then, we wish you a happy holiday season filled with love, joy, and memorable moments with all of your favorite people.
— Kathryn (& Bill) Cherne