How To: Host For The Holidays

The holiday season is meant for family time and enjoying one another’s company. Holiday hosting is made seamless when you’re prepared and ready. While you’ve probably already starting your shopping list, here are a few things to keep in mind for becoming the ultimate holiday host.

Detail Clean the House

On the days leading up, give your home a thorough and detailed cleaning job. Make sure to sweep and mop all the floors, clean the bathroom, kitchen, and any other common areas that you plan on utilizing to entertain guests.

Pro tip: take an hour on the day of to take a glance at any rooms that might need a quick spot clean.

Plan For Leftovers

There is always plenty of leftovers after the feast is over. Set your guests up for success with one-time use containers and to-go bags, so you can give away as many doggy bags as you can without overfilling your fridge with leftovers.

Keep The Kids Busy

Like most family get togethers, you’ll need to keep the kids busy before food hits the table. Get creative and setup coloring books, printable games, or just a simple card station for kids to stay active and have fun while you prepare.

Clean Out the Freezer & Cupboards

Some dishes will be cooked same-day, but for those that may need to be stashed away overnight, you’ll want to create some extra storage. Take some time before you start cooking to get rid of any unused, old foods and create space for your meal prep.

Meal Alternatives

You’ll probably find a few guests who have some kind of dietary restriction. If there’s a handful that you know for a fact have a special need for their diet, create a dish that might encompass all common dietary constraints. For example, gluten-free and dairy-free desserts, casseroles, etc. The other option is to reach out to guests directly and ask for their preferences if you aren’t sure.