Are you hosting guests at your home for the holidays? We are hosting for the first time this year, and I’m excited to have our family visit for the occasion. My main goal is to make everyone feel welcome and for everything to go smoothly.
Whether you are hosting out of town guests for a few days, or just friends and family for dinner, hopefully you will find some of these holiday entertaining tips helpful!
1. Create an Inviting Entryway
The entryway will be the first impression your guests experience as they arrive. Sometimes, particularly if you are renting an apartment, the entryway leads into a main room or there isn’t much space to decorate.
That’s ok! Whether it’s a wreath on the door, a few hooks on the wall for guests to hang their coats, or just a clean, welcoming space that they walk into, pay special attention to the area that they will see first.
2. Provide a Fun Game or Icebreaker Activity to Encourage Guests to Interact
Games and activities are a great way to “break the ice,” especially if you have friends coming who don’t know each other well. For Thanksgiving, I love the idea of a “Thanksgiving Tree.”
We have one at our home for our family, but guests can each write one thing they are thankful for, add it to a leaf and hang it on the tree. This is a great way to get your guests involved in the decor, but it also creates a conversation about what everyone is thankful for.
3. Create Handmade Place Cards
Little personal details really make a big difference in terms of the overall experience, so have fun and create handmade personalized place cards for your guests. Not only will they complete your tablescape, but they look pretty and the personal touch will make your guests feel extra special.
4. Make a Pretty Table Centerpiece
Photo via Behind the Big Green Door
Cute holiday decor doesn’t have to cost much. In fact, it doesn’t have to cost anything at all. Use a combination of items found in nature along with things you have on-hand, and you’re all set!
5. Relax and Have Fun!
I know sometimes it’s easier said than done to just relax and enjoy yourself, since playing host or hostess can be stressful. Prepare as much as possible ahead of time so that you can enjoy visiting with your guests and just have fun. Make and freeze side dishes in advance, clean your home a day or two prior to the holiday, and set the table the night before to alleviate stress and allow you to enjoy the day.
6. Provide Cute “To Go” Containers for Guests to Use for Leftovers
Leftovers are usually a given when it comes to holiday meals. Why not send some home with your guests? Decorate or embellish takeout containers for your guests to fill with leftovers. This will save space in your refrigerator and your guests will appreciate it too!
7. Create Party Favors
If you want to go above and beyond, send your guests home with cute DIY party favors! These paperwhites from All Things Heart & Home are a fun idea.
Ultimately, just do your best to create a welcoming environment for your guests and have a great time! Personal touches are nice, but spending time together is what matters most.
