Hosting a Holiday Party.
I can't believe that we've reached mid December already! I feel like I can hardly keep my head on straight with all the traveling and cooking and baking and holiday festivities. So much to get done and so many people to visit and parts of the house to decorate! (The list goes on, but I don't want to bore you!)
Over Thanksgiving weekend we visited my Mom and Step-dad, Mark's family, and then our friends Kimberly + Thomas. Then we traveled to Virginia for 2 days to visit my Dad and Step-mom. Whew! The weekend before that, we held our 4th annual Friendsgiving, and everyone ended the night with the same conclusion: this was the best one yet! Then, this past weekend we hosted the Oakmoss Collective Team Christmas Brunch at our apartment.
After all these meals, parties, and days spent cooking and baking I felt like I should share some lessons learned and tips for hosting holidays!
Plan Ahead // Gather your recipes and make a grocery list. You don't want to be halfway through the recipe and realize you're out of eggs! (Trust me, it's no fun.) Also, make sure the table cloth is clean and you have enough table settings and chairs for your guests.
Have Options // Come up with a menu or theme or decor ideas. Then come up with a second list of decor and menu ideas. It's better to be safe than sorry so make sure you've got options! Another thing to keep in mind is options with the food. If someone is a vegan or gluten free maker sure you have at least one or two things that they'll be able to eat as well.
Get Sleep // Make sure that the few days leading up to your party you get a good night of sleep. It's really hard to be an attentive host if you're tired and yawning every few minutes! Sleep is very important! Maybe even treat yourself to a bubble bath or a massage before/after the event.
Take Photos // Whether right at the start, in the middle, or at the end, be sure to snap a few photos of family and friends. You'll be thankful for the memories! I shared some of my favorites from the Christmas Brunch below. *Don't spend the whole time on your phone/camera because you might miss out on some really good conversations and laughs.
Be in the Moment // Here's one that I've failed to do at our Friendsgiving party. When everyone had gotten their belongings and left, I was alone with a sink full of dishes and missing the company more than ever. I realized I had been too worried about making sure things were perfect and if everyone was having a good time that I didn't enjoy the company of those around me! So at the Christmas brunch I made sure to let the dishes wait and enjoy the little moments and bouts of laughter that filled our home.
Sending you well wishes for all your parties and dinners coming up! Let me know in the comments below if you have any tips or "hosting" stories you'd like to share.
