5 Holiday Entertaining Tips and Ideas

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Havertys. The opinions and text are all mine.

Many of us will be hosting on at least one occasion during the holidays.  It’s a fun time of year; we get to spend time with friends and family that we may not otherwise see.  It’s also a very busy time filled with cooking, cleaning, planning, shopping, and more.

Here are a few entertaining tips and suggestions that work for us.  Hopefully they’ll help you save time and money, letting you focus more on your guests and their visit than the never-ending to-do list that comes with throwing a party.

Create a Guest List

Before you can start planning, you need to know whom you’re planning for.  Make a list of the folks you will be inviting and send out invitations.  Phone calls or emails are acceptable these days, but mailed invitations are a nice touch.  If you ask for RSVPs, make sure you still plan for more than respond, as last-minute guests are almost inevitable.

Menu Planning

Now that you know who is coming, you can plan your menu.  Think about what kind of atmosphere you want to create.  Will you be having a sit down meal?  If so you can have more courses and a wider range of food choices.  If it’s a mingle and nibble kind of event, you’ll want to focus on foods that are easy to eat standing up.  One – or two-bite appetizers and desserts are a great choice.  Also be thinking about any restrictions your guests may have; food allergies can be serious and you want everyone to feel welcome.

Take Stock

Once the type of event is decided upon, see what you have and what you need.  Will you need to borrow or rent additional silverware, seating (like the above dining chairs from Havertys), or linens?  If you’re going with disposable plates, utensils, and cups, check to see if you have any left over from the last party or if you need to purchase more.

Make a List, Check it Twice

Put together a shopping list of everything you’ll need.  It’s easiest to organize by store so that you don’t overlook anything as you go from place to place.  Beverages, ingredients, frozen foods, decor items, any paper goods.  Don’t forget to pick up extra garbage bags for easy party clean-up.

Set the Stage

The day guests are due to arrive it’s time to jazz things up.  If you’re having a sit-down meal, set the table.  Plates look extra-fancy set atop chargers, and a nice tablecloth, a runner, seasonal decor and candles can create a festive mood.  For a mingle and nibble clean off spaces, like end tables and mantles, for guests to put drinks and plates down, and set out small waste baskets for them to easily dispose of their trash.  Also consider creating a custom playlist of background music.

More Holiday Entertaining Tips

Havertys also has some holiday entertaining tips and suggestions for you.  Check out some of their pins – as well as some additional ones I’ve added – on the Pinterest board below.  Feel free to repin what works for you!

Follow LMC502 #HolidayHosting on Pinterest

Whether you are looking for the perfect couch or an accent piece to tie the whole room together, Havertys has everything you need to prepare your home for guests this holiday season.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Havertys. The opinions and text are all mine.