Getting ready to host your own holiday soiree? Here are some helpful tips so you can be sure to earn the title "Hostess With The Mostess"!
What To Wear: Of course this is first on my list!! Be sure to have your outfit planned in advance. The last thing you want to happen is to have a list minute panic of what you will wear an hour before your guests arrive. Decide what look you want to achieve. Do you want to be fun and flirty, formal and sophisticated or holiday chic?
A great blouse paired with a dark denim jean or pants is always a great look! Keep in mind that you will most likely be photographed by your guests, so be sure to pick out something in one of your best colors. Avoid trendy holiday inspired tops that will wash you out. If you go with a lighter color, be careful when cleaning up and pouring wine. Also, be sure you are comfortable in your outfit and that you have the right top and bottom for your body shape. You don't want to appear uneasy if your blouse is too tight or your undergarments aren't holding up!
If you want to dress more formal, consider a tiered skirt and pair with one of your many black
sweaters or blouses. Add some great jewels and you're ready to party!
Or go for a great silk dress, which you can always layer with a shrug or cardigan when you are greeting guests at your front door. Be sure to have a new pair of tights on hand and consider a great chandelier earring to accessorize!
Setting The Mood: Even if you don't have a big budget for decorations, you can set a festive mood simply by lighting some candles and ensuring there is a loop of great holiday tunes playing in the background. If you have pictures from past parties, print out and create a collage for everyone to see! Consider also how many guests you are having and if you should rearrange any furniture to create either a very intimate setting, or make more room and reposition tables and chairs to create a nice flow in the main room. As the Hostess, be sure to spend time talking to each of your guests. Introduce your guests to one another and point out any commonalities. This will create a warm environment where everyone is encouraged to mingle and get to know others,
rather than staying huddled in one corner and to themselves!
The Food & Drinks: Try to have the preparation for all of your food
and drinks completed before your first guests arrive. This will ensure you don't get frazzled in the kitchen while also greeting people. Create a self serve area for the bar. Open up a couple different bottles of wine and have a pitcher of pre-made Sangria or holiday punch so your guests can help themselves. Have a picture of water and sodas also available. If you have hot foods to serve, either have them ready in heated chafing dishes or figure out the time you want sneak into the kitchen to heat and serve. Have some munchies ready and available for your guests to have when they arrive. Cheese and crackers, veges and dip, nuts and grapes are great options. Check Martha Stewart's website for some great recipes, like the Easy Goat Cheese. Foodnetwork.com also has 100 Appetizer recipes and some great holiday cocktail ideas. Be prepared for guests who might bring a dish. Have extra serving platters on hand just in case! And of course, help to ensure all of your guests drink responsibly!
Happy Hostessing!!
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