Centerpiece | Santa wine glass | Cookie plate (similar style) | Bottle topper | Napkin rings (similar style) | Santa & Mrs. Claus candles | Stir sticks (similar style) | Candle holder | Napkins | Placemat (similar style)
It's that time of year. If you're hosting friends and family for Christmas, you are going to want to be the perfect hostess. From how to create the perfect tablescape, to making them feel at home, I've got you covered.
1. Create and atmosphere that's inviting. Whether it's moving around furniture to make it more conducive to entertaining, or making extra counter space in the guest bathroom, be sure to do your prep work before your guests arrive. There's nothing worse than having them arrive and being unprepared. If this happens, they'll end up feeling like they're imposing on your time and your space. Also, remember you are sharing your house, so even if it's people you know really well, or are just getting acquainted with, nothing is off limits (i.e., if there's something you don't want them to touch, see, or sit on, put it away beforehand).
2. Make them feel at home. Think of the necessities that people need when staying somewhere. I often like to think about what amenities hotels provide when I'm preparing for a guest. Men are a little easier than women, as they don't require as much, but I'd rather have too much to offer my guests than too little. For example, I'm a bathrobe junkie, so I love having a bathrobe on hand when a guest comes into town. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and plenty of towels are must-have's too. Having a spare blow dryer is always great and extra blankets (for the bed and to cozy up with). When in doubt, consider what you wish you had when you're at someone else's home. Even if you think you provided them with everything under the sun, make sure to check-in and see if there's anything else they need. At the end of the day, respect their privacy. I don't think anyone loves staying at other people's houses, so whether they want to do an activity alone, or decide to sleep in until 11am, be respectful.
3. Do your homework. Do your guests have food allergies, is there something they do not eat, is there something they love to eat that you want to have on hand...all these are great things to know when hosting. Depending on the degree of closeness, you probably already know the answer to these questions. However, if your guests are newer friends or new to the family, there's nothing wrong with tactfully writing an email or having a simple phone call with them ahead of time. You can start by telling them how thrilled you are they are coming, and then go into what you're preparing for dinner, or what restaurants you're planning to dine at. This will make it easy to see whether or not there's things they like or don't like. Don't be embarrassed to ask either, but at the end of the day if you feel uncomfortable, make your significant other do the asking. That's what they're there for anyways, right!? haha.
4. Create the perfect setting. Decorating the dining room table for an intimate dinner or for holidays with the family, is definitely one of my favorite things. I love decorating with the colors of the season and the holiday in mind. Whether it's silver and blue for Hanukkah or green and red for Christmas, it brings out the holiday cheer. The simple red, white and green color scheme is not only perfect for Christmas, but through the winter season as well. The Santa & Mrs. Clause candlesticks, polka dot placemats, and snowman napkin rings (similar style here), will make all your guest's nostalgic and reminiscent of the past. My favorite addition to my holiday collection this year were these Santa wine glasses. They're just too much fun. All the holiday decor that is pictured is currently up to 40% off. Shop it here.
What are some of your hostessing tips? I would love to hear them. Also, if you have any questions on last minute tips for the holidays, don't hesitate to ask!
Photos by Snapshots & My Thoughts
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