It’s party time! Maybe you’re hosting Thanksgiving, or pulling together a festive dinner?
Each December, we host our annual holiday party—a gathering that now welcomes over 75 friends and neighbors. This year marks our 26th celebration. It’s truly a labor of love and one of our favorite traditions. Along the way, we’ve learned a lot.
Whether your party is big or small, these lessons might make your gathering a little easier and a lot more joyful.
Keep It Simple
No surprise here: we simplified. We do less.
Years ago, party prep took over our lives. I used to be scrambling until the last hour. Now? Decorating took just a few hours last week. Back then, I had to declutter and rearrange every room to make space for guests—clearing counters, stashing things in closets. It was like creating a path through a maze of our own stuff.
Why didn’t I just donate it?
Minimalist homes are always ready to entertain.
If It’s Not Broken, Don’t Fix It
For a long time, my husband started each menu from scratch, researching new recipes every year. But returning guests kept asking for their favorites. Now, we stick with a classic heavy appetizer menu and add just one or two new items.
We serve the same wine that everyone loves. Our grocery list is a copy-paste. We track quantities and note adjustments year to year. Even the menu cards (our “table tents”) get reprinted and reused.
Plan Ahead
Let’s be honest: hosting a crowd takes effort. But even in the hustle, I can’t imagine Christmas without “the party.” (The COVID years were tough.) My husband and I agree—we’ll keep going as long as it’s still fun.
So how did we make it to year 26?
Here are our 7 secrets:
1. Shop Early
Buy beer, wine, and paper goods a couple weeks ahead. It’s a bulky, time-consuming trip, so I get it out of the way. I also stock up on cooking staples like onions, garlic, butter, and olive oil during regular grocery runs.
2. Separate Food, Drinks & Desserts
Help guests move around by spreading things out: wine in the basement, beer on the patio, food in the dining room, coffee and dessert in the office. Coats go upstairs. Once we found this flow, everything felt easier.
3. Borrow Everything
I borrow 60 wine glasses. Neighbors lend chairs, tables, platters—even trash cans. And I happily return the favor.
4. Hire Help
Budget for kitchen help. It lets you enjoy the night and skip midnight dishes. When the last guest leaves, you can just turn off the lights and go to bed.
5. Get Ready Early
I get ready two hours before guests arrive. Any messy or outdoor jobs happen earlier in the day. I eat something beforehand and keep water nearby. I’m happier and more present that way.
6. Be Content
At some point, I toss the to-do list. What’s done is done. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Your guests won’t notice what didn’t happen.
7. Party With a Purpose
Years ago, friends told us about a family in need right before our party. We invited guests to bring gift cards instead of hostess gifts. It was beautiful. (And no one needs 100 bottles of wine—certainly not us!)
What kind of gathering are you planning?
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These help keep the site going and support future writing. Thank you!
Leave a Reply