6 Easy Tips for Hosting Family Holiday Parties

‘Tis the season for holiday get-togethers! Whether you’re hosting a family feast on the big day or welcoming friends for a casual holiday open house, a little planning will go a long way to keeping things stress-free this season. We’ve teamed up with IKEA to bring you the best tips for hosting holiday parties that are stylish, budget-friendly, and—most importantly—fun for the whole family.

Get Your Guest Room Ready

If you’re welcoming family or friends from out of town during the holidays, don’t forget to stock up on a few essentials for any overnight guests. An extra throw blanket on the bed will keep guests cozy on chilly winter nights. And a simple welcome basket with fresh washcloths, towels, and a pair of slippers will make your guest room feel more like home.

Deck the Halls

Decorating your home for a holiday party doesn’t have to be a hassle! Keep things merry and bright with some simple, budget-friendly décor ideas that will let you deck the halls without breaking the bank.

• Give your windows a holiday makeover with an artificial garland and a few ornaments for a pop of colour.
• Slip your existing throw pillows into holiday-themed cushion covers (like this cheerful red pattern, paired with a wintery spruce tree print) for an easy—and festive!—upgrade.

• Dress up interior doors with an artificial wreath and a bit of ribbon.
• A decorative bowl full of brightly coloured ornaments makes an eye-catching centrepiece for your coffee table.
• Light it up! From a string of twinkling stars in the window to flickering LED candles on the dinner table, soft lighting will give your party an instant cozy feeling.

Stock Up on Snacks

When you’re feeding a crowd, nothing beats a well-prepared snack board. Keep it simple with a selection of pre-packaged goodies (like crackers, nuts, and candy) and fresh finger foods (think fruit, veg, and meats), arranged on a classic wood serving board. Perfect for kids and adults alike!

Plan the Perfect Menu

Planning your holiday menu in advance is the best way to keep stress to a minimum when the big day arrives. If you’re looking for recipe ideas, we have plenty of inspiration to share in our food section. Short on time? Don’t be afraid to reach for frozen versions of crowd-pleasing sides like mashed potatoes or turn your party into a potluck! When it comes to drinks, raise a glass of Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria, or sip some traditional Swedish Glögg. And if you’re making breakfast for a crowd the next morning, we’ve got some tips to make that easier, too.

Set a Pinterest-Worthy Table

Extend your decorating efforts to the dinner table with a holiday tablescape that’s sure to wow your guests. Start with a simple tablecloth and add a runner made from an artificial garland wrapped with a strand of battery-operated lights. A few decorative glass domes filled with ornaments or groupings of battery-operated candles in different heights will add visual interest. Matching dishes, glassware, and festive napkins pull the whole look together. (Need some tips for setting the table like a pro? We’ve got you covered.

Include Your Kids! 

Let your little ones share in the excitement of party planning by getting them involved in the process. Give your kiddo a special job to help with, like making place cards for the dinner table or baking a batch of snowflake-shaped cookies together for the dessert spread. (We’ve got a great sugar cookie recipe that’s perfect for the occasion!)

 

This post is brought to you by IKEA, but the opinions are our own. The IKEA Holiday Event is on from December 5 to 24.