Holidays are a time for hosting loved ones. There are plenty of opportunities to get together with friends and family this season. But, all these extra events can lead to holiday hosting burnout. Inviting people to your home, cleaning, decorating, and cooking can wear you out. So check out our list of simple “don’ts” to make your job as host a little easier.
How to Simplify Hosting for the Holidays
These simple tips will help simplify hosting this holiday season, and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pixabay
Don’t Cook
Photo by Kari Shea on Unsplash
A big draw for holiday get-togethers is the meal. But, just because you are getting together to eat, doesn’t mean you have to cook! The simplest way to cross this task off your to-do list is to buy a prepared meal from your local supermarket, or a nearby restaurant.
Not ready to go that far? I get it; that is a big expense. Instead of having the whole meal catered, maybe purchase just a few sides. There are plenty of other ways to cook less during holiday get-togethers: have guests bring a side or a dessert, purchase pies and desserts, or rely on pre-packaged foods from the grocery store.
Another option is to invite people over for something other than a full meal. Perhaps you can have a cocktail party with drinks and appetizers. Invite friends for cookies and hot chocolate and spend more time enjoying the company and less time in the kitchen.
Don’t Use Fine China
Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash
Another hosting task that can wear you down is doing all the dishes after the meal. Simplify this hosting task by choosing to use your everyday dishes instead of your fine china. You’ll spend much less time at the sink if you only need to put dishes in the dishwasher instead of handwashing your silver and china.
Want to take it a step farther? Use paper plates! I know, it’s not as fancy as real dishes, but think of how easy clean up will be when all you need to do is toss the plates at the end of the meal. Plus, if you pay a little more, you can purchase a really nice set of plastic plates and cutlery that will look almost as fancy as the real thing.
Don’t Set the Table
Make your hosting job easier by setting up a buffet station. Let the guests come and serve themselves and then take their plates to their seats. It’s a simple tip, but it definitely saves time to arrange all the food on the counter or island instead of making numerous trips back and forth to the table.
Don’t Stick with Traditions
When something about holiday hosting feels difficult for you, change it up. If you hate making a turkey because it takes so long, skip the turkey and opt for a different main dish. Is hosting the holiday dinner in the evening is too tiring for you? Schedule the meal for earlier in the day instead.
Just because you and your family have traditions, it doesn’t mean that you have to stick to them if it’s making it so difficult for you to enjoy your role as host.
