Holiday Entertaining Without Stress – Easy Hosting Tips

Easy tips for holiday entertaining without stress, including ideas and recipes to make hosting easier, so you enjoy the event as much as your guests!

Holiday entertaining can feel very daunting, especially in the run up to Christmas and the New Year. Over time, I’ve learned that with a little advance planning, entertaining doesn’t need to feel overwhelming — it can be something you genuinely look forward to.

My husband and I have always enjoyed having people round. Over the years, we’ve hosted everything from large, lively gatherings to much smaller get-togethers, and I have learned that the size of the party matters far less than how well it is planned. With a little thought and some advance preparation, entertaining can feel relaxed and enjoyable for everyone including the hosts.

These days, my husband and I tend to entertain on a smaller scale, often spreading gatherings out rather than hosting one large party. Our drinks and nibbles parties remain my favourite example of holiday entertaining without stress — simple, welcoming, and easy to enjoy. A few drinks, a few canapés and lots of holiday spirit make for evenings our guests talk about for months afterwards.

Here are some of the tips for holiday entertaining without stress that I come back to again and again, whatever kind of gathering I am planning. Read on for my tips and pin this post for later!

Holiday Entertaining Without Stress – Start with a Simple Plan

• There’s no need to plan an elaborate dinner party, especially at this time of year. If you do decide to invite a few people round for a sit-down meal, it doesn’t have to be a multi-course affair — unless that’s something you genuinely enjoy. With so many rich meals already filling the calendar, something simpler can often feel like a welcome change.

• If you are hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, try to keep it as simple as possible while still honouring your family traditions. When it comes to events like this you should feel free to accept offers of help and allow others to bring things to contribute to the meal.

• Never feel pressured to impress anyone. The key to holiday entertaining without stress is to entertain people the way you would like to be entertained – without taking on too much or over-spending.

• Be realistic about how many people your space can comfortably hold. Outside of big family gatherings, hosting two smaller get-togethers can often feel far more enjoyable than squeezing everyone into one crowded event. Many people appreciate having a little more room these days. It’s important to create a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere so everyone can settle in and enjoy themselves.
  
• Double check that you have enough glasses, plates and cutlery. It’s absolutely fine to mix and match, but if you genuinely do not have enough you can always rent extra or consider eco-friendly disposable options. Don’t forget napkins, especially if you are serving canapés.

Sharing the load is one of the simplest ways to enjoy holiday entertaining without stress.

• Say yes when people offer to bring something. If it would genuinely help, there’s no need to refuse out of habit.
  
• Don’t be afraid to ask. Most people are flattered when you ask them to bring something.
  
• Be specific. Ask your friend to bring ‘that wonderful cheese ball’ she always makes or ‘those amazing chocolate cupcakes’. This avoids duplication and helps you stay on top of the menu.
  
• Remember most guests do not like to arrive empty-handed. Letting others help can really make them feel more comfortable.

Think a little differently about entertaining

• Rather than a full sit-down meal, consider something simpler — a wine and cheese evening, drinks and canapés (our drinks and nibbles idea), a festive afternoon tea, or a relaxed dessert and coffee get together after supper. You could even ask everyone to bring a favourite dessert to share. I find that smaller, informal occasions often make it easier to enjoy both the company and be in the moment.

• Choose things you can make ahead of time, and don’t be over optimistic about how much time you will have to get ready. I use plenty of make-ahead recipes and also don’t worry about working in the kitchen when guests are present. Most people end up in the kitchen at really good parties anyway!
  
• Consider bringing in some outside help – For some larger gatherings, I’ve occasionally chosen to get help with the catering and even the serving. While I love cooking at home, sometimes preparing all the food as well as hosting can feel like too much. If it’s within your budget, having help can take a lot of pressure off and allow you to really connect with your guests.

Easy Holiday Party Food – Including Party Food Recipes That Can Be Made Ahead

Be sure to be mindful of your budget when planning your menu. Here are some ideas for simple, frugal appetisers and snacks:-

Easy Nacho Dip with Tortilla Chips and/or sliced veggies for dipping (above)
Devilled eggs
Red Pepper Crostini Topping on toasted French bread
Tuna salad sandwich filling on Triscuits topped with a small piece of olive or dill
Finely chopped egg salad on Ritz crackers topped with a small piece of olive or parsley
Spread cream cheese on brown bread. Remove the crusts and cut in squares or triangles. Top with smoked salmon and a sprig of dill to serve.
Cocktail sticks with small cubes of cheese alternated with small chunks of drained tinned pineapple – just like in the eighties!
Ritz crackers topped with a soft cheese and section of drained canned mandarin orange
Square crackers topped with some soft cheese, a tiny piece of ham and a slice of hard boiled egg
Devilled eggs

How Much Food and Drink Do You Need For a Holiday Party?

How many canapés per person?

For appetizers only before a meal, allow 3 to 4 canapés per person.
If the canapés are replacing a meal, then allow 10 to 12 per person.
If it’s just ‘cocktails’ or ‘drinks and nibbles’ allow about 8 to 10 per person.
I always keep some good cheese and biscuits on hand as well as chips and dips, just in case the canapés disappear too quickly!

How much wine/beer etc will you need?

Allow half a bottle of wine per person, as well as a couple of bottles of beer. Not everyone will drink that amount, or even drink alcohol, but this equation allows for those who drink more than average so you don’t run out. You can’t really count cocktails into the equation either, so if you are going to make them, it’s a good idea to choose one or two and serve them from pitchers until they run out, and then let folks switch to wine, beer or soft drinks. Another alternative is to welcome everyone with a glass of sparkling wine or Prosecco poured over a couple of teaspoons of Crème de Cassis (for Kir Royale), St Germaine (Elderflower liqueur) or peach puree (for Bellinis), and then just offer wine and beer after that. (You can usually get 5 to 6 glasses from a bottle of sparkling wine.)

Small Details to Make Holiday Entertaining Feel Special

• If you’re hosting a larger drinks party, a generously sized cooler filled with ice and chilled drinks makes things feel relaxed and informal. Place it somewhere easy to reach so guests can help themselves, with a cloth nearby for damp bottles and a bottle opener and corkscrew close at hand.

• Circulating with wine and water to top up glasses is a simple way to keep the conversation flowing and check in with guests as you go. It’s often these small moments that make people feel looked after as well as make sure you get a chance to speak to everyone at least once. 

• A small parting gift can also be a thoughtful finishing touch. During the holidays, I like to bake a batch of cookies, portion them out, wrap in cellophane and tie with a ribbon, ready to offer as people leave. If you’re hosting a sit-down meal, a tiny table gift like a bookmark, a pretty pen, or a small candle — can be a lovely surprise.

The secret to holiday entertaining without stress is often simpler than you think. With a little advance planning you can let go of how things should be, enjoy welcoming people into your home, and allow the occasion to unfold naturally. Happy Holidays!

More Holiday Help and Advice For Holiday Entertaining Without Stress

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Easy Holiday Appetizers

Holiday Shopping Tips

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