Anyone with a big family knows that there doesn’t need to be a “season” to host people on short notice. Be it birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, or New Year, there’s a good chance your home will be the hot spot to celebrate the festivities. We all know how expensive and time-consuming it can be to host get-togethers, especially during Christmas, so everybody could use some tips and tricks to navigate the holiday season.
If you plan well and work on a few things way in advance, you can manage the crowd efficiently and without breaking a sweat. To help streamline things, we have listed some practical tips that will hopefully help you manage your Christmas get-together easily.
Plan and prepare for your Christmas get-together
Hosting a Christmas get-together is altogether a different ball game. From decorations to gifts to food, to seating arrangements, and games, everything has to be planned to a tee. And we all know, that when done at the last moment, it always results in mayhem. So, to avoid any last-minute stress, always plan at least a month in advance, if not before. Start by sending out the invites, confirming the number go guests, their food allergies, and so on.
Once you have all the data, plan the budget, menu, gifts, and decor. With everything penned down, look for money-saving deals (both online and offline) and grab the best items. With some amount of time on hand, you can even pre-cook certain dishes, freeze them, and use them as per the need.
Stock non-perishable items, toiletries, or any item you think will be needed for your guests, when you see a good deal. This way most of your work for Christmas get-together will be sorted, leaving you with ample time to enjoy with your friends and family.
In case, you have not done all this yet, and most of the prep work is still to be done, it’s time to divide and conquer. Make a list and divide it among your family members to help you get things done on time without much stress. And don’t shy from calling in the reinforcements (in this case your friends) for help.
Designate proper sleeping places for your guests
No matter if the guests are having a sleepover or will stay till the New Year celebration, having a well-designated sleeping area will make things easier for you at the last moment. The guest room, TV room, office, or kids’ bedroom, no matter where you put them, make sure it’s welcoming and easy to set up on a moment’s notice. Inflate air beds a day before the guests arrive. Refill before bedtime and you shouldn’t have to worry about them for the rest of the visit.
Make bedding grab-and-go by storing sets in their pillow case with a coordinating blanket. Put surge-protector power strips everywhere guests are sleeping, so they don’t blow a fuse with their phone, computer, and that inflatable bed. Even placing a few books or magazines under a lamp by the bed, a laundry bag, and a stand-up mirror to finish one’s morning routine without hogging an in-demand bathroom is a good tip to make Christmas get-togethers easier for you.
Keep certain things within the reach of children to avoid running all the time
Yes, this is an essential tip for a stress-free Christmas get-together. With kids around, they will always end up demanding water, plates, spoons, games, snacks, and so on. So, instead of running around to fulfill their every request, designate an area or a cabinet for those little munchkins to grab their things as and when needed.
For instance, you can keep paper plates, spoons, games, toys, colors, snacks, etc. in a lower cabinet of the room for kids to help themselves. Giving water bottles to each toddler will also help you save run to the kitchen. Otherwise, keep a water pitcher/jar/dispenser at a low height for kiddos to fill their glasses whenever they wish. This way you will get to spend more time with your loved ones.
So, take note of these hosting tips and tricks and get the Christmas get-together preparation started for a merry time with your dear ones. You can still make things work if planned well.
