Tips to Host the Best Stress-Free Dinner Party!
Tips to Host the Best Stress-Free Dinner Party
Just as you’re celebrating the fact that your Thanksgiving turkey turned out perfectly (not too dry, I hope) and you survived the family antics and drama, you realize the holidays are underway.
If you’re like me, your mind starts racing.
There are gift lists, shopping trips, recipe ideas, and more holiday parties and dinners than you can count on both hands. Where do you start?
If you’re like me, hosting holiday get-togethers are at the top of the list. How do you ensure they go off without a hitch?
Here are a few simple tips and tricks that will make every meal a hit!
Make a List and Check It Twice
There are great organizational apps (I like to think of them as my virtual assistant) that can help you prioritize.
From stocking up your pantry and creating menu ideas to managing RSVP lists, storing these items in one place can help you organize and strike off those to-dos!
Plus, the feeling of accomplishment you get when you check an item off your list is always a bonus (whether it’s on paper or on your phone!)
Get the Fancy Silverware and Dishes Ready
Holiday feasts and festive parties mean bringing out your best silverware and serving dishes. To refresh your silver, try Arm & Hammer Baking Soda.
Just rub a paste of three-part Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and one-part water onto the silver with a clean cloth or sponge.
Then rinse thoroughly and your dinnerware will be sparkling-ready to impress your guests!
Expect the Unexpected
For that unexpected guest who drops by, not-so-holiday-specific items like stationary, pens and notebooks are a nice last-minute gifting idea that anyone will appreciate.
Taking a non-holiday-themed approach means items can be purchased well in advance of the holiday shopping rush.
Keep Messes to a Minimum
Having a trusted stain fighter on-hand to tackle those holiday spills and stains is a must! My go-to products are the OxiClean MaxForce Foam Laundry Pre-Treater and MaxForce Spray Laundry Pre-Treater.
Both can treat wine stains, gravy spills, and stains from sticky fingers to keep linens and napkins table-ready for next season.
The Pre-treaters can stand for up to a week before washing.
Pamper Yourself
Treat yourself to that festive latte, Santa-shaped cookie, or an extra hour in bed without the guilt! You deserve it for all your hard work, and it may be just what you need to keep your spirits up and stay energized for your next dinner party!
It is crazy how fast the holidays come and how fast they go too. After Christmas, you’ll be prepping to bring in the New Year. You can use these tips too.
What are your tips for easing dinner party prep and clean-up stress?
Let me know, til then–cheers m’deres!
Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.
I love to bring out the fancy tableware for our get togethers. It’s so much fun!
Hehe, sometimes those are the only times to use them!
Haha indeed – always expect the unexpected! Thanks for the good tips!
Yes, you just never know!
Love it. I haven’t had a dinner party in years..because of this very thing – TOO MUCH STRESS! This is perfect
Yes, they can be stressful!
I like the idea of starting with a list. I am all for making a plan before diving into a chore so this works for me! I love these ideas!
Thanks, I hope they help!
I love the Make a List and Check It Twice tip. I am a list addict, that is how I keep track of life. I feel like I need to have a dinner party now.
Me too!
This has been super helpful! Family dinners at my place get crazy sometimes.
They can get hectic!
I can’t even begin to tell you how stressful my dinner parties are. This might help, but I will still opt for going elsewhere. XD
LOL! Oh no, I would love to hear your stories some time!
These are great ideas! I have a gift shelf in my linen closet. I put things there (that I pick up on clearance…shhh) that are appropriate to use as hostess gifts or for when someone drops by and I need a gift to give them. It’s a lifesaver
That is a great idea!
It has been awhile since I’ve hosted a dinner party, but I’ll keep these tips in mind the next time I host one. Thanks for sharing these tips!
My pleasure!
These are such great tips. Making a list is a must for me so I will not forget anything. And pampering myself is always a great idea.
Thanks! Yes, pampering is always great.
You do have it all figured out!! Great tips !
Hehe, not all but, hope these helped.