The Art of Hosting: 5 Tips for Hosting Guests During the Holidays

It’s finally the time of year when a turkey will be formally pardoned by the President of the United States in Washington, D.C., followed by a slew of reindeer guiding Santa’s sleigh from one coast to the other. It’s a time when new homeowners eagerly plan their inaugural holiday soirees and renters transform their spaces into cozy havens for celebration.

This Redfin guide is tailored for everyone taking on the joyful task of hosting, from the first-timers to those well-versed in the holiday hustle. Here, you’ll discover the essence of holiday hosting, distilled into five key tips that promise to infuse your event with warmth and create an inviting, memorable gathering. So, deck your halls and prepare to spread not just holiday cheer, but become the host with the most festive flair this season has ever seen!

1. Optimize your space for a party

Whether you’re a new homeowner setting up for your first holiday season, or a long-time resident refreshing your festive space, start by clearing out the boxes and clutter. This will make your home more inviting and help you envision and plan the ideal layout for your holiday celebrations. Designate areas for coats and belongings, arrange seating for conversation, and consider traffic patterns for guests moving between rooms. 

Mesita Partridge, CEO of Events by Mesita, shares how the layout and flow should feel “smooth and effortless as guests navigate your home,” and Alexandra Partow, President of Alexandra Partow Events, adds how a clean slate “makes a space look more inviting and offers additional room to get creative.”  

Additionally, Chef Chris Nirchel with N.Y. Catering Service says “ensure the space is conducive for the number of guests you anticipate.” Creating an environment that feels comfortable is essential; therefore, those with smaller spaces but larger friend and family groups may want to be sure they have ample seating or consider hosting separate events (such as a Friendsgiving).

2. Design a festive atmosphere

What are the holidays without festive decorations? From the moment your guests walk through the entryway, give them something to discuss. Your holiday décor should be unapologetic and embody your personality. These pieces can be introduced by lights strung from a rooftop, wooden nutcrackers atop a fireplace mantle, a Christmas tree perched at the front window, garland weaved through a staircase railing, and more.

Chelsey Morin, wedding planner and coordinator for Double Blessing Events suggests adding a hint of decorative elegance to your guest’s dining experience by “including formal place cards at each place setting.” She adds that an extra touch can include a take-home ornament.

Sara Walker, owner of Sara Walker Events, recommends enhancing the ambiance by “playing soft background music.” To indulge in the wintry yuletide, spinning Mariah Carey’s Merry Christmas vinyl on a record player should do the trick. 

3. Plan for (almost) everything

There are dozens of variables to consider when ensuring your guests have a memorable experience during your holiday gathering. Planning for everything can ensure your party is as graceful as the first snowfall of the season, but don’t fret if you miss something–this is your time to enjoy as well.

Celebrating the holidays in the New England states, such as in Boston, MA, may come with below-freezing temperatures compared to those in Palm Desert, CA. For those dressed for cooler temperatures, Vijay Goel, co-owner of Bite Catering Couture, shares how you can “create a feeling of hospitality for your guests by having a place to store their coats.” 

To encompass the more minor details, Sara Walker adds to “ensure you’ve provided extra toiletries in the restroom.” In doing so, you can alleviate the possibility of an embarrassing moment for one of your guests while ensuring you don’t have to restock any items throughout the engagement. 

4. Curate a memorable menu

Whether you’re taking on the chef role or hailing the help of your favorite catering staff, designing a memorable menu is important. From the hors d’oeuvres and drinks to the main entrée and dessert, you’ll want to delight your guests’ taste buds..

When designing your menu, it is imperative that no one is excluded from the delicacies. Karen Rosendahl, owner of Modern Catering, suggests “reaching out to your guests in advance to ask if anyone has dietary restrictions or allergies.” By doing this, you’ll be prepared to make proper accommodations before making any final decisions.

Jon Toktas, owner of Good Heart Catering, recommends “elevating your appetizers with gourmet finger foods. He shares how “sophisticated appetizers not only entice the taste buds but add an element of luxury to your holiday gathering.”

Additionally, Toktas shares how “creating a customized beverage station can cater to all tastes” while enhancing the holiday experience. Consider offering creative options such as hot chocolate with marshmallows or other garnishes such as whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, or even crushed peppermint.

5. Designate a kid’s area

The holidays are undoubtedly a time for friends and family to come together and celebrate; this means people of all ages under one beautifully decorated roof. Creating a designated space for kids to partake in child-friendly activities can aid in driving their entertainment.

Sara Walker suggests setting a child-sized table filled with “coloring books, puzzles, or holiday-themed crafts that can keep children engaged throughout the gathering while adults relax and enjoy themselves.”

Final tips on the art of hosting:

As the holiday season approaches, embracing the art of hosting can transform your gatherings into memorable and stress-free events. From optimizing your space and designing it with holiday spirit to anticipating the needs of your guests and curating an exquisite menu, your home will be a canvas for painting an unforgettable experience. Cheers to the magic of the season and the art of hosting!

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