Entertaining is my passion.  I love sharing that passion with others whether through entertaining tips and easy recipes.  Getting together with family and friends is what the holidays are all about and hosting them should be a stress free, enjoyable experience.  These Tips for Easy Holiday Entertaining will help you to enjoy the evening as much as your guests will and inspire you to entertain more.

Tips for Easy Holiday Entertaining

1 Create A Make Ahead Menu – Ensuring that you aren’t in the kitchen all night helps you to be more relaxed. Your guests will be more at ease as well.  They won’t feel like they should be helping and you have time to enjoy their company. Whether you are hosting a Holiday tea as above or a seated dinner, this makes all the difference!  My favorite dishes for a seated dinner are Winter Citrus Salad, Rosemary Beef Tenderloin with Savory Thyme Sweet Potatoes and Cinnamon and Red Wine Poached Pears.

Set a Beautiful Table in Advance – One of my favorite to-dos is to set the table.  I do this several days in advance sot that I can make sure everything is clean and polished.  It also allows me to add layers to the table and try out different combinations of placemats, napkins and dinnerware.  I also use fresh flowers every time I entertain.  I love to bring in a garden element by adding clipped greenery or magnolia leaves from my landscaping to the table as well.

If you are having a cocktail party or even small afternoon tea, do this as well.  Get out all of your serving dishes, glassware, etc and place it on the table with a note of what dish it will hold.  That helps to visualize your table and ensure you have the correct pieces you need ready to go!

Set up the Bar with Cocktails and Mocktails – Everyone loves a fun cocktail or mocktail.  Mix yours in batches with fun garnishes and serve in drink dispensers or pitchers so that no one has to play bartender all night.  If you are hosting a large group, a bartender is a great idea!  The Sips recipe section has all my favorite cocktails and mocktail recipes.  I love these pre-mixed cocktails, too.

Set the Mood with Music – Make a great playlist or download one from Spotify.  Setting the mood is just as important as the food!  You’ll love this playlist from my friend Cary, with Jackopierce for the holidays!

Once you have your plan in place, stick to it and use it over and over again.  It makes entertaining easy and enjoyable for you and your guests!

Be sure to check out the new Holiday Inspiration tab on the Menu above where you will find Gift Guides and Inspiration for Thanksgiving and Christmas all in one spot!  If you’re looking for Christmas table setting and tabletop ideas, you’ll love my Christmas tablescapes. For all of my Christmas recipes, click here!

LOOKING FOR MORE INSPIRATION…BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE POSTS…

• What to Wear for Thanksgiving
• Holiday Style from Nordstrom
• What to Wear to Holiday Parties
• Best Fall and Winter Boots
• Holiday Home Shop | The Best Christmas Decor and Gift Wrap

Cheers to gathering with friends and family this holiday season!

xo

Alicia

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