Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Holiday entertaining tips

Hiya! If you are stopping by from Shay & Erika's Let's Look Link Up, I was just about to post and then I realised that I wrote exactly what I wanted to say two years ago :-). Take a look.....
Let's Look!



We entertain a lot but my most  favourite time to have people over is the holiday season. We have different friends and family over, some bigger gatherings and just couples over sometimes. I did a 10 tips on party hosting a while ago but here are a  few more other tips on having people over whatever size the gathering may be. 

1- Stock up on nuts, cheeses, crackers and dips so that you are prepared for even an impromptu gathering. I try to get a mix of tried and true favourites and some different treats that I want to share with our guests.

2- I love a good signature Christmas cocktail to start the night. There are so many great ones to choose from online but I usually love a sparkling sipper to begin the festivities. 

3- Christmas music in the background is always lovely. Parang (our local upbeat holiday music) for the trinis who come around, carols for everyone else :-)


4- Lighting is lovely. I light a few tea lights, make sure the christmas tree  and all my extra string lights  are lit, put on some lamps and keep it warm and cozy.

5- When I'm preparing dinner, I try to do as much as possible before including the main dish if possible so I can relax when my family and friends are here. I stick it in the oven at 275 in the last half hour before being ready to serve. 

6- If someone asks to bring something, I just may take them up on their offer :-)

7- If we are having kids over as well, I feed them first then put on a kids' Christmas movie for them to enjoy while the adults are having dinner. 

8- Know what you can handle. I used to have a big party for many years but I stopped it a few years ago. I was running around a lot and not getting to enjoy my guests as much as I would have liked so now I keep it simpler with smaller gatherings and or a big holiday potluck. Everyone brings an appetizer and it's a wonderful time


9- Dessert really doesn't have to be fancy. A platter of assorted cookies, some spiked eggnog as a digestif or a holiday ice cream are great little treats in this season of decadence. 

10-We keep our formula simple as much as possible. Good company, food and wine is all you need. 

If you aren't the host but instead are the guest, here's a list of hostess gifts under $20


What are your favourite holiday hosting and entertaining tips?



11 comments:

  1. Love these tips, especially the inclusion of parang (and soca parang) because no one has Christmas music like Trinidad :P

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  2. Great tips, some of them work for other times of year too!

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  3. Great post. I love all of the holiday things, sparkly cocktails for the win!

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  4. These are great tips! Your get togethers always look like so much fun! Sierra~Beautifully Candid

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  5. All great tips! You definitely want to be able to enjoy the party, so doing as much as you can the night before - or letting people bring food or help some other way - are all great ideas!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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  6. Knowing what you can handle is such a great tip!! Thanks for linking up with us!

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  7. Great tips- I especially like the stocking up part- so much easier to grab something when you have a back up for those surprise visits.

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  8. Love your table set up! So pretty! Great tips!
    Nikki: shooshanigans.blogspot.com

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  9. Great idea to let the kids eat first and then show a Christmas movie! They are fed, happy and entertained!

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  10. Sounds prefect! The finger food looks delicious and I agree to keep dessert simple because more often than not, people prefer to indulge in eggnog or wine after eating! Emily @ Martinis & Bikinis

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  11. I definitely prefer smaller gatherings (both to host and attend!). I too find that it's the best way to actually visit with them.

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Hearing from you makes me so happy!!

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