Tips + Tricks for Hosting and Entertaining for the Holidays

Cozy tablescape for hosting a holiday party

welcome mat, buffalo check, rug

It truly is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!   

We LOVE Christmas and the reason for the season!  With the holiday + cozy days of winter comes gathering with loved ones.   We adore entertaining and making our homes a warm and comforting place for all to gather!  With the hustle and bustle of everyday life thrown in with the busyness of the Christmas season, we wanted to share our tips for making your entertaining a breeze! 

  

home decor, white subway tile, kitchen decor, viking stove

 

Tip #1  Plan Ahead

Grab a pen + paper and make your list!  Write down the purpose of the event, who, when, where, theme/tablescape, + menu.  We majorly utilize Pinterest for inspiration and creating boards for our visions!  This is also a fabulous tool when you are co-hosting an event so you can share ideas virtually!   

 

tablescape, stay at home mom, mom life, Christmas entertaining

Tip #2  Invites

In this day and age there are so MANY ways to send an invite!  A phone call, text or digital invite (try www.punchbowl.com) are all great ways to extend an invitation!  Our favorite is working with Gwen Marie Designs to create a custom paper invite to  mail out!  Snail mail is still our heart - and who doesn't LOVE to receive mail?!  Send Gwen a color palette, any ideas + your message and she will create an invite you can send digitally via email/text OR print and mail!    

 

Christmas entertaining, tablescape, holiday decor

Tip #3 SAY YES!

When a guest RSVP's and graciously offers to bring something--you better believe you should SAY YES!  Have your menu list in categories and have them choose one dish to bring {i.e. cold salad, fruit, dessert, side dish, appetizer, drink, etc.}!  This is a great way to relieve the stress of hosting and gives the guest an opportunity to SHINE with a dish!  Also, this is such a great conversation piece at the event!  

  

Christmas Napkins, Tablescape, Table Setting, Holiday Decorating, Holiday Entertaining

 

Tip #4 Effortless Decorating

Effortless, inexpensive decorating for your table can be a breeze!  Forage for fresh greens to add from the outdoor elements...or if that's not your thing you can totally buy from a local farm or floral shop! Multi-purpose items you already have, like a scarf from your closet, and use as a table runner!  Candle holders with tea lights always add a cozy, sparkling touch along with festive paper napkins...both thrifty ways to add to your centerpiece decor!  The key to an amazing tablescape is differentiation between heights with your centerpiece to draw your eye and always layer, layer, layer!  Place cards are also a great way to add a texture + layer!  It also helps make your guest more comfortable without having to guess where sit, you don't have to direct them to their seats, and you are free to host and attend to last minute food tasks!
 
 

Tablescape, home decor, Christmas Table, Holiday Entertaining

Shop this look:  Woven Charger// Joy Napkins// Place Cards // Scarf Table Runner// Candle Holders // Wood Slice //  Fresh Eucalyptus // Greens 

Tip #5 Meal Prep

The day before you're hosting your event, you should definitely make any food that can be done ahead of time and prep any ingredients for last minute recipes.  Set that table and make a list for your to-dos on the day of the event!

 

Inherit Candle, Soy Candle, Merry Christmas, Cookie Exchange, Tea Towel, Kitchen Decor

Tip #6 Set the Mood

Welcome guests with house decluttered, candles lit, adorable kitchen apron on, music lightly playing, fresh towels, sparkling lights and fireplace on.  All of these things set a wonderful ambiance of cozy relaxation!  Come on in, take a load off, and stay a while!    

 

mom, stay at home mom, Christmas entertaining, holiday deco

 

Tip #7  Keep it Simple + Let it Go 

Once your guests arrive, RELAX and be fully present.  Take the time to stop and soak in the moment of togetherness and being surrounded by so many of those you love!  
 

We would LOVE to hear from you with any tips you may have for Christmas + Holiday entertaining and hosting, so please comment below!  

We hope you have a blessed Christmas!

Love + Blessings from the Inherit Team 

 

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8 comments

This is just beautiful! I loved reading all yours tips and the photos are just breathtaking! I am not hosting anything this year ( first year I have not hosted any gathering in a while! ) but it is inspiring me to plan + host a much needed get together with some special ladies in my life. Thank you Inherit!

Melissa

Oh Shannon, we are so happy this blog post warmed your heart + inspired your upcoming Christmas gatherings! Thank you for taking the time to leave us a little note – we so appreciate it + YOU!!

Inherit Co.

This is absolutely gorgeous. I love how genuine and elegant yet simple everything is and it literally warmed my heart just thinking about how I could make our Christmas gatherings more festive. <3

Shannon Foss

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