FROM OUR EDITOR

WE’RE SINGIN’ IN THE NEW YEAR!

We were thrilled to visit Canadian music icon Michael Bublé at his home in Vancouver to discover how he celebrates with his family over the holidays. Read all about it in our “Fine Tuned” story on page 84.

PARTY TRICKS

As anyone who’s a Style at Home social media fan already knows, our team can throw a kick-ass party. Whether it’s a baby bump, bon voyage or birthday celebration, this staff does it all, from decorations and DIYs to food and favours – and we love to share with friends. With that in mind, I polled the staff to find out their best tips for hosting a holiday get-together. Here are just some of their great ideas (you can find more inspiration at styleathome.com/hostesstips).

1. COLLABORATE ON THE MENU. For casual gatherings, ask family members and friends to each bring part of the meal. That puts less pressure on the hosts, so they can enjoy the night, too. 2. OPT FOR A SIGNATURE COCKTAIL and prepare a large pitcher of it to avoid playing bartender all evening.

3. PACKAGE SOME OF YOUR HOLIDAY BAKING in festive treat bags with handwritten notes as parting gifts for guests – it’s an inexpensive and thoughtful gesture that’ll be remembered. 4. MANAGE YOUR TIME WISELY. Try to put most of your effort where guests will appreciate it – there’s no point in cleaning the linen closet for a cocktail party. 5. BE REALISTIC. Do one fantastic DIY that everyone will rave about rather than trying to do too much and having it go unnoticed.

6. ALWAYS HAVE A BOTTLE OF WINE AND SOME MIXED NUTS in your pantry over the holidays so you’re ever-ready for drop-in guests. 7. RENT YOUR DISHES. It’s totally affordable for a small celebration (plus there’s no dishwashing required). 8. GREET EVERYBODY. It may seem overwhelming in a crowded room, but making each and every person feel welcome trumps even the tastiest finger food.

9. CONSIDER YOUR GUESTS’ DIETARY RESTRICTIONS to make sure there’s an option for everyone at the table. That being said, don’t go overboard.

10. PAY EXTRA ATTENTION TO YOUR BATHROOM, which should be well-stocked and absolutely spotless.

Erin McLaughlin erin@styleathome.com

@erinmclaughlin1 instagram.com/styleathomeeditor