Do’s and Don’ts of Holiday Hosting

+ DO HAVE A SELF-SERVE SITUATION

For the holidays, we tend to keep things casual and I always have a self-serve area for drinks. That way, guests can go up and grab what they want without me needing to help. If you’re hosting more people, stick to wine and beer. Either way, make it easy on yourself, and make it easy for your guests to get a buzz ASAP.

+ DO ALLOW PEOPLE TO HELP If someone offers to bring a dish or help, let them! The holidays are about bringing traditions and people together and I have no shame in letting others chip in. Plus, it usually makes someone feel good if they can contribute something, especially this time of year.

+ DO HAVE AN AESTHETIC Obviously!

Choosing the table setting and the overall vibe is one of my favorite parts about hosting. I’ve done all white, mixed metals, natural vibes with lots of greenery and wood, and so on.

Choose your aesthetic in advance and carry that through with your tablescape, serveware, and even the candle scent if you can (in a non-cheesy way).

+ DO PREP I like to lay out my dishes to make sure I know what recipe will fit into each a few days before. I also make any food I can the night before so it’s one less thing to do. If I’m pulling out nicer linens or whatever, I iron those in advance -- to make sure I don’t need to replace anything and so that on the day of the event, I’m as relaxed as possible.

+ DO CREATE A PLAYLIST I have this running playlist that I add to each year and always play for holiday parties. I try to keep all guests in mind and play something that appeals to different age groups.

+ DO SET THE MOOD WITH CANDLES I do scented in the bathroom and unscented in the kitchen so it doesn’t overpower the food.

+ DON’T MAKE YOUR HOUSE PERFECT BE-

FORE GUESTS ARRIVE I like to spruce the house up before hosting but I’ve definitely made the mistake of cleaning every inch of my house, only to have it get dirty the minute people arrive. Obviously make sure the house is tidy but save your big clean until after the party.

+ DON’T HAVE TIME RESTRICTIONS Don’t be the host pushing people out the door at 9 p.m. (unless it’s that one drunk friend who is there ‘til 3 a.m. and everyone else has bounced). Our parties usually end pretty late and I know that going in. Cancel plans for the next day, hire a cleaning service if you want, and stay relaxed about the evening. I promise it’ll make it better vibes for everyone there.

+ DON’T LEAVE SOMEONE OUT If there’s someone you don’t know well at a party or you’re not sure if you should invite someone, this is the time of year to be the most welcoming. Make people feel welcome in your home and try to include everyone.

+ DON’T FORCE PEOPLE TO PLAY I like to have some sort of game going at every party but if someone doesn’t want to play, they don’t have to. I will not be that b*tch.

+ DON’T START CLEARING OR CLEANING

It’s rude to start clearing dishes if someone is still eating, and I think it’s rude to start cleaning if the party’s still going.

I wait until everyone’s done and / or gone.

+ DON’T FORGET THE COFFEE AFTER A lot of people in my family want caffeine after a heavier holiday meal and it’s a nice touch

LET’S PARTY