The next two months combine two of my favorite things, food and parties. I love to cook and I love hosting parties at my house. This year is no different. The holidays will be filled with family and friends and I’m looking forward to creating memories with them.
As those of you who follow me on Facebook know, I’ve been in the middle of a whole house makeover for the last several months. My kitchen is finished (pictures coming soon I promise!) but I’m still working on the rest of the house.
My stairs currently look like this… (actually I just finished them – pictures coming soon!)
But I’m hoping they will be finished by the time this is published. For me, getting ready for the holidays this year means getting my house put back together. I’m sure I won’t be able to finish all my projects but I need to make my house liveable and safe for guests. 🙂
Since we’ve been doing so much with the house, my menu and holiday plans are simple this year. We’ll have our favorites, turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and pies- and focus on family and time together, especially since our family is apart.
One of the things I have always wanted is a large, sturdy dining room table. We have a big family so it would be something we would use every day as well as for holidays and gatherings. I’ve had my eye on a trestle table for over two years now.
This table is sturdy, big, and would look perfect in my soon to be finished dining room! I even have those same colors and stones in my house so I think it is meant to be!
Hosting family and friends during the holidays can be a lot of fun, but it can also be stressful if you aren’t prepared.
Creating a check list is an easy way to relieve some of the holiday hosting stress. Here’s my checklist for hosting family and friends this holiday season.
Two weeks pre- party
- Guest list
- Guest food allergies
- Menu plan
- Find recipes
- Shopping list
- Frantically finish all the half done DIY/ remodel projects. (just kidding- that’s only for me!)
One week pre-party
- Make ahead any items that can be frozen. (cookie dough, pie crusts, breads, candies)
- Plan airport pick ups for any out of town guests.
- Create cleaning schedule.
Party week
- Clean house.
- Wash sheets/ towels for any overnight guests.
- Grocery shop.
- Put together a goodie/ toy basket for any little visitors.
- Thaw any frozen foods. (Turkey)
- Create a baking/ cooking plan.
- Make ice.
Day before party
- Food prep
- Bake desserts
- Make sure party dishes and silverware are clean ( I use paper – don’t judge)
- Pick up house
- Set table
- Check hand soap and toilet paper in bathrooms. Restock.
- Chill drinks.
Party day
- Spot clean bathrooms.
- Bake/ cook any remaining food.
- Enjoy the day!
