The holidays are upon us once again and festive decorations are popping up everywhere we turn. When you spend the time and effort to decorate your home with twinkling lights and sparkling bits and bobs it provides the perfect time to entertain at home. You have already done half the work. So here are some easy Holiday entertaining ideas and tips to pull together a small or large soiree without much effort or wearing yourself out.

Easy Holiday Entertaining Ideas: Advance Planning

There are several things you can do in advance and have other people do for you. This time of year the shopkeepers count on your business to make their year a success so they can keep their doors open during the quieter months of the new year. Order sweets from your local bakery to serve at your house or to bring to someone else’s. Have your favorite restaurant prepare platters of appetizers for your events. They will taste delicious and be made with the same care you would give them yourself. The biggest bonus is not having to clean up after cooking.

Make Appetizers Ahead Of Time

Another easy idea is to make appetizers you can freeze ahead of time before baking them. There are some items that will hold up longer in the deep freeze so you can always keep them handy for those impromptu gatherings. One of my family’s favorite treats are Olive Cheese Balls. (See the recipe below.) We originally found the recipe in The Junior League Cookbook, also the source for my “secret” Christmas Punch. If you can find these cookbooks online or in thrift stores they always have some great treasures in them. Over the past few decades we have all put our own touches on some of the recipes. Personally I think some of these pre-made appetizers have a better texture if they are frozen first. I have sometimes found a stray bag in my freezer months later and they are just as tasty when baked.

Set The Holiday Mood

There are other things you can keep on hand to help you entertain with ease and to make your guests feel welcome and appreciated. Lighting is a major component of any setting. Keep a stock of candles or votives to scatter around the house for a last minute cocktail party and taper candles for intimate dinners. Fragrant candles will create a holiday mood and can be an extension of your personality, be it floral or woodsy. For parties with fragrant food or floral arrangements you may want to opt for unscented candles to avoid conflicting aromas.

Music Makes The Party

Music is another very important mood setter. Take a little time in advance to put together a playlist with your favorite tunes. Maybe your friends like to sing along and dance, or you may be more interested in  classical background music. For a festive cocktail party one of my favorites is Bachelor’s Guide to the Galaxy. I first bought it about 25 years ago and it is still a go-to mix for me.

Rearrange Your Space

Be sure to have enough seating to pull in if your party size grows unexpectedly. Stools and poufs fit nicely under tables and desks and can easily be added to chair groupings. There are endless options of folding chairs as well that can be tucked into the backs of closets or slid under a bed when not in use. Large serving trays or holiday-specific pieces can also be stashed away in high cabinets for the few times a year you need them.

The Best Guests

The most important element of an unforgettable party are your friends and family. Fill the room with your favorite people and everyone will have an amazing time whether they know each other or not. Relax and be a part of the party instead of laboring through it. If you are having a good time, your guests will follow suit.

Shop Easy Holiday Entertaining Ideas

Pictured above:

Neiman Marcus Golden Cut Candleholder, $90

Cocktail Mix, Vol.1: Bachelor’s Guide To The Galaxy, $22.88

Marble and Gold Tray, $34.99

Crate and Barrel Carson Acacia Cheese Board 36”, $69.95

Olive Cheese Balls, photo Betty Crocker

Urbia Faceted Stool, $248

BOLSIUS 4 Pack Gold Shimmer Metallic Pillar Candles – 2.75 X 7.5 Inches, $39.98

Suzanne Kasler Soiree Folding Chair, now $343.20

Try Madeleine’s Cheese Balls Recipe

 

Are you planning a holiday party this year? Do you have any easy holiday entertaining ideas?

You may also like to read Cozy Fall Decorating Ideas: How To Add Warmth To Your Home and Get Into The Spirit With Chic Amazon Holiday Home Decor Under $30.

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