Ignore the perfectly staged photos you see on Pinterest: a killer holiday shindig needs neither a themed decor scheme nor individualized party favours. And it definitely doesn’t need to be Instagrammed. What matters most is the chance to log quality time with friends and family (plenty of booze helps, too). Here, a guide to throwing a blow-out bash where everyone has a blast — even the host.
Stock the bar
An online drink calculator (like this one) can help you figure out how much alcohol you’ll need, but a good general rule is three bottles of wine for every four guests, or four cocktails per person. And stock lots of ice. You need more than you think you do, and there are few things less appealing than a lukewarm drink.
DIY drinks
Looking to up your hosting cred? Consider a punch bowl. They’re amusingly retro, exude a “hey, it’s a special occasion!” vibe and, once made, require zero additional effort from you. In fact, whatever you supply, let everyone serve themselves. Make-your-own drink stations are completely acceptable, and having one will free you up to focus on greeting your guests.
Set the scene
It doesn’t take much to create ambiance: a holiday playlist (Songza and YouTube have dozens) and some votives are enough to set the mood. But, if you’re fancy, string up some fairy lights and drop $20 on some flowers. When you’re doing your pre-party tidy, don’t forget to empty the hall closet to make room for coats, and clear a space in the fridge in case someone brings a six-pack.
Enlist help
Don’t be a martyr. If people ask what they can bring, freely assign them appetizers, desserts or side dishes to lighten your load – or better yet, go potluck. Meals tend to be more fun and relaxed when lots of people contribute, and it’s nice to have company in the kitchen.
Enter Holiday Mode
Nothing kills a party like everyone being tied to their phones all night. Holiday Mode, a campaign from TELUS, encourages Canadians to unplug their phones, tablets and laptops and reconnect with those who matter most this season. The moral of the story: get the most out of your time with guests by trading phone time for face time. And no, not through the FaceTime app.
Pick a fuss-free menu
The cardinal rule of dinner party hosting: make what you know. This is not the opportunity to tackle individually stuffed Cornish game hens for the first time, and your guests won’t enjoy themselves if they can tell you’re stressed about the meal. Instead, pick something in your arsenal that involves little to no last-minute prep (i.e. constant stirring, flipping or to-order cooking). Essentially, you’re looking for roasts, braised dishes or one-pot meals that you can make ahead of time and heat just before dinner.
Cut corners
Ready-made food is your friend. Olives? Yes please. Pickled vegetables? Absolutely. Fresh-baked bread? No brainer. You can also class up store-bought sides with strategically deployed garnishes, like a dollop of crème fraiche or a sprinkling of fresh herbs. No one needs to know you didn’t make it all from scratch.
What would you add? Share with us using #HolidayMode.
