Don’t let stress rule the holiday season! If you’re playing host to friends or family this year, use these simple tips to keep your sanity. That way, you can enjoy the festivities just as much as your guest will!
1. Set the mood
The first step for any celebration: set the mood! Fun touches like decor, music and smells will not only get your guests in the holiday spirit but will also make your prep work more fun and festive. Put together a holiday playlist, set out your favorite decorations and light some holiday-themed candles to easily start prepping for the big day.
2. Outsource the cooking
So many holiday memories come from everyone cooking together in the kitchen — but that doesn’t mean you have to make everything from scratch! You can pick up dips or meat-and-cheese trays at our deli or grab some freshly baked treats or dinner rolls from our bakery. We promise the taste will be exceptional while taking some of the food workload off your plate.
3. Prep ahead of time
Fortunately, you don’t have to do everything on the big day! Certain tasks can easily be done several days or even a week or more in advance. Create a cleaning schedule for the week leading up to the festivities, with a different room being cleaned every day. Plan two grocery trips: pick up canned goods and other nonperishables about two weeks in advance, and get fresh produce and meat a couple of days ahead of time. Certain holiday dishes can be prepped ahead of time: breakfast casseroles, pies and other baked goods, and more.
4. Ask for help
You may think it’s your job to make sure none of your guests have to lift a finger, but the truth is everyone is willing to pitch in to make hosting the holidays a little easier! You’ll probably have a handful of helpful family members ask for ways to help you out right away. Have a few tasks in mind to delegate to them, such as gathering used wrapping paper or washing breakfast dishes.
5. Limit your houseguests
As much as we all love our families, having a huge crowd overextend their stay at our home is bound to be stressful. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries not only on how many house guests you have, but also on how long they can stay before and after the festivities.
These five simple tips are sure to make your holiday season stress-free. And remember to visit our store for any of your holiday food needs. We promise you’ll love the taste, quality and affordable prices!
