This post has been sponsored by SheSpeaks, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This time of year is my favorite- and not just because of all the holiday treats and sparkly decorations. The last two months of the year are packed full of reasons for my family to get together, from birthdays {mine!} to Thanksgiving to Christmas and New Year’s. I love taking the time to catch up with my loved ones, especially as we reflect on the last year.
All that said, it can take a bit of work to host guests. You have to make sure your home is clean and inviting, prepare something for them to eat, and of course keep the kids from bouncing off the walls. Here are some tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way to make hosting during the holiday easier than ever:
1. Stock up on essentials. Make sure you have enough snacks, drinks, and actual food for everyone {and maybe even enough for seconds}, but don’t forget the non-food items, too! Make sure each bathroom is well-stocked and make sure you have enough clean plates, cups, and napkins to go around. If you’re missing a few essentials or need some great party food, check out your local Sam’s Club for great options! {Tip: I like to pick up a variety of drinks, from Dasani® water bottles to Diet Coke® to Coca-Cola®, Sprite® and Gold Peak® Sweet Tea since each guest tends to like something different!}
2. Do a clean sweep right before they arrive. Even if you spend days cleaning in advance, there are a few things you should do right before your guests arrive. Change bathroom and kitchen towels, pick up any toys the kids got out when you weren’t looking, and maybe even light a candle.
3. Set the ambiance. I like to play music when I have people over, but I also like to leave the living room open for the kids to watch TV when they inevitably get bored. I have a speaker that I play holiday themed music through in my kitchen and I start playing it shortly before my guests arrive so they are welcomed with the sounds of the season right when they walk in the door!
4. Take your guests’ tastes into account. Depending on how well you know your guests, you may be able to accommodate certain preferences. If you’re hosting work friends or neighbors, you’re better off going with a large variety of choices, like vegetables, crackers and cheese, charcuterie, and pastries. Since I tend to host my family and know their particular tastes {my mom likes it spicy, my dad can’t even stand pepper, my in-laws are open to trying new things, but my mother-in-law has a sweet tooth} you can make sure you grab something that will interest each guest. Following a “traditional” menu doesn’t do you any good if half your guests don’t like what’s on the menu.
5. Save money- and time- on all your entertaining needs by stocking up at Sam’s Club! I mentioned stocking up already, but don’t forget to shop for the best deals at Sam’s Club. This time of year can be expensive- between gifts, decorations, activities, and of course, entertaining- so be sure to save money where you can. Sam’s Club always has great deals, like the 35 pack of Diet Coke® I got for under $13! That’s a huge savings over what I would pay at the regular grocery store. You can also save a lot of time when you order online with Club Pickup. Your order will be waiting for you at the store when you get there, saving you valuable time!
Whether you’re gathering to be thankful, to reminisce, or to be jolly, you can apply these tips to make entertaining a breeze. What are your favorite tips for entertaining during the holidays?
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