Tips for Happy Hosting this Holiday Season
You might recognize this home from a house tour we did last year during the holiday season. It’s our friend Monika’s incredible homestead. It’s made for Christmas so of course we asked to come out again for the FHL team to celebrate the season. Charlee brought her mom’s famous red velvet cake with the cutest tree toppers. The icing is literally the best thing I’ve ever eaten. I brought the drinks with a little cocktail I created with our friends from Mighty Swell. Melanie designed the cutest cheese tray for us and the name cards for our table scape of course. We set the table with a little greenery and a few pomegranates and we were ready to go.
Hosting, especially during the holidays, is so much fun. It’s a time to fill our spaces with laughter and memories. This week during our Christmas party, I asked the two most hospitable women I know to give us their best tips for entertaining. This was a pretty spontaneous interview, but I’m so glad we had them share!
WHAT I LEARNED FROM THESE WONDERFUL WOMAN:
1. Plan, Plan, Plan
This seems obvious, but this girl needs as much help as she can get. If you plan and have your dishes and ideas organized then you can actually enjoy your time with your guests. Planning isn’t always just about the food. Think about the playlist you would like to have going to set the tone. Music helps get the conversation going!
2. Start Where You’re At
We’ve been told that cooking and entertaining are specialized skills that only some people possess. You don’t need a culinary degree or a lifestyle brand to host. If you are intimidated by cooking, order pizza and serve it with a salad. Focus on making people at home.
3. No Stress Allowed
If you are scrambling to get it together your guests will feel that. Keep it stress free and enjoy your friends and family by having everything planned and ready to go. Give yourself grace and make memories.
I hope these tips inspire you this season! I’m not a chef, but I do love gathering and feeding my people so I’ve included a few EASY recipe ideas for hosting through the holidays below. There is also a few fun photos of our Christmas party and table scape. I pray that when you read this post, you’ll be inspired to gather the people you love around your table to eat and drink, to tell stories, to laugh and be nourished on every level. Merry Christmas friends!
VIDEOGRAPHY: Lucy Krodell
CALLIGRAPHY: Chicken Scratch Lettering
RECIPE IDEAS FOR EASY HOSTING:
Swell Peach + Cranberry Bellini
Burrata Toasts with Caramelized Walnuts and Mint Pomegranate Pesto
5 Minute Holiday Appetizer that’s Not a Cheese Board (Playing off Monika’s olive bar tip)
SNEAK PEEK IN THE FARMHOUSE LIVING CHRISTMAS PARTY IN MONIKA’S BARN
