If you’re a parent like me, entertaining others may be the last thing on your to-do list, and it may fill you with anxiety to think about piling people into your home when your kids get out of school. But entertaining doesn’t have to be stressful, and it can truly become a joy…take it from me! Yes, I love decorating and hostessing, but I know not everyone does, and I’ve learned some tips and tricks over the years for creating a place of rest amid the holiday hustle. Here are some ideas for creating memories with your loved ones this season (hint: they don’t have to always be in your house!)
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-Host a gingerbread decorating party: This one is super simple, although it sounds complicated. Each guest or family brings their own house. The houses can be home-made if they are feeling crafty, or they can find a pre-made one somewhere like Trader Joes or even Target for about $10. One great tip is if you don’t plan to eat your house after you decorate it, you can also hot glue the sides together for maximum hold! This is helpful for little ones who are decorating and who aren’t quite as careful with the glueing. Obviously if you plan to eat your house, be sure to use something like Royal icing to construct it. We do this every year, and I provide all the decorations, such as frosting bags, candy, and other fun little items to make the houses festive. It’s a great way to bring everyone together, and to see all the different designs!
-Walk through a local town to look at lights: This one is the simplest idea of all because you don’t even have to clean your house (wink, wink!). Each year, we do this with friends and family in Ashland, Oregon. We get our favorite hot drink (cocoa), and do a tour of all the prettiest lights in the city. Afterwards, you could host a dessert bar, or simply bid your loved ones goodbye after the tour! Be sure to dress in warm layers. If you want to take it up a notch, use google to locate light trolleys, where you can ride around a city with ease!
-Keep it simple: These days, instagram and Pinterest can make hosting a holiday gathering feel daunting. But a meaningful night doesn’t have to include hand-written placecards. If you are unable or not wanting to cook a huge meal, considering getting take-out, putting it out on a beautiful set table, and tossing all the containers afterwards. With pretty dishes and a houseful of people you love, no one will care that you didn’t do the cooking, truly! You could do a rotisserie chicken from the store, with a heaping salad and a fresh loaf of bread, and make it as beautiful as a home-cooked meal. Pretty dishes and serving platters can amp up something store-bought to something truly memorable.
-Host a day to give back: It can be easy as parents to get caught up in the gift lists and to-do’s, but I know I always try to encourage my kids to focus on others who are less fortunate. I don’t do a perfect job, but it’s important to our family values. Consider hosting a night to pack up gifts for foster children, to volunteer in a shelter or soup kitchen, or to do gift wrapping for the elderly or those who may not be able to do it themselves. This is a really nice way to connect with the people that mean the most to you, and do something truly worthwhile.