Holiday Hosting: Our Guide to Joyful, Stress-Free Festivities

With Thanksgiving officially in the rearview mirror, it’s already time to look ahead to the bevy of December holidays that are just around the corner. No matter how you choose to observe the winter holidays, planning for the once-a-year event can be daunting, especially because you likely have more than one celebratory gathering on the calendar. Luckily, we’re here to usher you through the preparation process so you can focus on making memories with loved ones, be it at a holiday brunch or out caroling with friends.

In an effort to make your celebrations easier and more enjoyable, we’ve put together this helpful guide that addresses just about everything on that lengthy holiday to-do list. You can expect to find reliable recipe ideas for Christmas dinner, genius baking hacks from professional chefs so you can step up your holiday cookie game, party game suggestions that will delight guests of all ages, and much more. Here’s what you need to know in order to have a joyful holiday season.

Start With the Menu

As with any gathering you plan, it’s best to start with the menu. This way, you can set the right tone for your holiday event, whatever it may be. For example, if you’re hosting a sitdown Christmas dinner for a dozen family and friends, you’ll need recipe inspiration from our roundup of Christmas dinner ideas. This extensive recipe collection includes suggestions for every course, as well as dishes that are suitable for those who are vegan or vegetarian. If the plan is to simply host family on the morning of December 25, however, this assortment of Christmas breakfast ideas may be better suited for your needs. In it you’ll find delicious dishes such as an apropos breakfast wreath and French toast casserole.

Not celebrating Christmas? No problem. We also have a roundup of classic Hanukkah recipes that honor the Festival of Lights. Think red wine braised brisket, matzo ball soup, and other Hanukkah favorites that are dependable and easy to make. And if your winter soiree isn’t necessarily tied to a major holiday, we’re prepared for that too. In this roundup of easy holiday appetizers you’ll find dishes like smoked Gouda and pepper cheese puffs, and fancy pigs in a blanket, which work if you’re hosting anything from a casual open house to a white elephant party.

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Add Something Sweet

One of the best parts of the holiday season is the wide array of sweets and treats that are all around us. And no matter how you choose to celebrate this winter, everyone loves a festive dessert, especially if it follows an epic holiday meal. For dessert ideas that will impress even the toughest critics, take a look at this list of the best Christmas desserts you can enjoy this December. Here you’ll find everything from gingerbread latte whoopie pies to an eye-catching cherry-vanilla bundt cake.

On the other hand, if you’re already bogged down by your holiday to-do list, you might want to take a peek at this collection of easy Christmas desserts that look totally holiday worthy. Each one of these creations—think gingerbread truffles and chocolate mousse with croissant crumbs—comes together with minimal ingredients and uses one or more clever shortcuts along the way. Still, these creations are worthy of whatever Christmas celebrations you have on the calendar.

Is it really the holiday season without some festive cookies to enjoy? Whether you’re planning for an office potluck, an ugly sweater party, or however else you plan to celebrate, holiday cookies are a must. We’ve got nearly 100 Christmas cookie recipes to choose from, including chocolate peppermint shortbreads, pine nut drops, and more. And if it’s been a while since you’ve put your baking skills to the test, don’t worry! These helpful tips from professional chefs will (hopefully) help you avoid any baking disasters. Just remember to have fresh baking staples at the ready, and be careful not to crowd your cookies on a baking sheet.

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Make It Merry

With the main meal and dessert all sorted, now it’s time to focus your attention on other ways to wow your guests this holiday season. Decor is key, especially in December, and there are easy ways to decorate your space so it has just the right amount of festive flair. If you’ve got a bar cart, for example, use it as a display piece for apropos accent pieces, like winter flowers or tinsel. And if there’s a staircase in your home, go ahead and use it to hang your most eye-catching ornaments from beautiful ribbons. You’ll be surprised at how even a few small tweaks can transform your space into a winter wonderland.

Need more holiday party ideas? We’re here to help! Music is another great way to infuse some cheer into your gathering. Go ahead and make a playlist of stellar holiday tunes beforehand so you can shape the mood and avoid any awkward silences. You could also give your guests handwritten notes letting them know how much they mean to you, or send them out the door with a small gift.

One way to ensure your holiday party is packed with merriment is to have several games planned. If you’re throwing a Christmas party, we suggest themed Christmas games like a candy cane scavenger hunt and or a gingerbread house competition, but if fun is the only goal, go ahead and expand your horizons to include even more party games. No matter the theme of your holiday party, everyone loves a rousing round of charades.

Now that you have dozens of reliable holiday recipes to choose from, baking tips to put to good use, and festive decor ideas to inspire you, it’s time to celebrate the holiday season in style!