Enjoy the party and don’t stress!
Check out our tips for a stress-free dinner party
Whether it’s for Christmas, New Year’s Eve or any party, there’s no need to stress about it. With a few tips we can help you have a stress-free dinner party.
Now that we don’t stress about party plans we just get to enjoy them, especially the holidays as you can see in the photo below where we embarass our teen daughter with kisses caught on camera 😉
Just as you’re celebrating the fact that your Thanksgiving turkey turned out perfectly (not too dry, I hope) and you survived the family antics and drama, you realize the Holiday season is just around the corner. If you’re like me, your mind starts racing… gift lists, shopping trips, recipe ideas, and more holiday parties and dinners than you can count on both hands. Where do you start?
If you’re like me, hosting holiday get togethers are at the top of the list. How do you ensure they go off without a hitch? Here are a few simple tips and tricks that will make every meal a hit:
Make a list and check it twice. There are great organizational apps (I like to think of them as my virtual assistant) that can help you prioritize. From stocking up your pantry and creating menu ideas to managing RSVP lists, storing these items in one place can help you organize and strike off those to-dos! Plus, the feeling of accomplishment you get when you check an item off your list is always a bonus (whether it’s on paper or on your phone!)
Get the fancy silverware and dishes ready. Holiday feasts and festive parties mean bringing out your best silverware and serving dishes. To refresh your silver, try Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. Just rub a paste of three-parts Arm & Hammer Baking Soda and one-part water onto the silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Then rinse thoroughly and your dinnerware will be sparkling-ready to impress your guests!
Expect the unexpected. For that unexpected guest who drops by, not-so-holiday-specific items like stationary, pens and notebooks are a nice last-minute gifting idea that anyone will appreciate. Taking a non-holiday themed approach means items can be purchased well in advance of the holiday shopping rush.
Keep messes to a minimum. Having a trusted stain fighter on-hand to tackle those holiday spills and stains is a must! My go-to products are the OxiClean MaxForce Foam Laundry Pre-Treater and MaxForce Spray Laundry Pre-Treater. Both can treat wine stains, gravy spills and stains from sticky fingers to keep linens and napkins table-ready for next season. The Pre-treaters can stand for up to a week before washing.
Pamper yourself! Treat yourself to that festive latte, Santa-shaped cookie, or an extra hour in bed without the guilt! You deserve it for all your hard work, and it may be just what you need to keep your spirits up and stay energized for your next dinner party!
What are your tips for easing dinner party prep and clean-up stress? I’d love to hear them!
Don’t forget to check out the rest of our site like our yummy recipes section for goodies like this Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe.
Amber Ludwig says
I love that you added that in hostess indulge a little!! Such an important reminder!! Parties are tough work and they deserve a big high five, cookie or glass of wine!!
Rosie says
I don’t have tips to share, just the thought of having a dinner party immediately filled me with dread and panic. Reading these tips, though, it doesn’t sound so bad, for instance, I don’t feel that way about hosting family get togethers. Good suggestions!
Shannon S. says
Great tips. I always find that preparing early and being organized makes a big difference.
Linda Manns Linneman says
Having a dinner party is so much work and can be very stressful. You want it to be perfect. Thank you so much for this great article. God Bless
Darren Scrubb says
Great tips I will keep for my next dinner party.
Laurence Price says
Good ideas. Very useful about planning can use this in my daily life.
Michelle T says
Some great ideas here – I always find dinner parties so stressful. Prefer to be the guest rather than the host.
Mia says
Such an adorable family photo. I think these are great suggestions to prep for a gathering but then too just stay calm and not get too anxious.
Michelle S says
We host a big Christmas open house and have up to 30 people. First, I keep the menu simple – sandwiches and appetizers. I create small plates of appetizers and keep the extra ones in the fridge. When one plate empties, I can just grab the next one out of the fridge. That way I still enjoy the day.
Sandi Tymchuk says
I accept that I will be anxious, but that’s okay. I try to focus on my guests and accept whatever happens, after I’ve prepared as much food ahead of time and done whatever prep work I can. When we were hosting a get-together before Christmas, a toilet supply line sprung a leak, flooded the bathroom and dripped down into the ceiling, shorting a smoke alarm (constantly on), etc. We dealt with it (used old towels to absorb the flood, closed off water supply valve, flipped the breaker, etc.), and fixed it later (water supply line and smoke detector replaced). We still had a very nice visit!
Erwin Carrington says
lol entered
Sherry Bracy says
I prep the veggies (cutting putting into serving platters covered) ahead of time. we also have came to a decision with family that everyone brings a dish to pass. they let us know what they are bringing ahead of time so that helps with the menu planning. and makes for less clean up! I love the Idea of having the extra stationary. pens etc on hand for those unexpected guest that may arrive! Great Idea I will for sure use in the future.
ellen beck says
fOR ME PRE PREP IS A HUGE DEAL. gEt as much done beforehand out of the way. Also, realize nothing is ever ever perfect. Well OK maybe Martha Stewart is picture perfect but she has help!
darla says
Mine is basically to focus on the meal part, the rest kind of falls into place.
Very true stationery is a great gift for anyone. I’ve never heard of those stain removers before. We have more stains than I like to count, so thanks for the rec.