A Guide to Effortless Holiday Gatherings
I just moved and can finally welcome more than four people in my home. That’s why I’ve been especially eager to host friends and family this holiday season.
Even though I’m a designer, experience creator, and the Brand Manager of MIHO during the day, at home I’m just like you with mismatched serveware and glasses.
So, I’m here to tell you that hosting doesn’t need to be perfect. It might be chaotic. You might have a panic attack. But letting go of perfection will be our mantra this season. Our focus is on welcoming our friends, neighbors, and loved ones into our homes and enjoying time together.
Here are a few hosting tips for easing your way into the holidays and hosting a meaningful gathering.
Embrace Imperfection
No one is expecting you to have eight matching chairs or dishware for 16. Borrow an extra table and a linen from a friend or neighbor. Improvise, get creative, and let your home show its lived-in charm. Guests won’t mind if your menu changes or you run out of something—they’ll remember how welcomed they felt. Realness is magnetic, so relax and let go of perfection.
First Impressions Set the Stage
Instead of fussing in the kitchen during the party, prep as much as possible beforehand so you can focus on your guests. Offer simple appetizers—even if its chips and dip from Trader Joe’s—and have most dishes ready to go. Light a holiday-scented candle—like my custom santal and redwood blend with 1502 Candles—to set a warm, inviting mood. Give guests a quick tour, introduce them to others and let them know where to find a drink.
Delegate
People love to be helpful. Save the small jobs for your guests. Have your most capable friend set the table. Ask your friend who is super passionate about whisky to help guests get a drink. Two weeks out, ask your music-savvy pal to create a playlist. The best parties happen when everyone gets involved.
Batch Cocktails
Make a signature cocktail ahead of time and offer mini portions as your guests arrive. No one ever says no to a cocktail—especially if it’s a small one. It’s a fun way to kick off the night without the pressure of playing bartender all night. Have a chill tub with wines, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks for guests to serve themselves. For non-drinkers, have a few interesting NA beverages like kombucha, homemade shrub, or mocktails. And double down on the sparkling waters.
Make a List
From groceries to your chores, write it all down. Create a note in your phone that has every little thing to do in there. Share it with your partner, your bestie, or your mom. This will help you know how many bottles of wine you need to grab at the store and what needs to be done before people show up. I even include the small things like light the candles or turn on Spotify. This way nothing is overlooked and I can easily delegate when someone asks if they can help.
The rest is up to you. The meal, the people, and the experience. Being together can be curated without being forceful. Simple is best. Being real is better. Opening your home is generous. Embrace the imperfection of gathering and let the love, connection and magic happen.
