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Cut the chaos and become the ultimate host

The Complete Prep Guide For a Stress-Free Holiday Season

Whether you’re a seasoned (pun intended) pro or a hosting novice, the festive season can be a stressful experience. Hanukkah, Christmas, Diwali or Kwanzaa, whichever holiday you’re celebrating, preparation is key. Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to holiday prep so you can be the ultimate unstressed host. From topping up on batteries and bedding to planning entertainment for the whole family, we’re making a list and checking it twice. Pen and paper at the ready, it’s time to take notes. 

Firstly and most importantly, don’t sweat the small stuff. As long as everyone has a place to sit or sleep and something to eat and drink, you’re already winning.

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1. Organise, organise, organise

  • Make a master checklist of all of the jobs that need to be done before, during and after the big day. We have great stationery to help you do that in style.

  • If you can, try and put together a rough schedule for both the period you’re hosting and for all of those jobs that can be done ahead of time.
     
  • If you’re planning on ordering food online, book a delivery slot well in advance to avoid the last-minute rush.

  • Finalise a guest list and send out RSVPs so you can properly plan for catering, dietary requirements and sleeping arrangements.

pen to paper

Get Organised

2. Spread the load

  • Enlist helpers (yes, even those you’re hosting) and make sure to delegate jobs. Celebrating a big festive occasion isn’t a one-person job, so make sure everyone pulls their weight.

  • As it approaches the main event, try and spread those last-minute jobs over a couple of days if possible so you can chip away at tasks rather than exhaust yourself in one big push. 

  • Don’t be afraid to ask your guests to bring supplies. Whether it’s extra bedding or a dish to serve at the table, assign these jobs ahead of time so everyone knows their duties.

Guest Bedroom Ready

For The Guests

3. Stock up on essentials

  • Along with the usual decorations and supplies, make sure you have enough plates, cutlery and glassware on the table as well as chairs to seat everyone and bedding if you have people staying the night.

  • Don’t forget about the other practical hosting elements; we’re talking washing up liquid or dishwasher tablets for the neverending dishes, batteries for new toys, bin bags for discarded wrapping paper, tea towels for that aforementioned washing up, and cookware aplenty. 

  • On the subject of grocery shopping, remember to replenish supplies of things like tea and coffee, ice, milk and bread. Oh, and of course plenty of snacks and drinks for all of those hungry mouths.

Tableware

Essentials For The Table

4. Schedule a deep clean

  • Deep cleaning the house is never a fun job, but a necessary one. We recommend scheduling a thorough clean a week or so before the main hosting event, that way on the day of your guests’ arrival you can quickly whip around with a vacuum and duster to refresh things.

Scents

For a Fresh Home

5. Plan easy entertainment

  • Order in a stack of board games or puzzles to keep everyone entertained. What other occasion do you have to gather together and play for hours on end?

  • Plan a few easy wins like long walks (with or without dogs) to get some fresh air and balance out the endless eating, movie nights with familiar favourites or crafting sessions for youngsters. These are especially good in the no man’s land between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. 

  • If you have people staying for several days, we suggest giving yourself a night off cooking and ordering food in for everyone.

Games & Puzzles

Get Your Game On

6. Preparation is key

  • Tick items off your gifting list by taking advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. You can pick up some great deals on other hosting essentials like serving platters, bedding and extra chairs as well.

  • Prepare some food items in advance like Christmas pudding, mince pies, gravy, sauces and jams, stuffing and more. Get all of your guests to muck in with peeling and chopping veg as well.

  • Set the table the day before, it’ll save you one more job to do the day of and it brings a sense of festive cheer to the house. 


7. And lastly…

  • Set yourself realistic expectations; hosting is hard work and you can only do what you can do. Make time for yourself and don’t stress yourself out so that you don’t enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Christmas Season

Get Ready
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Meet the Heroes

Hosting Essentials

Tortoiseshell Salad Servers (single pair)
£60.00
Duci Striped Plate Pale Blue 19cm
£55.00
Yoshida Pottery Ume White Bowl
£47.00
Recycled Plastic Tray - Ocean 2
£25.00
Eddie 2-Tone Wine Glass Clear/Green - Set of 2
£28.00
Chunky Blue Medley Mug
£40.00
"Cowboy christmas" Scalloped Edge Dessert Plate
£51.11
Plate La Notte Di Natale 20cm
£25.00
Personalised Hand-Painted Initial Cups - Set of Two
£94.36
Elements Dinner Plates
£58.00
Wavey Plate - Dirty Yellow
from £32.00
Marbre Side Plate
£35.00
“This Kitchen Is For Dancing” Scalloped Tray
£100.65
Maison Flâneur X Anissa Kermiche Glass Collection
from £70.00
"L'amore" Fil Rouge Plate
from £42.46
The Popotin Gl(ass) Clear - Set of 2
£70.00
Rattan Scalloped Tray (Medium teak)
£170.00
Set of 4 Cereal Bowls
from £190.00
Big Chunky Tray (Teak Stained)
£250.00
Natural 24 pc Cutlery Set | Black Laminated Wood
£405.00
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