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How to host a holiday dinner

I love to host and have friends and family come to our house.  I love cooking yummy foods for others to enjoy!  I have found that there are some tips and items I keep in my “hosting kit” to make it through the holidays without loosing my mind.

Take the time to Plan.

Setting aside some time 2 weeks before I have everyone come into my house and writing out everything on paper makes a big difference in my stress level.  There is something so freeing in getting things out of your mind and on to paper.  I start brainstorming and researching ideas for the decor and my menu.

Make a menu & keep it simple.

How to host a holiday dinner

All of us know what we are good at making and what recipes are our “show-stoppers.”  I’ve learned to stick with those when hosting others.  It’s not really the time to try out new recipes on a crowd that might not be as popular.  Sticking to a basic menu is best.

My menu usually consists of items like: Turkey or Ham, mashed potatoes & gravy, stuffing, macaroni & cheese, green beans, rolls and cranberry sauce.  Add a pie or two and you have yourself the perfect holiday dinner! These recipes are usually hard to mess up.  So, find yourself a simple recipe online and follow it to a T.

Start Early & Rest up.

These go hand in hand.  I make sure that I start making deserts early in the week and do any early preparations that are possible.  Otherwise,  I find myself exhausted for my guest and my family. Spreading it out is so helpful.

During this time of the year, I always go pick up some Motrin PM from Target to keep on hand.

Motrin PM

During the holidays, I rely on Motrin PM to get a good night’s sleep.  After going all day, I really need to shut my mind off and fully relax.  This helps me get up refreshed and ready to go the next morning.

motrin PM Host holiday dinner

The holidays are loud in our home with 3 boys and my nieces and nephews running around, Motrin PM helps me decompress and relieves my aches and pains from being on my feet most of the day.

Reward yourself.

How to host a holiday dinner

Incentives always help me to stay motivated.  Give yourself a treat when everyone is gone.  Whether it’s a good book you are going to let yourself read, taking a nice, hot bath with candles, or a day at the spa, give yourself something fun to look forward to when all is said and done.

So if you are hosting the holidays this year keep my hosting kit on hand: A list for brainstorming, a simple menu, Motrin PM, and a fabulous reward. Happy Holidays!

What tips do you have for hosting without loosing your mind? Comment below.

 

 

How to host a holiday dinner without loosing your mind

 

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43 comments

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These are great tips! And you’re right, a good night’s sleep is so important, especially before a big day!

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Yes! Rather than staying up all night! Lol

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I have gotten into wanting to host a lot of dinner parties lately! They are always so much fun, but can be very stressful! We are going to have a cook out this weekend which is my favorite kind to host because it is so easy!

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Yes! I love to cook out too and feel like that does make hosting easier!

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Keeping the meal plan simple is key. Of course you want to make sure there is enough to eat but if it comes to putting more decorations on the pie or keeping your sanity – I’ll keep my sanity! haha

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LOL yes I couldn’t agree more! Simple can still be pretty without adding stress!

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“Take the time to plan”. The advise I most need, and least often do!!

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Aww yes! It makes all the difference!

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These are all great tips. I love to host, but am usually exhausted by the time everyone goes home and I clean up! Also, side note, I noticed you holding a Max Lucado book. I just want to fan-girl a moment and say how much I love all of his writing. His books are always so inspiring and relevant!

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LOL! Yes his books are so amazing!

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Ha! I love the Motrin idea, so great. I also think it’s a really great idea to treat yourself once everyone’s gone, it gives you something to look forward to during the more stressful times.

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YES! Rewards is the most important part!

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Hosting a dinner in a few weeks! These will come in handy!

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That’s awesome! Good luck!

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I admire your ability to plan two weeks ahead of time – that’s genius! I will give that a shot before our next gathering, rather than waiting until two hours before! lol

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LOL! yes, I only say that because I have done 2 hours before too!

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Yes! These are good tips, even if you aren’t actually hosting. I struggle sometimes just getting up early enough to make the few things I decided to contribute! 🙂

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Yes! That is so true!

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Great tips! I also find it helpful to write everything out and starting early. Starting early also helps with ensuring I get the rest I need. On thing that helps me when I host holiday meals, is delegating the desserts. That way when my guests ask what they can bring I graciously accept the help and I take one more thing off my list.

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Yes! Delegating is such a great tip for sure!

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These tips are great. Writing things down helps me not only plan to host but stay organized in general. I may have to stock up on Tylenol PM.

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Yes! Writing things down in my daily life is so super helpful!

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Great tips! After all the craziness is over I also enjoy just relaxing with TV and a magazine!

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Yes! Getting to read a magazine is the best!

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I always end up over planning and writer everything down! So helpful!

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That’s awesome! You are ahead of the game!

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I am all about pot-lucks. But when I can’t do that, then I try to make a menu of things that I can make ahead of time and just reheat the day of.

I’m also a fan of rewarding myself after hosting a party! It’s exhausting 🙂

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Yes it really is exhausting and potlucks are the best!

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I love these tips! I always end up stressing myself out when I host dinners. Haha. I’ve come to love the crockpot! 🙂

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LOL Great tip to add! Cook what you can in the crockpot!

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Awesome tips! I totally agree that taking the time in the beginning to plan it out makes a huge difference!

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Yes it really does!

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Planning ahead is so key for me! I try to make some stuff the day before too that I can just finish in the morning

Rachel | The Confused Millennial

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Yes! Such a great idea as well! Thanks for sharing!

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This is all so great. I wish I had this info for Thanksgiving we had it our house and we could of used this, will save it for next year!

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Aww thanks! Yes, hopefully you will have more chances to use it!

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Yessss! I’m gonna grab some on my next store run- I need some PM in my life!

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LOL Yes! That stuff is magical!

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These are great tips, We all need to remember how much work it is and that you need to plan ahead. I’ve never heard of MOTRIN PM I’ll have to look into that. Sounds like something I need!

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Yes! IT is but this is a great product! Pain reliever and helps you sleep!

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Yea its great!

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I love the inclusion of Motrin PM! Rest is the number one thing on my Christmas List! lol

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LOL! Mine too.. I will definitely be taking a break from everything.

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