Well, here we are again—the holidays. A magical time when we convince ourselves that we can pull off a picture-perfect Christmas AND still have enough energy to stay awake past 9 p.m. But let’s be honest, hosting can quickly turn into a stress tornado. Here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to.
This is your permission slip to ditch the perfection and embrace the possible. Hosting is about creating connection, not chaos. So grab a mug of something warm, and let’s get you set up for a season of joy (and maybe even a little sanity).
1. Prepare Early (But Not Too Early)
Let me save you from a rookie mistake: if you start too early, you’ll convince yourself you have time to “just add one more thing.” Spoiler alert: that thing will break you. Instead, focus on the biggies—menus, guest lists, and whatever holiday magic you’re planning to conjure. Write it all down, and then, for the love of figgy pudding, stop adding.
2. Stick to Easy Food (THAT STILL LOOK IMPRESSIVE)
Listen, no one’s handing out awards for the most homemade appetizers. If the idea of hand-rolling 72 tiny puff pastries sends you spiraling, it’s time to call in reinforcements. Enter Boarderie. These ready-made boards are so gorgeous your guests will think you’ve been moonlighting as a cheesemonger. Or, dust off my cookbook Feed These People for dishes that taste fancy but won’t steal your soul.
Pro tip: Store-bought is fine. Ina Garten would approve. Probably.
3. Outsource What You Can
Hosting is a team sport, my friend. Let your guests bring a dish. Hire someone to deep-clean the bathrooms. Beg your kids to hang lights (promise them cookies; bribery works). The goal isn’t to prove you can do it all; it’s to enjoy the day without melting into a puddle of exhaustion by 7 p.m. Let people help you—it’s okay to say ‘yes’ to this.
4. Clean Strategically
You don’t need to deep-clean the attic or organize your junk drawer (unless you’re planning on hosting Christmas dinner in there). Focus on the rooms people will actually see. A quick vacuum, some clean towels in the bathroom, and a scented candle go a long way. And if all else fails, just throw everything into that one closet no one’s allowed to open. You know the one.
5. Create a Timeline for the Big Day
Timelines aren’t just for Type 3 overachievers—they’re for hosts who want to avoid forgetting the rolls in the oven (again). Jot down key tasks in your phone, like when to start cooking the turkey or when to heat up appetizers. Not because everything needs to be perfect, but because you deserve a little less chaos and a little more champagne.
6. Set the Mood (Without Losing Yours)
Here’s the thing about ambiance: It doesn’t have to cost a fortune or take all day. Dim the overhead lights, light a candle that smells like Christmas morning, and throw on a holiday playlist that isn’t just “Feliz Navidad” on repeat. Your guests won’t remember if you used paper napkins—they’ll remember how your home felt: warm, welcoming, and full of joy.
7. Take a Breath (and Remember Why You’re Doing This)
If it all goes sideways—if the turkey’s dry, the dog eats the pumpkin pie, or you forget the salad entirely—take a breath. Hosting isn’t about perfection. It’s about gathering the people you love and making space for connection. And if you’re celebrating Christmas, it’s about remembering the One who came to bring peace, not Pinterest pressure.
At the end of the day, your guests will remember how they felt, not how perfectly folded your napkins were. So let whatever it is be good and enough, because it totally is.
If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect gifts, don’t worry—I’ve done some heavy lifting for you. Check out my gift guide, and let’s get those shopping lists done, shall we? You’ve got a party to host, after all.
