Creating meaningful memories around the holidays doesn’t mean you have to drain your energy and your wallet. Lower your stress-level this year and save time and money by trying some of these stress-free ideas, and enjoy the party as much as your guests.
Make a List-Check it Twice- The ultimate way to create a stress-free holiday is to live by a list. Plan ahead, and don’t be afraid to delegate. The best way to keep your list handy at all times is to keep it on your smartphone or tablet from Buydig.com. This way you can update it as you complete tasks, or think of something you need to add at the last minute.
Prepare Food Ahead- Do as much ahead of time as possible. Soups and stews are the ultimate winter and holiday food you can set out on the counter in a slow cooker, and they’ll feed a crowd. Quiches and tarts also freeze well, so you can make those way ahead of time. Remember, nobody says you have to make everything from scratch. Big box wholesalers are the perfect place to get your frozen goodies ahead of time, and many restaurants will prepare many of your hot holiday goodies for you to pick up on the day of your get-together.
Keep Drinks on Hand- As far as beverages go, it’s always smart to stock up on soda and mixers. Make sure to have regular and decaf coffee, cocoa, cider and a basket of teas handy. Keep your bar stocked with vodka, rum and a few choices of wine. Always have a bag of ice in your freezer even if you have an ice-maker.
Deck the Halls- There is no need to spend days decorating. The simpler you keep your decorations the more elegant your home will look while also saving you a ton of time. Glass bowls of ornaments or bowls filled with white twinkle lights can both look striking. Or simply place a bare branch in a vase and hang small ornaments from it. As for your exterior, you do not need a house covered in twinkling lights to make an impact. Try a single wreath, potted evergreens, or a big bow on the front door.
Nice and Neat- Your house doesn’t have to be spotless to throw a successful party. So why spend countless hours cleaning every nook when your guests won’t even notice? If you have one messy room, just close the door and your guests won’t go in. You can save your filing for when the party is over.
Keep it Casual- To keep this party casual, and alleviate your stress level, don’t seat guests around a dinner table. If you’ve got a lot of company, a buffet may be a better way to go. They are the most efficient way to serve a lot of people, but be sure to pull the table away from the wall so that there are four sides available to people, otherwise lines form and people can’t get to the food easily.
Sounds of the Season- Set the mood with a playlist of holiday songs played over your Sony Hi-Resolution Wireless Speaker with Bluetooth from Buydig.com. It’s easy to make and you’ll get to hear your favorite mix of seasonal tunes. Remember to keep the music low because conversation is what counts at any celebration. Try to avoid songs with lyrics during the dinner hour, which causes competition between the lyrics and the dinner conversation.
Gift of Giving- Store a few extra gifts in a closet. You’ll never be caught off-guard when a friend gives you an unexpected gift. Try to pick up items as you stumble upon them throughout the year. It’ll be easier when the season comes around. Or do some extra baking. Double that cake or cookie recipe and you’ll have freshly baked gifts ready to go. No one will turn up their nose at a sweet tin of homemade cookies.
Out with the Old, In with the New- We all know the value of family traditions and the sense of comfort they convey. However, sometimes breaking from old traditions can save your sanity; living up to Grandma’s years of holiday handiwork is hard work. Going around the room and sharing favorite holiday memories can be just as meaningful as singing every song in the holiday songbook. Every holiday season offers a new chance to start your own traditions, so be creative. Keep the best, and ditch the rest.
Enjoy the holidays even more this year with a lot less stress by using these ideas to prepare for your party.
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