{"id":38944,"date":"2022-11-15T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-15T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hayden-homes.com\/blog\/?p=38944"},"modified":"2023-05-19T16:04:59","modified_gmt":"2023-05-20T00:04:59","slug":"hosting-secrets-for-a-stress-free-holiday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hayden-homes.com\/blog\/hosting-secrets-for-a-stress-free-holiday\/","title":{"rendered":"Hosting Secrets for a Stress-Free Holiday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Hosting<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Hosting over the holidays can be stressful but would you believe us when we say it doesn\u2019t have to be that way? It\u2019s true! Here are some expert tips that will take the stress out of holiday entertaining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have realistic expectations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to hosting, it’s important to set realistic expectations. If you\u2019re not much of a culinary whiz, don\u2019t expect to turn into the Barefoot Contessa for this party. Instead, keep your abilities and skillset in mind when planning your party, and don\u2019t focus too much on making everything \u2018perfect.\u2019 Try not to dwell on things if something goes wrong. Instead, just roll with the changes and keep it moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plan ahead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best way to keep from feeling frazzled is to create a game plan. This is your time to make a list and check it twice (or several times).  Take inventory of what you currently have and note anything else you\u2019ll need. This is also a good time to plan your menu and figure how what ingredients you need to purchase or which foods you should order or purchase (more on this later).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep it simple<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A surefire way to keep stress at bay is by simplifying as much as possible.  This can look like a lot of things: ditch the complicated sit-down menus and opt for a few family favorites. Have a self-serve bar with a couple of drink options instead of a full bar. Use paper plates and cups instead of dinnerware. Lean on the grocery store or bakery to fill in the gaps in your menu. The more you rely on these hosting aides, the more time you can spend actually enjoying your party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask for and accept help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Remember you don\u2019t have to do everything yourself just because you\u2019re hosting. Ask your family for help with cleaning or other house preparations. Ask guests to bring their favorite dishes if you\u2019re hosting a potluck.  Accept help when offered and delegate tasks as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surround yourself with people you love<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll feel less stressed and have a much better time when you\u2019re in the company of people you love and genuinely enjoy being with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember to have fun<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the grand scheme of things, your guests will remember how much fun they had, not whether or not your home was perfectly decorated. Once your guests arrive, take time to be present in the moment and enjoy the company of your friends and family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy the holidays in a new Hayden home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We hope you enjoy the fun and festivities the holiday season brings. If you\u2019re thinking of buying a new home or your first home, we have homes for sale all over the northwest, including in Idaho, Washington, Montana, and Oregon. We can\u2019t wait to help you find your dream home!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Hosting over the holidays can be stressful but would you believe us when we say it doesn\u2019t have to be that way? It\u2019s true! Here…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38945,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[84],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nHosting Secrets for a Stress-Free Holiday - Front Door Blog by Hayden Homes<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Hosting over the holidays can be stressful but it doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have to be. 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