Tips to Keep Holiday Entertaining Organized and Stress Free

‘Tis the season to celebrate with family and friends.  November – January is the perfect time to entertain and honor the holidays.  To help you achieve a joyful and pressure free season I would like to share my top tips to keep your holiday entertaining stress – free and organized.

Love is in the Details

I have fond memories of my mom hosting my father’s birthday dinner on December 22nd, Christmas Ever dinner, Christmas brunch, and my birthday on December 27th.  Looking back I imagine it was not an easy task to host party after party during the busiest time of year.  However, my mom managed every detail with grace and a smile.

My mom taught me how to honor the magic of the holidays and birthdays while staying organized.  I am grateful she taught me art of planning ahead and paying attention to details.  

I was blessed to have my daughter, Brooke, on January 7th.   Marking the first week of January the end of our birthday + holiday season.

Here are my tips to keep holiday entertaining organized and stress free.  An organized hostess is a happy hostess!

Plan Ahead 

To keep my life organized especially during the holidays I plan ahead.  This means items that I can order or purchase in advance is scheduled 4-6 weeks before the event.   

Rely on Experts

I rely on Prime Now for holiday entertaining needs because it makes my shopping easier.  I love the convenience of ordering groceries from home and 2 hour delivery option.  My shopping is less stressful because I am able to avoid the holiday crowds and busy parking lots.

Ordering prepared holiday meals, side dishes, and desserts from Arcadia favorite La Grande Organge has become a Lehr tradition.  The food is delicious, heating instructions are included, and pick up is hassle free.

Select a Signature Color and Theme

Every year I select a signature color and theme to use throughout the house for the holidays.  Last year I used white hydrangeas, magnolia leaves, eucalyptus and fresh oranges to compliment my Blue + White Ginger jars.  The pop of color added personality to my chinoiserie themed holidays.

Table Setting Tips

I celebrate Christmas and New Years Eve with formal china, silver, and white linen napkins. Hester & Cook placemats where used to honor the chinoiserie holiday theme.  By setting the table a day or two in advance prevents last minute stress.  

 

Christmas and New Year’s Day are more casual at my home.  I continue the theme by using the existing floral arrangements, placemats, and napkin rings.  China and linen napkins are replaced with Blue Splattered Paper Plates and Napkins plus bamboo utensils from Geese & Ganders .  Geese & Ganders offers a selection of stylish entertaining products that make clean up a breeze.

Create a casual and spirited table with individual bottles of Champagne, soda or candy.  Wishing you a successful season with my tips to keep holiday entertaining organized and stress free.  

An organized host is a happy host!   

Xo,

Leslie