Hi friends! Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week? I am not really sure how that is possible but the calendar doesn’t lie so it must be true. I have spent the past three days purging, organizing and cleaning… which can only mean one thing… time to bring on the Christmas decorating! We head to the beach next week and then POOF it will be December. I like to take my time with the process so figure it can’t start a little bit here and there. Plus it’s so much work so I like to just be able to enjoy it (and focus on my Christmas list) come December 1st.
But I know before many of you can start thinking of Christmas, you have Thanksgiving hosting on the brain. Here are five really easy hostess tips you can try this holiday season. I am seriously not the hostess with the mostess by any strech of the imagination. I try to keep things super simple so I can enjoy the company. So these tips are easy peasy but will go a long way when guests arrive.
1. Serve Warm Apple Cider
A few years ago, some friends invited us over for dinner. This was not a special occasion since we were regulars at each other’s homes and it certainly wasn’t for a fancy meal. (in fact, I’m fairly certain we ordered take out) It was casual and kids and toys were everywhere, per usual.
But none of that mattered because when she offered me a hot cup of cider when I walked in, I felt like THE QUEEN.
This has stuck with me and now I love serving apple cider for holiday gatherings. Whenever I host Thanksgiving, I always like to have a little apple cider in the tea kettle on the stove.
2. Display Wireless password
If you are having overnight guests, provide your wireless password in your guest room.
For mine, I just grabbed an extra frame I had around the house. Then I just printed up an image with the password. If you don’t easily have access to a computer or printer, you could always just write this on some nice cardstock. And if you don’t have a frame, you could always just have it tucked on the dresser or nightstand.
It will really make life easier for you and your guests, we use it ALL THE TIME. (hello babysitters)
3. Cream Cheese and Pepper Jelly
For those of you not familiar with this crowd-pleaser- I am so happy I get to introduce you. For those of you that know about this yummy snack- this is your reminder to go ahead and add these three ingredients to your grocery list for the upcoming holiday season. This is a great thing to have on hand for that last minute gathering.
Ready?
Block of Cream Cheese
+
Jar of Pepper Jelly
+
Box of crackers
It’s that easy, and it’s tasty.
To make it:
Place block of cream cheese on serving plate and pour Pepper Jelly over cream cheese. Serve as a spread for crackers. It’s best when served at room temp or slightly heated in microwave.
Prep the Bathroom
With a couple bucks your bathroom can be guest ready. It really doesn’t have to be much. Think: upgrading your hand soap, adding a candle and putting some blooms in a vase is all you need. (if you don’t have any fresh flowers, here is my trick to always be sure you have fresh “flowers” around the house).
If I am having overnight guests I also like to have some extra toiletries on hand should they need them. (see how I made that tiered tray for $5 here)
5. Stovetop Simmer
Want your house to smell festive? Try a stovetop simmer. I have done the one below in the fall, and this one in the spring and summer. Both are divine!
Just fill a small sauce pan with water and bring to a boil. Add some orange slices and a cinnamon stick. Continue to boil for a few minutes, then turn the heat down to simmer. Add water as needed, usually every 30 minutes or so. Of course, if you don’t want to simmer something you can always just buy THIS amazing candle mentioned above.
I hope you are inspired to try a few of these this holiday season!
xoxo-
Heather
Great ideas. Thanks!