5 Tips to Make Holiday Entertaining Easy-Breezy

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You’ve volunteered to throw a holiday party…and then that daunting feeling hits you: What have I gotten myself into?! Don’t stress. Follow these simple holiday entertaining tips to ensure your soiree is effortlessly fun. After all, you deserve to enjoy yourself just as much as your guests!

1. Serve food buffet style

Let people help themselves. They can take as much as they want of whatever they want. You won’t have to deal with too many cooks in the kitchen this way, and can designate a specific table in a low-traffic area, to set up the buffet. Make sure it’s stocked with all of the plates, napkins and cutlery they will need. Consider a separate table for beverages (and don’t forget the ice).

2. Keep dessert simple

Why spend hours (or even days) baking when you can serve Italy’s #1 brand of cookies? Mulino Bianco cookies are delicious and come in a wide variety of flavors. The company’s been perfecting their recipes since 1877, all the while paying the utmost attention to quality. (For example, they only use eggs from free-range hens.) Pick some up on your next trip to ShopRite, and skip the elaborate treats. Get a coupon for $0.75 off any one Mulino Bianco item purchased at ShopRite here. (It’s good through 12/31/17.)

3. Provide a signature cocktail

This is one of the easiest holiday entertaining tips: Instead of feeling pressured to stock a full bar, keep cocktails simple by choosing a single, festive recipe. Make it one that’s just as good when prepared without the alcohol, so everyone that’s not drinking can also enjoy it. Here’s another idea: instead of serving your signature cocktail with the savory courses, why not save it for dessert? I love serving a delicious espresso martini alongside after-dinner cookies. (Please note that Mulino Bianco does not make alcohol.)

4. Let guests entertain themselves

Conversation will never be dull with a deck of conversation starter cards! Set a stack on the coffee table for guests that may gather in the living room. You can also leave a deck of playing cards on the kitchen table, and maybe even poker chips. Photo books from past vacations and old family albums also tend to strike up conversations. Set up informal stations for guests to entertain themselves, so you won’t feel the need to make sure each individual is having a good time.

5. Create a playlist in advance

Choose all of your favorite songs ahead of time and compile them using a streaming service. Doing this means you won’t have to be the DJ during the party. Making a playlist also means you won’t be surprised when an algorithm randomly plays a loud or inappropriate song during your gathering. Taking this extra step ensures you’ll effortlessly set the type of mood (coffee shop, holiday dance music, etc.) you intended. Bonus: No awkward silences!

What are your favorite holiday entertaining tips?

These easy holiday entertaining tips let you relax and enjoy our own party. Go with a buffet setting, choose a signature cocktail, set out those amazing Mulino Bianco cookies, let the guests entertain themselves, and come up with a playlist in advance. Voila! What tips would you add to this list?