6 Common Obstacles to Hosting the Holidays and How to Solve Them

With the holidays fast approaching and festivities in the air, entertainment is at its peak. And here, we’re big believers that gatherings can’t just be fun—they can be shockingly easy. There are, of course, common concerns that every host has. How do you feed a lot of people and have hot food still hot when it arrives at the table? How can you keep everyone happy while ensuring that you have a little (or a lot) fun too? And how do you do it all on a budget?

6 Common Obstacles to Hosting the Holidays and How to Solve Them

With the biggest entertaining season of the year upon us, we tackle all the hurdles of hosting the holidays and hopefully, convince you to just do it. Fun doesn’t have to be scary! (It can be—and should be—fun.) Perfectionists in particular, this one’s for you.

It is very expensive

It can be, but only if you allow it. I write this as a repeat case when it comes to over-ordering at the table and at the party. I want everyone to have options and feel like they are being cared for and loved. In addition, I always want to buy or provide the “best of the best,” however that is only reasonable and based on my preferences.

When it comes to food and drink, keep it simple and don’t overdo it. Focus on a few key items to serve, share with your guests, and encourage them to bring something more than what you’re offering if they like.

It’s worth noting that just because you host your property (for whatever reason) doesn’t mean you have to pay for everything. Every fourth of July, I welcome friends and their families to watch fireworks and swim at my place. We all go out, have a grill during the day, order pizza at night, drink every drink imaginable, and it’s a good time. And every time, even if it’s my food, I get Venmo’s at the end of the night from friends who wanted in. I never expected it because it’s a tradition I like to do, but it’s a good gesture. Don’t be afraid to let your friends know that you enjoyed hosting the venue if everyone would like to come in for food and drinks.

The house is very small

Time to get creative! I live in a one bedroom apartment that is not too small, but also not ideal for entertaining because of the layout and my furniture. One place, few barstools, and no table and chairs means a lot of standing. But when I open my balcony doors (which open up at least four places to sit and walk around), the space feels bigger. The important thing is to know how many people can sit and feel comfortable inside and what kind of party you can host.

Because I’m limited in furniture, my space is best for pre-dinner cocktails and snacks or a great spot to watch the city’s fireworks on the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve. Dinner party or game night? I would need to buy a table and chairs and remodel my building. Don’t let the size or layout of your space hold you back, just get creative.

My Site Is Not Fully Decorated Or Correct

This one really hits home. It feels like I’m always waiting for an update on my furniture, art (or lack thereof), and host accessories like sound system, games, etc. before I finish anyone off.

The truth is that no one pays attention to detail like you. Opportunities exist only in quality time.

One of my most recent and fun hangs was a game night a friend hosted while she was renovating her home. (And honestly, I didn’t notice). If you feel like you need to expand your space, you’d be surprised what $100 can get you at Target for new throw pillows, candles, serving boards, and even one small piece of art. It really doesn’t take much.

I’m Not a Good Cook

Should you be? There are so many other ways. Trader Joe’s caters (not literally) to home entertainment. Check out their frozen and cheese section and you have all the options you need. Not close to TJ’s? Ask your guests to bring a small side dish or help fill the snack board. A recent party I attended recently asked guests to bring their favorite cheese and/or meat for a large cheese board. It’s a quick and fun crowd pleaser to see what the guests have brought. There is always the option to order, dine in, or drive to your favorite restaurant and place an order to go with enough advanced notice. The point is, you don’t have to be a good cook to entertain.

This is relative, and that’s where my perfectionist side comes in. The easiest thing I did was leave it to the experts and consult entertaining menu plans from friends like Gaby Dalkin of What’s Gaby Cooking and our ever-present Camille Styles with her expert hosting tips.

I’m stuck on a theme

I love theme party! (Actually, love is polite, I succeed at the same time.) While I don’t think every party needs a theme, it’s really fun to see how people interpret one and open up the night to great conversation. We’ve written before about high/low wine pairings and we think it’s fun to go to a theme party the same way. Come up with something unexpected and unique. Can you even try to imagine which end is the exact opposite of the scope of your original idea?

Party themes to inspire you:

• Merry & Bright: A Sparkle Soirée. Guests wear glittery clothes, and the decor includes twinkling lights, metal accents, and lots of glitter. Champagne cocktails and sparkling desserts set the mood.
• Holiday Movie Marathon Mixer. Celebrate with themed cocktails and snacks inspired by iconic holiday films. Think “Elf” themed candy spreads or “Home Alone” style pizza bites.
• Apres-Ski Chic. Transform your space into a cozy bedroom with baby warmers, faux fur throws, and a s’mores station. Guests come decked out in their best winter clothes for après-ski.
• Around the World in 12 Drinks. Take a global tour of holiday cocktails, with each drink representing a different country’s seasonal tradition. Combine with lowercase letters to match.

And to completely contradict this statement, you can keep it simple and hold a gathering on an upcoming holiday, birthday, etc. Or, you can go without a theme at all! We got a lot of inspiration from Pinterest, Etsy, and even Paperless Post, but if something doesn’t come naturally, don’t force it.

We hope this will inspire you to do it. And remember: It’s time with friends that is more important than the art on your wall, the theme of the night, or whether you’ve nailed the baked brie. (Although that’s where your worries lie, this recipe is foolproof.)