Ready or not, here come the holidays! For some people it is a non stop train ride to happiness and for others it is an intimidating list of items that need to be accomplished as perfectly as possible. This year I’m breaking down 10 great tips to help you nail YOUR perfect holiday entertaining experience!
#1 Find The Joy
The holiday season is a beautiful and rich time of year. It can feed your soul or suck it dry. Before you plan anything stop and decide what gives YOU joy in the season. Seek out the things that bring you contentment and satisfaction. Avoid or limit activities that detract from that joy. Sure Pinterest has 10,000 ways to make the holidays perfect but there is only one YOU. Figure out the couple of things that are worth investing your time and energy into and don’t be afraid to let the rest go. (And yes, you can go ahead and sing the song while you are at it!)
#2 Make a Plan
Now that you know what you want to put your focus on make a plan for it. Going to somebody’s house? Decide what to bring. Hosting people? Set the menu and figure out what can be made ahead of time and put it on your calendar. Give yourself plenty of time to do the things you want to do to make your event a joyful occasion. While you are planning, think about what your budget can afford. The holidays are not more joyful with more money. Set a budget and stick to it for a peaceful season without financial regrets!
#3 Choose Timeless Decorations
Be choosy about the decorations you buy. Select things that will stand the test of time and look good for many years to come. I enjoy a modest amount of holiday decorating but every piece of holiday décor I own is something I LOVE. Every time I get it out for the season it brings me joy. My very favorite fall decorations are velvet pumpkins. They come in a variety of beautiful, vivid colors and are soft and cozy to the touch. My son, Jack, loves to help me put them up.
He thinks pumpkins and all things soft are the best. This year I’m buying a few more of these wonderful pumpkins to add to our collection. It is always fun to add a few new items every year. When I pick up new things I look at my collection and toss anything that I no longer love or that has become shabby. Never hold unto something just because you used to love it. When the time comes to let it go, donate it and let somebody else enjoy the item!
4. Plan a Few Easy Dinners
The holiday season feels like one non-stop buffet of food and I LOVE it! But we all need a break from the crazy cooking and eating sometimes! Look ahead at your calendar and figure out what nights you will be more rushed or tired. Plan ahead to get some grab and go food, throw something easy in the crock pot, pick up a meal kit or make a nice big salad with some grilled chicken or shrimp.
One of my favorite tricks is to pick up a bunch of lunch meat and cheese. Grab some good rolls from the bakery and some fresh fruit and let everybody make their favorite sub sandwiches at home! My husband loves hot roast beef sandwiches. If I’m feeling fancy I grill up some sliced mushrooms and onions in butter and add those to the sandwiches with Swiss or Havarti. The sandwiches toast up under the oven broiler super fast and go great with some warm Au Jus! Dinner managed!
#5 Fresh Flowers Make the Difference
Nothing says special like fresh flowers! I used to think of them as a big extravagance but there are lots of ways to spend a little and get a lot. Instead of hitting up an expensive florist head to your local grocery store and grab some inexpensive bunches of beautiful blooms or greenery. You can spend as little as $5 and come away with a beautiful bouquet.
Fresh Flower Tips and Tricks
- Use a scissors to cut the bottom inch at least off of the stems. Cut the stems at an angle so that they won’t be flush with the bottom of the vase. This way the flowers can easily get the water they need.
- Trim the stems again a bit every day to help the blooms stay healthy and last longer.
- Remove all the green leaves that will be submerged under the water in the vase. This prevents bacteria growth and extends the life of your flowers.
- Use the packet of flower food included with the flowers. Just dump the white powder into the water and stir. Easy peasy! The food will give the plants nutrition to thrive longer. You can usually get a few extra packets of flower food just by asking at the floral counter. I save those under my sink and then use them to make fresh water for my flowers every few days to keep them looking fantastic.
- Trim the stems of your flowers so that the blooms are just above the top of the vase. Generally keeping the blooms closer to the vase in a low and tight arrangement gives you the most beautiful look.
- Not sure what colors to get? Green and white look wonderful together for any holiday. You don’t have to choose orange for fall or red for Christmas. If you have lots of other decoration don’t be afraid to keep the flowers simple.
#6 Make the Simple Extraordinary
The holidays are not about perfection. They are about people, experiences, memories and celebration. A thing does not have to be perfect to be beautiful. This is my easy Black Magic Cake recipe. It is a simple but amazing chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream. I let my son help me frost it (yes, a two year old had a go at this cake!) and then we cut a few fresh flowers out of the bunch I brought home from the store. I set the roses on the cake with a some bits of greenery from the bouquet and presto – a simple chocolate cake looks like an extraordinary masterpiece!
Meanwhile I got to enjoy time with my son and he got to help make a beautiful holiday cake. At two, the best part was getting to eat the cake but someday when he is grown I know he will look back through the pictures and know that I included him in the holiday festivities in every way. I hope that he will grow up to know he has been loved and cherished in every way in our family.
#7 Get a Perfect Gift on Any Budget
The pressure of a gift! The best gifts are not necessarily the most expensive but rather the most thoughtful.
#8 Talk to a Butcher
One of the hardest challenges of holiday cooking can be the meat. In many meals the amazing roast or turkey or succulent ham is supposed to be the star of the show. But in general the average cook only makes that kind of dish once or twice a year. When you are planning your meal take a few minutes and ask the staff at the meat counter for some advice. Tell them what you want to do and ask for suggestions on what to buy, how much to buy, and how to prepare it. I always learn something new and come away with the perfect cut of meat for my event.
#9 You Don’t Have to Do it All
I’m a recovering DO ALL THE THINGS person. I really used to believe that if I did everything myself it was somehow better, more magic and everyone would be happier. But really I just ended up completely exhausted which didn’t exactly make me fun to be with. These days I’ve hit that magic “mid-30s” age where I feel more comfortable in my own skin and I am wiser about what actually makes me happy. As you plan for holiday food decide what you enjoy or have time to make and then plan to get the rest of what you need another way. You could decide to pick up dessert, or just the rolls or maybe a pre-made veggie tray.
#10 Self Care and Connection
When all is said and done don’t let your memories of the holiday season be how much your feet hurt or how tired you got or when you yelled at the family because you were over-scheduled and cross. Be kind to yourself this year and make sure you get the care you need through the festive season and on into the new year.
Holiday Self Care Tips
- Limit the parties. You don’t have to say yes to everything. Make sure to take the time you need to recharge between events. Different people need different amounts of time for this.
- Take time with the family to do the little things – talk, make popcorn, play a game – go pick out doughnuts together on a Saturday. Connection feeds the spirit and makes everything better!
- Moms in particular can end up run pretty ragged. No matter what it takes find time for yourself. Even small bits of time can make a big difference. I’m always amazed how much getting 15 minutes to breathe and reflect can change my outlook and peace during a hectic time.
Life is What You Make It
This holiday season and beyond life is what you make it. I hope these tips make your holiday entertaining easier and more joyful! From our house to yours we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, a very Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year! Love, Mirlandra, Jonathan, Jack and Elora
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