Helpful Tips for Hosting a Holiday Party

It’s no surprise that out-of-town relatives love coming to Phoenix for the holidays. The beautiful weather and luxury golf offerings make it the perfect destination for any family get-together. So, if you’ve been charged with hosting a holiday gathering, don’t let the stress of being a perfect host ruin the festive season. Consider trying some of these tips for holiday hosting made easy.

Include Dishes That Can Be Served at Room Temperature
One of the biggest concerns when serving a meal for a large group of people is how to keep everything hot. Now it doesn’t have to be! With this party hack, you can skip the warming station and prepare dishes that are best served at room temperature. These items can include quiche, lasagna, casseroles and stews.

Stick to What You Know
When hosting a holiday celebration, you may feel like you need to bring out all the stops and prepare what you think everyone expects you to serve. This can lead to a recipe disaster if you wait until the day-of the party to try making a new dish. Our advice? Stick to what you know. If everyone loves your homemade macaroni and cheese, make it! You’ll be confident in what you’re cooking and won’t have to worry about if the recipe is right.  

Prep Appetizers Ahead of Time
This party tip is courtesy of Martha Stewart, who swears that your freezer is the most valuable asset you have during the holiday season. If you know you’ll be tight on time the day of your party, try these prep-ahead appetizers and throw them in the freezer. Then the day of your event, pop them in the oven for a few minutes and you have (nearly) instant hors d’oeuvres.

Enlist Help
You don’t have to go it alone. Whether it’s hiring a cleaning service to prep the house or asking your cousin Susan to arrive a few hours early to help with set up, it’s okay. The holidays can make hosts feel like they need to do it all, but we’re here to tell you that you don’t. When you enlist help from friends or family, the day becomes more enjoyable and you’re sure to make valuable memories in the process.

Buy Pre-made Dishes
*Gasp!* Yes, grandma may have served homemade specialties your entire childhood but that doesn’t mean you have to do the same. The most important thing about holiday parties is getting to spend quality time with friends and family. If that means you buy a pre-made cheese spread from your local grocer, so be it. Plus, if you throw it on your own platter, your guests will never be the wiser.

Leverage the Phoenix Weather
For those who live in our gated golf community in Phoenix, take advantage of the beautiful weather. Large roasts can take hours upon hours to cook, so why not head outdoors and grill up some steaks! This crowd favorite can seriously cut down your cooking time.  If you find yourself in cooler temps, try an indoor griddle and bring the BBQ inside.

Enjoy Yourself
In case we haven’t said it enough, the most important thing about the holiday season is enjoying time with family and friends. Whether it’s whipping up grandma’s family recipe or grabbing a roast from the store, your party is sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’re looking for ways to help lighten up your holiday meals, you can take a look at these tips for a healthier holiday season.