Planning a holiday party is no small feat; whether you’re throwing a laid-back gathering or a full-blown soiree, those little details always slip through the cracks. Here are things hosts often forget — and simple ways to ensure you don’t have to dash to the store mid party. Grab a mug of something cozy, relax and make sure your party is as smooth as that eggnog you’ll be serving.
Extra ice — lots of it
It may seem basic, but trust us, you can never have too much ice. Between cocktails, soft drinks and guests needing a fresh, cold glass, your ice supply will disappear faster than the holiday cookies. Grab a few extra bags and store them in a cooler so you’re covered all night long.
The little trash cans
Holiday parties mean disposable paper cups, napkins and snack plates everywhere. To avoid an overflowing kitchen trash bin, scatter smaller bins around the main areas where guests will mingle. This will also help with quick cleanup the next day!
A coat solution
If you’re hosting in a cozy home without a massive entryway closet, think about where your guests will stow their coats. A guest bedroom can double as a coat room or grab an extra coat rack. Don’t forget to put a mat by the door if you expect snow or rain — no one likes a soggy entryway.
A playlist that lasts the whole night
Nothing kills the mood like silence in the middle of a party because the playlist ran out. Aim for at least five to six hours of music to keep things festive all night. Spotify, Apple Music and even YouTube have pre-made playlists that are great in a pinch, and you can also mix in a few of your personal favorites for that extra touch.
Coasters everywhere
Holiday gatherings tend to bring out the festive drinks, and before you know it, there are cup rings on every table. Keep your furniture safe by scattering coasters all around the house — not just by the bar but near sofas, on side tables and by any other spot where guests might set down their drinks.
Food labels with full ingredient lists
One of the easiest ways to ensure your guests feel safe and welcome at your holiday party is to label each dish with a full ingredient list. This thoughtful detail lets everyone enjoy the food without second-guessing or asking about hidden ingredients. With food allergies and intolerances on the rise, at least one of your guests will likely need to check ingredients before digging in.
“For every party I plan, I make little printed cards on cardstock with the item name and if it’s gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, contains pork, corn, dairy, soy, etc. because I have so many in my life with allergies. I’m one of the few houses where a lot of people will eat because they know that I understand allergies and label properly.”
— Michelle Price, Honest and Truly
A plan for leftovers
With all the delicious food, there’s bound to be some leftovers, especially if your guests bring dishes to share. Set aside a few containers or a roll of aluminum foil if anyone wants to take some treats home. Bonus points if you also have festive paper bags or boxes to make it feel like a little gift.
Extra toilet paper and soap in the bathroom
If you’re going to remember one thing for the bathroom, let it be this. Stock up on extra toilet paper, hand soap and fresh hand towels so guests don’t have to search. It’s also helpful to check on the bathroom halfway through the party to ensure supplies are holding up.
A mix of non-alcoholic drinks
Even if your crowd loves a good cocktail, have a few tasty, non-alcoholic options for anyone driving, expecting or not in the mood for alcohol. Sparkling water with festive garnishes like berries or rosemary sprigs is always a hit, and an alcohol-free holiday punch is excellent for all ages.
Enough seating
Everyone loves to mingle at the beginning, but eventually, people will want to sit. Do a quick seat count and see if you need to borrow extra chairs or set up cozy blankets and pillows around the living room floor. When in doubt, a mix of seating — chairs, stools and soft spots — keeps the vibe relaxed.
Charging stations
In today’s digital age, you’re almost guaranteed to have guests who need a quick phone charge. Set up a couple of charging stations with universal cords in common areas, like the kitchen counter or a side table, so people can top off their phones without having to sneak around to find an outlet.
A sweet goodbye treat
Sending guests off with a little homemade treat is a small detail that feels festive and thoughtful. Something like holiday cookies, brown butter roasted pecans or small bags of homemade fudge are all great examples of a sweet and easy gesture that leaves a memorable impression. Plus, it gives guests a taste of the party to enjoy the next day.
A night of stress-free hosting
With these tips in mind, your holiday gathering will go off without a hitch. The key is to anticipate the little things and take a few minutes to cover them before the party even begins. So here’s to a smooth, memorable night filled with good friends, good food and great holiday vibes — with you at the heart of it all. Cheers to a fabulous holiday season.
Renee N Gardner is the creator behind Renee Nicole’s Kitchen, a recipe blog based on seasonal ingredients, dedicated to helping home cooks build their kitchen confidence to become home chefs. When Renee isn’t writing, developing recipes or photographing food, you’ll find her in the garden, traveling or enjoying the outdoors with her husband, son and two dogs.