How to Host a Holiday Meal like a BOSS

I write my best blog posts when inspired by real life so voilà – how to host a holiday meal like a BOSS. While I “complain” that I ended up hosting basically all holiday meals this year the truth is, I love hosting. It’s exhausting for sure. After every soirée, I say it’s gonna be a while before I do that again. Then a couple of weeks go by and I’m drumming up my next theme, color palette and menu.

Once upon a time there was a little girl reading a magazine. It featured a lovely blonde woman showcasing a Christmas Party with a magical tabletop spread. Turns out, it was Martha Stewart! Is it just me or does anyone else have a girl crush on Martha Stewart? She ignited my spark of holiday hosting and decorating that still continues to grow.

A huge factor in hosting a successful holiday meal comes from being organized and having a plan. And if I can put together a Thanksgiving feast for 8 people in 5 days, I’m confident anyone can! This post is conveniently written for you 6 days before Christmas!! You, too can host a holiday meal like a BOSS.

Countdown begins: 5 Days

WHAT?! We’re hosting at our house?? Thanks for the heads up!

Okay, maybe the real exchange wasn’t that dramatic, but it was unexpected! The usual hosts had failed to inform us of plans to visit other family out-of-town. The next in line didn’t know work schedule and just moved a few weeks prior. Before we knew it, it was the Saturday before Turkey Day with no plans for actually consuming turkey!

Start with food: plan the menu and delegate.

No way in Hades was I going to cook ALL the food for 8 people. Hard pass on that hot mess. Y’all want to eat, you help make the food! Luckily, I can say it just like that because my sister and brother-in-law are younger than me so that makes me the BOSS.

My other mama (my mother-in-law hates the term “in-law”) saved us by spearheading her first dance with the main course. Yep, she handled that turkey like a champ. Borrowing the recipe from her mama after watching her cook for years, she nailed it!

The brother-in-law took on the green bean casserole. He did everything, including the mushroom soup and fresh green beans, from SCRATCH. As his first time cooking anything for us ever, he has set the bar. He has now been knighted Sir Casserole and is required to make this for every family meal going forward.

You know that episode of Friends where everyone wants their potatoes the way they remember it growing up? Monica obliged the many requests in the beginning but I’m going to start with where she ended up. Tough crackers. Mashed potatoes come in one form and that’s however they are made! My sister handled this project. And by handled I actually mean bought the potatoes, peeled the potatoes then watched my husband do the rest as she supervised.

Mom brings the wine, we got the rolls, stuffing and desserts! Let me tell you, we dominated this Thanksgiving meal! Delegating saved us a lot of headache and everyone was proud of their contribution.

Countdown: 4 Days

Next up: set the table.

Considering I had never hosted Thanksgiving before, I also didn’t have any fall related tabletop decor. Luckily for me, most places were clearing out fall so I was able to snag a few deals, especially from Pier 1 and World Market. No budget to shop? Time to use the wedding china! Unless you picked a skull and crossbones pattern, any color will work. Use that as your base. Don’t have enough settings? Mix in with what you do have enough of by alternating every other wedding plate with a white plate.

Our main dining Christmas table is dressed in tones of gold, silver and blue. This started with our eclectic modern Kate Spade wedding china pattern as the inspiration. Why the heck did we get all these gorgeous settings if not to use them?! Although, I will refrain from my fictional character Monica Gellar tendencies (yes, another Friends reference) and try not to be too paranoid while people eat on them. Yikes, is it hot in here? Why is my throat starting to feel so tight.

I can’t help but dribbling gold anywhere and everywhere. It’s just so d*mn classy. I added a gold trim napkin and couldn’t resist impeccable gold flatware. There was so much silver from our plate setting I felt the setting balance was just right. A silver pine cone runner would perfectly bring the table linens together!

Then, shining like the star of Bethlehem, this gold and silver tree centerpiece called to me at Home Goods. You can’t shop online with them yet so hopefully there’s one near you! Here is a similar gold tree in the same size and splendor! I balanced proportions with two  wreath styled hurricane candle holders and even a couple of simple silver reindeer.

Don’t forget the kiddos! I couldn’t resist these darling winter puppy plates. Then I added Santa party crackers and candy canes instead of flatware, at least for show. I picked up the plaid runner from Ross a while back but here’s a similar plaid runner option. Keep as much as you can break free (I mean kid-friendly) like these rattan chargers, which I use for many occasions throughout the year. Colorful scrapbook paper also makes great last minute placemats!

Use decor you already own when possible. Anything that fits on a table can be considered tabletop. It doesn’t even have to be Christmas, feel free to have fun and get creative with it! It’s the look and feel that matter when you host a holiday meal like a BOSS, not old-school formality.

Countdown: 3 days

What the heck am I going to wear?!

Luckily I snagged my new favorite Christmas outfit at a Black Friday Sale from J. Crew Factory. I mean, can you go wrong with a black herringbone sequin pencil skirt? I think the answer is no. Bringing in a casual flair with a red and black plaid shirt is very much my style. I already had the collar necklace but linked a similar here for you! I love color so went with some green pumps but IF I had a fabulous leopard heel I would have rocked those instead! These may or may not be sitting in my Nordstrom cart while I cross my fingers Santa might be generous this year. Don’t wait to decide on your attire because standing in front of your closet is the last place you want to be when guests arrive!

Countdown: 2 days

Clean what you have to, leave the rest.

I’m going to give you the best shortcut list to clean your house for company.

• Toilets
• Sinks and mirrors – let glass cleaner be your best friend.
• Floors – they don’t have to shine but nix the tumbleweeds of dog hair.
• Sitting surfaces – couches, chairs – hand vac, fluff pillows and done.
• Dust – Hello dusting wand!

Your bedrooms are behind closed doors and you’ll be dirtying the kitchen anyway!

Countdown: 1 day left!

Start cutting, chopping and prepping any food you can! I also recommend making the desserts the day before if that’s on your list.

Day of: ENJOY yourself!

Have a glass of wine, you passed the finish line! You deserve to relax afterwards when you host a holiday meal like a BOSS.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays y’all!

I’d love to hear from you to influence future blog posts. What was your favorite tip listed above?