Like the Dean Martin classic song lyrics go, “Baby It’s Cold Outside!” Read on for ideas on how to warm hearts, tummy’s and homes with holiday recipes, party prep suggestions, and small space design tips. Now, let’s have some fun creating your idea of a winter wonderland.
Holiday hosting & styling tips so good you’ll have to share!
The Holiday’s are a magical time of year where the opportunity to express love, friendship, caring, and gratitude is a gift in itself. The Holiday Season encompasses many different expressions of giving. Investing one’s time, and providing hospitality as you celebrate together is a generous way to brighten the holidays for many. Planning a gathering in your home isn’t the easiest thing to do well, so we’re here to offer options to help. Let’s limit your hustle and bustle and turn up the heartwarming experiences the Season is known for. You may be surprised when your efforts are so appreciated they become new traditions.
Have you recently relocated? Even if you are in a temporary apartment, there are still numerous ways to decorate your home to highlight this special time of year. It is an individual choice on how to celebrate and honor your beliefs. As it is your choice on creating a comfortable and festive home environment, no matter the size of your space.
Celebrating Hanukkah
Create a holiday that will bring smiles to the faces of those you hold most dear. It is a wonderful opportunity to share family history and time together with the children.
We will share diverse ways you can express your Holiday Spirit inside your home. Recommendations for decorating smaller spaces to provide a big impact. TIP-utilize wall space with floating shelves to display holiday decor.
Learn how to live large in a small space with smart design.
Small space design tips: Change accessories with the season and holiday to freshen up a small space. Spruce up your interior by simply adding pillows to your couch and bed that recognize the season. From whimsical design to elegant accessories or a little of both will brighten up a room. Select items that would best complement your existing style.
Above you see an examples of elegant accents in rich fabrics; such as brocade and velvet. Below is a festive and whimsical addition to brighten up a room and recognize the special time of year.
Decor to warm up your home.
Displayed below is a lovely shade of teal used in both the pillow and the throw. These cozy throws are pretty and practical for cooler weather. Add a vibrant pop of color with royal blue. Source Hanukkah decorations and unique ways to style your home for the Festival of Lights at: https://peacelovelightshop.com/blogs/news/4-of-our-favorite-influencers-decorate-for-hanukkah
Double your space visually with a floor mirror.
Made for merriment
Let’s consider what makes a holiday party memorable. Some may say it’s the food, or a combination of perfect music, and a comfortable environment with spectacular decorations. Others may feel going the extra mile to include live entertainment or a DJ will take a celebration to the next level. While all these elements certainly contribute to the gathering, a holiday party is mainly about human connection. If you are fortunate enough to enjoy the company of loved ones and close friends, that in itself creates memories to cherish. TIP: An important recommendation when planning any event is to think about how you can best make guests comfortable. Our suggestions encourage mingling, interaction, and hopefully laughter, ingredients sure to make your gathering a success.
Where do you begin? Just like Santa does, make a list & check it twice.
Host a wonderful holiday gathering for those close to you. Being organized will help you to save time in this busy season. Begin by creating a comprehensive list. You will need categories to assist with prioritizing your tasks, so you stay on schedule and enjoy what you are doing vs. getting overwhelmed, or exhausted.
Begin with a guest list so you can get an approximate head count. Also, determine the best day and time to throw the party. Too close to Christmas Day may limit your attendance if your guest list includes more than family. Your “To Do” list should begin with a thorough house cleaning to showcase decorations and your effort.
- Create a budget that doesn’t empty your wallet.
- Write a purchase at the food store list.
- Include ordering or creating invitations, and select a date for mailing them on your list.
- You may also need a name list to call for addresses you don’t have-if you wish to mail formal invitations. Mailing invitations does not mean you can’t send an email reminder a couple of days before the party.
- Consider both buying and making food in advance to save time. If you prefer to cook several dishes vs. baking desserts, then purchase the desserts.
- Remember that guests may offer to bring wine, an appetizer, or food contributions. It’s perfectly fine to graciously accept if your party is in your home.
- You can opt to choose a theme; such as a winter wonderland with snowflakes, or a Log cabin Christmas with decorations from nature such as pinecones, and poinsettias.
- Essentials: Don’t overlook items such as, guest hand towels. Add a new waste basket and washable rug for the bathroom, and don’t forget pretty hand soap (perhaps purchase a festive soap dispenser), air freshener, and as a reminder-and don’t laugh-extra TP and disposable hand towels. The guest towels below are from Pottery Barn and could serve as a decor item for the season.
Don’t overlook table settings. They add ambiance and express the care you put into planning your party. You are setting more than the table-you are setting the atmosphere. Below are examples highlighting nature as a theme, followed by a warm environment twist with starfish and bright colors, to the elegance of a monochromatic color scheme. The last elegant example would be a beautiful table setting during the Festival of Lights.
Consider your guests
The sharing of delicious food, and demonstrations of thoughtfulness and kindness, will herald in the holidays.
- Where can they place their coats and valuables?
- Create a specific place in your home for food and liquor contributions to be displayed and enjoyed.
- Is there a designated place for them to grab a drink and appetizer as they arrive? Place a food station where you want your guests to socialize. Guests will gravitate there.
- Mail invitations early due to the busy time of year, giving them comfortable time to RSVP.
- Host an ugly holiday sweater contest
- Give token gifts/party favors to your guests as a thank you. Check out Etsy for so many wonderful examples; such as hot cocoa in a single serving that is personalized at 1.00 each, and up (link): https://www.etsy.com/listing/912627680/hot-chocolate-favors-for-guest-hot?ref=sim_anchor
- Incorporate a “Holiday Cookie Party” within your gathering for the children if several children will attend. Give an award to the winner of the best homemade cookie. Hasbro still makes a toy Easy Bake Oven: https://easybake.hasbro.com/
- Gift certificate’s in a Christmas stocking would work, too.
- Pick up coloring books and small toy items to keep the children entertained. Every retailer imaginable from Amazon to Target sells fantastic pop-up playhouse indoor tents for kids. So cool!
Cookies too pretty to eat!
For the Cookie ornament recipe and video visit: https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/holiday-cookie-ornaments/fd7033c9-29db-4c96-9bca-09a9404533fd
Celebrate the Goodness.
A variety of food recipes perfect for the holidays check out one of our favorite sites: https://www.brit.co/food/
Festive Touches with kid appeal for any size space. Darling owl, raccoon, and fox stockings seem a natural addition to this winter wonderland. A mitten garland handmade in any length. Just use yarn to hang the colorful mittens. Warm up with a Coffee and Hot Cocoa Station for the grown-ups.
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