Holiday Hosting...Simplified

How to be a holiday hostess when you might not have the mostess.

 

Here are just a few ideas on how you can open up your home, have fellowship, celebrate the holiday season, and not spend a fortune doing so. Every option can be as casual or formal as you'd like. For a more casual setting simply have your guests pitch in on the supplies, food, etc.

 

1. Craft Night

(Pictured: A felt fire pit I made for Ezra on craft night.) 

Being a "crafter" myself, this is one of my favorites! If you have an abundance of craft supplies to share let your guests raid your materials. If you do not have supplies, some fancy coloring books will do just fine...the goal is to get the artistic juices flowing. 

Every Wednesday night after my little goes to bed I have two girlfriends come over and we just gab while we craft. We swap stories, share what's going on in our lives, and talk about how God is moving in our little worlds. It's late enough so providing a meal isn't an issue which keeps costs down, and my guests have my full attention since Ezra is asleep. There are times when I have snacks on hand and my fridge is always at their disposal but sometimes it's just fun to say "Everyone bring your favorite snacks and drinks to enjoy and/or share."

This is always a great opportunity for me to catch up on any crafting projects I do not usually have time to work on, and the girls usually bring their projects they're working on too. With the Holidays upon us this is a great time to work on any homemade presents, holiday décor, or Christmas cards!

 

2. Ornament Decorating

(Pictured: A super easy DIY ornament I made. Tutorial on my Instagram.)

Similar to the previous option you can make this as formal as you'd like. If you have fellow crafter friends chances are they are going to be making ornaments as well and could just bring their own supplies. It just really depends if you're wanting it to feel more like you're just getting together or if you're wanting it to feel more like a "party". If party is your goal then perhaps some ornament decorating stations all ready to go for your guests is the more suitable option for you.

There are many low cost ornaments crafts out there that wouldn't eat too much into your budget but would still be a good time to make and of course cute to put on their trees.

 

3. Gift Shopping Brunch

Gift shopping can be exhausting and expensive which usually leads to eating out while your shopping. So if you want more money to buy gifts with, skip eating out altogether by having a brunch at your place with your shopping buddies before you hit the stores. Everyone can pitch in by bringing a dish. Some delicious virgin mimosas would be perfect drink to give this gathering a "fancy" touch without the fancy price tag.

 

4.Gift Wrapping Party

(Pictured: Washi tape and pompoms make every present better!)

Whip up a big batch of cocoa, turn on the Christmas tunes, light the tree, call up your girlfriends, and have everyone bring over their presents and wrapping supplies! I know present wrapping is dreaded by most so this is a great chance to get together and do it while chatting it up with your closest friends! Depending on what time you host your event providing food may not even be an issue. However something to snack on might not be a bad idea, even if it's just a big bowl of popcorn.

 

5. Christmas Party

(Pictured: Our 2016 Christmas Tree)

Who says Christmas parties have to be expensive?? Not me! You don't even have to get party decorations because your house is probably already decorated for the season! Plan on doing this one mid to late evening so you're not having to provide a full on meal. Make it an appetizer and drinks based party. You provide the drinks and enough of one appetizer to feed the whole group. Everyone else can pitch in by bringing something snacky/appetizer like. (Think chips & dip, wings, weenies, etc.) You can even do a "free gift exchange". The rules are for each couple to bring 2 gifts, one fairly nice gift and one silly one. The only rule is that no one can spend money on their gifts at all. It be a great chance to re-gift, raid your garage sale pile, or simply get rid of that lamp you never cared for. The best part will be the silly gifts of course...so raid your junk drawer.  You can even turn it into a game where guests can steal each other's gifts before the timer runs out. It's sure to be a memorable event with lots of laughs!


I hope you these few ideas inspired you to open up your home and love on those close to you. Remember you don't have to have the most to host just a willing and serving heart.
Merry Christmas!