LIFESTYLE | The Ladies Entertains
COMPLETE GUIDE TO HOSTING THIS SEASON his magical season has several reasons to make us pull our hair out! Whether it is the exhausting party circuit, the cooking, the relatives, gift buying and giving, or in general, getting your home, life and kids all set for Christmas – we could all use a few tricks of the trade to get us through with a bit more ease and a lot less strife! YOUR Williamson staff members and hostess extraordinaires, put together a little list of their favorite ways to combat the holiday mania! Enjoy!
HOSTING A HOLIDAY DINNER? HOW TO MAKE OTHERS FEEL WELCOME AT YOUR TABLE BY AMELIA ROSE SMITH
There is something momentous about hosting a dinner party. The first and of the utmost importance, is sending out invitations– paper, digital, text, etc. This will give you, as the host, a chance to inform guests of important information and communicate that you are expecting RSVPs. It is essential to know how many guests to expect and a polite gesture for guests to let you know if they will make it and if there will be a plus one or two. Set the dress code. Whether fancy or casual, it is necessary to let guests know what to wear, so you are not receiving last-minute texts the day of. A fun twist: Get creative and assign a theme for the night; casino night, black tie, or PJs, whatever your prerogative; I am sure your guests will have fun dressing for the occasion. At dinner parties, setting the mood is just as crucial as setting the table. That’s where music comes in– Curate some tunes to 76 | HOLIDAY 2022
get the party going in a way that fits the night’s vibe. You can create a customized playlist or browse various platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and Youtube to find plenty of options! Now it is time for the party to begin. Start the night by greeting everyone with a hug and a drink. Bubbly, Budweiser, Bacardi or water…whatever they prefer, be prepared to offer it up! Appetizers are a must, and a charcuterie board is a beautiful option to satisfy all. Charcuterie boards consist of preserved foods, cured meats or pâtés, crackers or bread, and cheeses – A lovely choice for guests to munch on. You can elevate the experience by pairing wines and cheeses together – of course, this is only if you have ample time or desire. You have been a guest, and whether you are apt to admit it or not, you know the daunting thought of, “Where do I sit?” So, save your guests the stress and create a seating arrangement.