These past few days have been a whirlwind and I can hardly believe I am typing this … I was on The Today Show with Hoda & Jenna for a second time today!! WHAT?!? My first segment with Hoda & Jenna was how to make your home cozy for fall, which you can read more about [HERE]. It was the most incredible opportunity to be invited back after that!! In today’s segment, I shared my tips for throwing a stress-free holiday party to watch the segment click HERE or play below!
I wanted to share my tips for creating a cozy, stress-free holiday season. Cozy to me is all five of my senses being at peace at once … And that’s my goal when throwing a holiday party. One ultimate tip I have is to turn your holiday parties into open house-style events. This immediately takes off the pressure of arriving and leaving at a certain time and allows your guests to fit your party into their busy schedule. It takes the stress off of everyone involved and allows you to just have a good time!
Smell: Burning Festive Candles
To me, candles and having my house smell yummy really soothes my soul. Getting in the festive mood is really important for me because hosting party’s can be really intimidating. So I light candles to help me get excited about the party I’m about to host. Personally, I light festive candles all season long because they are nostalgic and bring back so many happy memories which makes me really excited about creating new memories this year. My favorite candles are the antique candles from Antique Candle Co. check it out HERE or click the photo below!
Taste: Whats Ready When They Arrive.
A warm drink, like hot apple cider or hot cocoa… Try to have a drink ready that immediately welcomes your guests into your home and creates a sense of cozy community. Instead of sitting around being on your phone right away, you are all sitting around with warm mugs in your hands!
Having finger foods available for your guests so that they can grab snacks right away. This is especially helpful if you have guests who will be popping in & out for other holiday parties! This makes everyone feel welcome no matter what time they arrive.
Touch: Cozy Up Your Space.
One way to make everyone feel casual and comfy when they come into your house is to take off the fancy shoes. Instead throw on a good pair of slippers or fuzzy socks!
A cozy place to sit, some throw blankets and pillows accessible to make them feel cozy. Have a variety of seating options because everyone has their own preference for what is cozy … Firm dining chairs, cozy sofas, bar stools around an island.
I love having puzzles and games out for our guests. It is so helpful to have something for people to do that will promote conversation, help create new memories, and encourage us to put our phones away.
Sight: Stress-Free Conversation Starters.
I like to have things out on my coffee table for conversation starters and ice breakers. I always put out our photo albums and my favorite coffee table books. If you have any photo albums or books that are family keepsakes those are a great way to share family history, memories, and stories!
Hearing: Create a Custom Cozy Soundtrack.
We have a custom playlist that we play anytime we have guests come over. Our playlist is all cozy music to make our guests feel comfortable and welcomed from the minute they enter our house. When you use Spotify or Apple Music you can share your playlist with your guests and they can add their favorite songs as well! Check out our Cozy White Cottage playlist [HERE].
Thank you guys so much for all of the love & support you’ve given me yet again!! Honestly, I can’t believe that I’ve been given the opportunity to be on The Today Show, not once but TWICE! I hope that this helps you to create a stress-free holiday party this season. I promise you I don’t take a single minute of this for granted. Without you guys, none of this would be possible … I am so thankful for each and every one of you! Xx Liz Marie
You killed it on the today show, I was watching at work. It may sound funny but I feel so proud of you for chasing your dreams and getting after what you want. Thank you for sharing these fun party hosting tips:)
I’m so glad & happy for you. It’s so great when nice things happen to nice people.
I agree with all of your tips except the candle burning.
I was at a dinner party & a spark from a candle landed on a chair & it was in full flames in less than a minute.
So I gave up burning candles, especially when you have dry accents around.
Merry Christmas???