How to Avoid Stress and Impress Guests This Holiday Season

Avoiding Stress

Get Things Done Early

Get holiday shopping done as early as you can, to avoid the stress of being trampled in department stores. Make a list of what you need and set out to shop with that  list. Purchase only the items that you set out to buy. Nothing is more stressful than running out of money before you have finished shopping.

Set Spending Limits on Gift Exchanges

Speak with all friends and extended family members that you will be exchanging gifts with and set a spending limit. Keep in mind the overall cost and not the gifts individually. If it is unrealistic for your budget, don`t be afraid to suggest a lower amount. Be sure not to go over the agreed upon price.

Accept Help When It Is Offered and Don`t Be Afraid To Ask

When you organize a holiday get together at your home, don`t try to be the hero and do it all by yourself. When your guests ask if there is anything that they can bring, don`t be afraid to tell them yes.  And don`t be shy when it comes to clean up after the party is over either. The idea of a get together is for everyone to have a good time and that includes the host/hostess.

Don`t Be Afraid To Say No

Sometimes holiday invitations can become overwhelming. If you receive invitations to functions that are not within your budget, or to attend a party that does`t fit into your schedule, don`t allow yourself to be pressured into going. The same thing applies to receiving  unexpected phone calls from friends/neighbors asking if they might stop by. If you are busy, or don`t feel up to company, just explain that you are busy and suggest a time would be better for you.

Stick To Your Routine

Don`t allow yourself to be totally consumed by holiday activities/preparations. Take the time to do some of your regular day to day activities. Go to the gym, take a nap, read a book or go for a walk.

Impressing  Guests

Stock Your Fridge and Cupboards

You never now how many unexpected guests you may have over the holidays so it is important to be ready. Stock your fridge with different cheeses (cut up/sliced in advance and kept in airtight containers) pickles, pates, olives, spreads and dips. Keep a supply of crackers, mixed nuts, cookies and potato chips and other munchies in the cupboards.

Have Small Gifts and Cards Ready

While doing your holiday shopping, pick up an extra package of greeting cards, a few small boxes of chocolates and a couple of bottles of inexpensive wine. Wrap them up so that they are ready for when unexpected guests drop by. Slip away from guests, add their name to a card and give them a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine as a gift.

Music

Make sure to have a selection of holiday music on hand. The right  music can only add to the festive mood of the get together.

Be Responsible

Instead of providing guests with mixed drinks, make a punch that contains only a small amount of alcohol. If guests show up with their own alcohol, don`t hesitate to ask if they have a designated driver or suggest that if they drink you would prefer that they only have one or two.

Don`t forget the abstainers. If you are offering cocktails, be sure that you have the ingredients for Mocktails as well.