At POD, we believe hosting should be made easy on you. We are here to help you have an effortless and elegant hostess experience. From stylish setups to the perfect drink stations, discover how to host with POD and become the ultimate hostess with the mostest!

 

For those who often host during the holiday season, investing in the right furniture is key to ensuring a smooth and stylish gathering. The Bok extendable dining table and Salamanca round extending table are perfect choices for accommodating extra guests, while adding a touch of elegance. Stools are also a great addition, offering flexibility for seating arrangements, so you can effortlessly make room for more loved ones at your festive table.

The Dinner

Hosting a holiday meal is an exciting but demanding task, and like any great event, the food is key. It’s essential to plan ahead and not leave things to chance. Start by carefully planning your menu, considering the time each dish will take, and when the oven will be occupied. To stay on track, create a tick list of timings, just like the Bake Off contestants do. This will keep you organized, help you delegate tasks to eager guests, and give you the satisfaction of crossing things off as you go.

To make your life easier, prep as much as possible in advance. Dishes like stuffing, roast potatoes, casseroles, and desserts can be prepared days before, allowing you to relax on the big day. Get everything you need a couple of days ahead, including any extra side dishes or ingredients, and pre-cut vegetables to store in the fridge. Keep your menu simple but effective, focusing on crowd-pleasers rather than complicated dishes—especially if it’s your first time hosting.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask guests to bring a dish or a bottle of wine, lightening your load and adding variety to the menu. A buffet-style or potluck meal can be a fun and low-stress option. By planning ahead, delegating tasks, and keeping things simple, you can focus on enjoying the holiday while ensuring your guests enjoy a delicious and memorable meal.

 The Drinks

 To elevate the experience, consider serving a signature holiday drink, like eggnog, mulled wine, or a festive punch, and set up a DIY drink station for guests to serve themselves. If you have a home bar or bar cart, make sure it’s well-prepped for guests. Stock it with a curated selection of glassware, garnishes, and your drink choices, along with thoughtful touches like cocktail napkins and a decanter to elevate the experience.

 

When hosting over the holidays, one piece of advice that comes up frequently is ensuring you have enough alcohol—no one wants a dry Christmas! Stock up in advance, and consider letting guests know it’s BYOB just in case. A festive drink station is also a great addition, where guests can serve themselves mulled wine, port, or their favorite non-alcoholic beverages. Set up a sideboard or bar cart, leaving room for mixers that need to be chilled, and you’ll have everything ready for a smooth and enjoyable celebration.

 

At the end of the day, the most important thing is you. Hosting is about creating meaningful connections and unforgettable memories with those you care about. So, take a deep breath, enjoy the process, and know that your warmth and hospitality are what truly make the event special. After all, the best moments are the ones shared with loved ones—everything else is just the icing on the cake.