This how to host the holidays without the hassle post is sponsored by Cracker Barrel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Being the host for the holidays is fun but it can take a lot of work. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed during the holidays, but hosting the holidays doesn’t always have to be a hassle! With a few tips, tricks, and help from others, you can have a seamless holiday celebration.
Whether you’re a first time host, or you’ve been your family’s go-to host for the past 20 years, these tips on how to host the holidays without the hassle will come in handy for everyone!
HOW TO HOST THE HOLIDAYS WITHOUT THE HASSLE:
Stock up on Ready-to-Serve Meals
When you’re the host, the last thing you want to do on a holiday is spend the entire day cooking in the kitchen! Ready-to-serve meals are a host’s secret weapon and a total game changer! If you’re looking for ready-to-serve meals made from scratch that taste just like they’re from your own kitchen, you can’t go wrong with Cracker Barrel’s holiday Heat n’ Serve food! Their pies are amazing and your guests will never know you didn’t make it if you don’t want them to! This is how you host without the hassle! Check out their full menu of Heat n’ Serve foods for your next holiday meal. My recommendation: go with the pumpkin pie!
Stick to a Cohesive Theme
A festive tablescape is a must have for every holiday host, but sometimes finding all the right pieces to make your vision come together is easier said than done. The trick to preventing holiday decorating from turning into a hassle is to keep your theme cohesive and stick to one decor line. For example, if you find a set of plates you love, save yourself the hassle and buy the entire matching set, rather than trying to mix and match to create different looks. I did this with my tablescape this year and I’m so glad I did. Not only did I save myself the stress, I’m obsessed with how it turned out! My main holiday tablescape pieces came from Cracker Barrel and I didn’t have to drive all around town shopping for stuff! You can find an extended assortment of cute matching holiday dinnerware, serveware, and decor at your local Cracker Barrel country store or online – they have many different styles to choose from, and they’re all versatile enough to get you through Thanksgiving and Christmas! This is my favorite way to bring joy to the table! 
Have a Pot Luck
Just because you’re the host, it doesn’t mean you have to do all the work! An easy way to host the holidays without the hassle is to do it pot luck style where everyone brings a dish! This will take a lot of pressure off of the host, and in my opinion, is more fun since you get to taste everyone’s unique cooking style!
Batch Cook Meals
If you do decide to do a lot of cooking, batch cooking will save you lots of time. Rather than waiting until the day of to prep and bake everything, it’s much easier to prep everything the day before. The more dishes you can put together ahead of time and store in the fridge, the better, that way when it comes time, all you have to do is pop it in the oven! This also helps keep the kitchen clean for your holiday celebrations!
Will you be hosting the holidays?
If you have any tips on how to host the holidays with the hassle, please be sure to share them with us below!
Be sure to give one of these heat n’ serve holiday meals a try for your next holiday!
Tess Felber says
Beautiful table setup! A potluck idea is always such a time saver and helps everyone feel included 🙂
xx Tess | Sequins are the New Black
Bri says
Ok, your table is amazing. I love it. And I totally agree with your tips. I just hosted Friendsgiving last weekeend!
Brita Long says
Your table is so cute! I’m also a big fan of buying pre-made desserts.
Bella says
Your table is so cute!!! I am a huge fan of pot lucks they are my fav!
la shell says
Thanks for the tips! I dread hosting folks for the holidays. I never seem to enjoy it because I’m always hosting! Love the table!
Nicole Booz says
Ahh your table is adorable!
Kristin says
These are such great tips! Also your tablescape is GORGEOUS!
Kristin
Tiffany says
We always host Thanksgiving and my SIL does Christmas. The in-laws and my mom seem to think their homes are too small, so it’s always a challenge! We have 17 coming this Thanksgiving and I’m a little scared, but I’m powering through. Thanks for the tips!
Tiffany | http://tiffanystaples.com
katriza says
Wow beautiful table! We are hosting for Thanksgiving for its just with my brother and his wife so it’s pretty low key! Though it’s still stressful! I will have to try your tips!
nicholle says
This table is beautiful! Love the pops of red!
-Nicholle
http://www.nichollesophia.com
Grace says
These are great tips! I have already started some of my meals so I don’t have to do them all at once, haha!
Jordyn says
I have yet to host the holidays because my apartment is pretty small but I would love to host one day. I love your tablescape, so festive!
Deborah says
Great post – and may I say, your tablescape is beautiful!!
Tatyanna says
Your Christmas decor is absolutely stunning! Any guests would appreciate such a stylish holiday theme look.
xx Tatyanna
Shan says
Store your make ahead dishes in gallon bags! A great way to save fridge space!
Thankss for all the tips!
Sami | The Classic Brunette says
You have such a beautiful table setup here! I love all of those plates, so pretty. And these tips are great, I love the idea of having a pot luck for something like friendsgiving!
xo
Sami
Rachel says
Your tablescape skills are next level! You should do a master class!
Azanique says
Girl, your decor is gorgeous! I love the centerpiece.
-xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com
Southern & Style says
First of all, your table is beautiful! Secondly, I love doing potluck meals for the holidays! Everyone in my family signs up for two things; their best dish & then something new to try. It’s always fun having old favorites & then getting to test out new recipes as well 🙂
xoxo, SS
Tara says
such great tips – it’s so easy to get overwhelmed under the pressure of hosting!
Candice Nikeia says
Such great times! The decor and table settings are absolutely beautiful!
Amy says
Your table set up is GORGEOUS! This is one thing I missed about having my own place was having people over!
Alex says
What a cute table!! I feel like the holidays are always soooo hectic!