The holiday season is in full swing, which means it’s officially the time of year when your Eastwood home may become the go-to gathering spot for loved ones. Whether you’re serving a meal in one of our spacious designer kitchens—complete with a butler’s pantry and formal dining room for all your hosting needs—or getting cozy around the gas fireplace in the living area, your home is the perfect place to bring everyone together. Hosting your family and friends in your home creates lasting memories you’ll never forget, but it can be a lot to take on. With a little preparation and these practical tips, you’ll breeze through your next dinner party with confidence! Start by making a to-do list (and check it twice!) that includes a grocery list, guest invitations, and day-of tasks. You’ve got this!
The first step for preparing your home for guests is creating the holiday party ambiance of your dreams. But before diving into the decor, it’s important to think practically. Rearrange furniture to maximize space and allow for easy movement. Setting up cozy seating areas encourages small-group conversations, while a buffet-style food station lets guests grab what they need without crowding.
Once your space is functional, it’s time to focus on the vibes: lighting, scent, and music. Opt for soft lighting—think lamps, candles, or string lights—to create a warm and inviting glow. Those holiday candles you’ve been saving are perfect, or you can simmer stovetop potpourri with cinnamon sticks, cranberries, rosemary, and citrus to fill your home with seasonal scents. Fill any awkward conversation lulls with a holiday playlist – ideally instrumental and low volume to not distract your guests too much (unless your crew is more of a karaoke crowd, in which case, cue up All I Want For Christmas Is You).
A key aspect of hosting that’s easily forgettable is a place to store coats and bags. If you don’t plan ahead, you’ll panic once the first guest arrives and asks, “Where should I put my coat?” Another place to focus is the bathroom guests will be using. Consider lighting a candle and stocking it with single-use towels to avoid everyone sharing during germ season.
Unless you’re hosting a formal sit-down dinner, a DIY buffet or self-serve food and drink station may be the way to go.
Keep drinks simple or go festive with a hot cocoa or cider bar featuring fun toppings like marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, and whipped cream. A few bottles of wine or a selection of sodas also do the trick!
An appetizer table with finger foods and small bites is great for easy snacking – you can buy nuts in bulk to save money and do an easy charcuterie set-up. Scatter snack bowls around your home for easy access to small bites before or after the main meal. Cooking an entree to feed a large group of people can be daunting, so try to cook ahead of time and think of meals that will make it easier on you – soups, pasta dishes, or casseroles like quiche or stuffing. The buffest set-up will make it easier for a big group so you’re not serving everyone, and your guests can get only the foods they want. Dessert is a great time to be festive with holiday treats like cookies, cupcakes, or hot chocolate toppings.
It’s always a good idea to have a few activities in mind in case conversations lull or children start to feel restless. Ornament-making, holiday card writing, or creating vision boards for the new year are fun and interactive, yet easy to set up and clean up. For kids (or adults!), coloring books are mess-free and engaging. Many Eastwood homes feature outdoor spaces perfect for entertaining. If your home has a firepit or seating wall, consider bundling up and enjoying the crisp holiday air with s’mores or hot cocoa under the stars. These spaces are designed for moments like this—bringing people together in a comfortable, cozy setting.
Hosting is as much about enjoying the moment as it is about planning. Remember, the goal is to create a space where everyone feels at home—including you! Tidy as you go to minimize post-party clean-up, and most importantly, allow yourself to relax and have fun. Eastwood homes are built for creating memories, with open-concept floor plans and inviting spaces that make entertaining a breeze. Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual holiday party, your Eastwood home is the perfect backdrop for celebrations this season.
Ready to host your own unforgettable gatherings? Eastwood Homes offers thoughtfully designed spaces perfect for entertaining and making holiday memories. Schedule your visit today to tour one of our beautiful communities and discover how we can help you find your dream home!
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Our Customer Care team has prepared tips for protecting your home from the dangers of freezing temperatures, ice, and winter conditions. Stay safe during this wintry weather!
At Eastwood Homes, we take pride in our Built With Care philosophy, and it was never more evident than during our recent fundraising efforts for Hurricane Helene relief. In less than 24 hours, Team Eastwood—alongside the Stewart Family—successfully raised an incredible $20,000 to support the vital work of Samaritan’s Purse in the wake of the storm.
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