Holiday Hospitality
9 Things to Consider When Stocking Up for the Festive Season
The key to any successful gathering is planning. Don’t be caught off guard when guests arrive, stock up while there’s still time. Here are some holiday fundamentals to remember the next time you go shopping:
1. Candles Set The Mood
Have a variety of sizes ready to light up (scented, floating square or cylindrical candles are all nice to have on hand). Colour theme your purchases too. Buy all red or all white so when you theme a table or a mantle it works seamlessly.
2. Napkins & Table Cloth
Be ready to set up. Have them ironed and prepared so you are not stuck doing it last minute.
3. Camera
If you want to make a lasting memory unforgettable – buy film and preload your camera or make sure your digital memory card is large enough and your batteries are fully charged.
4. Beverages
Avoid liquor store lineups by purchasing your wine, champagne, beer and non-alcoholic beverages early. Coffee, tea and soft drinks are a must. Sparkling bottles of water with a lemon twist are always well received. For hot drinks, remember to pick up some prepackaged hot cocoa and cider. And make sure you have your kids’ favourites as well.
5. Cranberries
Several packages of frozen cranberries can go a long way. Use them to decorate a centerpiece; make ice cubes or use them for cooking. Cheerful cranberries are a great way to add holiday sparkle in a snap.
6. Sticky Tape
Be prepared to wrap and roll – have tape available. Buy several rolls (definitely more than one) and remember where you put it.
7. Snacks
Since you have family and friends visiting more often you want to be sure you always have something to offer. Keep popular snacks around; Nuts, crackers and cheese; ginger and shortbread cookies are staples this time of year. Best of all, you can serve it all up quickly on an attractive tray.
8. Hostess Gifts
A trendy martini shaker and glasses are an alternative to wine and flowers. You can also consider a great CD.
9. Fireplace Essentials
Have all your firewood chopped and stacked ahead of time. A decorated mantel is not the same without the fire going. A warm fire adds scent and atmosphere immediately.
About Belinda Albo
Belinda Albo is a professional interior designer who currently teaches a variety of home decorating courses and workshops to budget conscious homeowners. Belinda runs a successful design firm out of Toronto and Winnipeg. The Planners have been featured in Canadian House and Home, Western Living, the Costco Connection, Canadian Living and CityLine. She is the author of the Hands On Home Planner series as well as the design editor of the popular magazine, the Home Advisor. www.thehomeadvisor.ca