You know successful holiday parties are all about presence, not perfection, and that guests won’t remember how clean your baseboards were or how you arranged the garnish on your main course. Instead, they’ll smile recalling the warm environment you curated, filled with great food, great conversation and gratitude.
And as someone who goes above and beyond for their guests, you’re always seeking out strategies to make your parties even more memorable. With the help of design marketplace Minted, you’ll never run out of unique indie-designed finds and ideas to help spark the ultimate holiday celebration. Here, five ways you can use Minted to your hosting advantage.
1. Make Good First Impressions
Focus on visuals that will resonate — people eat with their eyes first, so why not give them an extra-special space to feast in? Create a story with your tablescape — mix and match bowls, plates and silverware that’ve been collected over time; play with color and pattern when looking for tablecloths, napkins and place mats; add menus or personalized place cards to each seat; and get creative by arranging candles on a ceramic platter surrounded by foraged greens to serve as a centerpiece.
Morning in the Garden Napkins by Magdalena Kucova
Arches Placemats by Michelle Taylor
2. Prep for Kitchen Help
Successful hosts know they don’t have to do it all alone — so let loved ones, young and old, step into the kitchen to assist. That way, you can all sit down to eat at a reasonable hour. But first make sure you’ve got plenty of extra aprons, oven mitts and tea towels to go around, and stock up on a few additional sets of cooking utensils and trivets so you’re ready for all-hands-on-deck. And before guests arrive, make a rough plan of how you’ll dole out various prep and cooking duties so everything runs smoothly.
Fun Plaid Apron for Adults and Kids by Sweta Modi
Holly Branches Potholder Set by Kristen Smith
Winter Play Tea Towels by Meggy Masters
3. Join In on the Fun
Go ahead — let the dishes go unwashed for a while, or look the other way when the throw pillows end up on the floor — you know that perpetually tidying up while everyone else is enjoying themselves does no one any favors. Lead the celebration instead by giving a heartfelt toast before dinner, taking breaks to relax and catch up with each guest, and sparking conversation with laid-back party games. This photo puzzle, for example, can be customized with a snapshot of family or friends — break it out to let everyone collaborate in assembling it, then draw a name to see who gets to take it home as a gift. Pass out beautifully wrapped presents and have everyone try to guess what’s inside. And use these gorgeous stoneware wine-bottle corks to cap bottles brought by guests, before giving them the toppers after the final pour.
Spread Joy Custom Photo Puzzle by Vivian Yiwing
Berries and Branches Wrapping Paper by Makewells
Knot Wine Stopper by Sidney Field
4. Personalize Your Presents
You know what each of your guests loves, so use their hobbies and interests as jumping-off points for gifts — this ceramic infuser for the tea-obsessed reader in your life, say, or this custom hand-painted pet ornament as a keepsake for your favorite animal lover, or this walnut serving board for an amateur chef or consummate fellow host.
Ceramic Infuser by Vanillecocola
Custom Hand-Painted Pet Ornament by Ashley Myers
Walnut Serving Board by Block and Bowl
5. Send Everyone Home with a Favor
Think beyond containers filled with leftovers, and send your guests off with a thoughtful memento of time shared together, like this small Indonesian handwoven basket filled with candy or other goodies, this ceramic ornament for a friend’s tree or mantel, or this mini rope plant holder to brighten up their home. Ending on such a sweet and surprising note underscores your gratitude to everyone present, and pays it forward throughout the season.
Woven Basket by Jennifer Abelev
Teal and Marigold Mini Rope Plant Holder by Moriah Okun
