5 Steps for Hosting a Stress-Free Holiday Dinner Party

Stick to Easy, Impressive Food

Cut down on time spent in the kitchen with a simple menu and some store-bought extras. Create a stress-free menu that features make-ahead recipes: a few savories and a sweet. Even better, consider a grab-and-go, finger-food-only menu that requires no utensils and less cleanup.

Take a load off by picking up some delicious store-bought extras for your spread. Stock up on mixed olives, pickled vegetables, pistachios, and clementines to set out for guests to snack on before the main meal and between courses.

Step Away From the Cocktail Shaker

Making each guest custom cocktails? Forget about it. Instead, concoct a crowd-pleasing cocktail or punch that guests can help themselves to. Mix up a big-batch recipe before the party starts, and then set out the pitcher or bowl on a bar cart along with a bucket of ice, cocktail napkins, glasses, and garnishes.

Manage the Mood

It only takes a few easy decorations and a scented candle to set a holiday scene. Create a festive atmosphere by turning off bright overheads in favor of candles that give off a warm glow and cozy scent.

Infuse the party with holiday cheer without subjecting guests to back-to-back tracks of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Feliz Navidad." Guests will appreciate a blend of traditional holiday tunes with modern favorites, especially if your party is later in the holiday season.

Work Some Behind-the-Scenes Magic

Guests may not notice these mood-boosting party tricks, but they could mean the difference between a hassle and a happy holiday happening.

• Rent a coat rack. A rack designated solely for guests sure beats making them rummage through a mountain of outerwear piled on your bed. Available at many party-rental sites, rented coat racks often include hangers.
• Soak dirty dishes. Fill a large plastic bin with warm, soapy water and keep it in the kitchen. Toss in used dishes during the party to save time scrubbing later.
• Clear the air. Crack open a window to bring fresh, cool air into the room. Adjust as more guests arrive and the room heats up.

Wind Down and Clean Up

Don't leave all cleanup duties for the day after. Start with a few simple tasks as the party winds down, and you'll feel better in the morning:

• Subtly signal that the party is over. Don't let guests extend the party longer than you intended. Lower the music, blow out a couple of candles, and turn on some lights. If guests don't get the hint, start cleaning up.
• Dole out leftovers. Buy to-go boxes for guests to take leftovers home. Fewer party leftovers mean less to clean up and more room in your fridge.
• Tidy up a tad and then hit the hay. When guests are gone, take out the trash and recycling so your house doesn't smell when you wake up. Check furniture for spills or stains that need immediate attention, and then leave the heavy cleaning until tomorrow.