Halloween is officially behind us, and there’s still a few weeks left before Thanksgiving, Christmas music is already playing on the radio (WHAT?!) Cue the shopping madness and the general chaos of this beloved season, but don’t stress just yet. Whether you’re hosting out-of-town guests or throwing your first Christmas Eve dinner, we’ve got a few tips up our sleeves to help you get organized!

Make your home merry.
Holiday décor is more than half the battle when it comes to hosting! There’s nothing more welcoming than a fluffy, fragrant and ornamented tree, along with accents like festive throw pillows, seasonal candles, garland and thoughtfully wrapped gifts for your new husband. 

Check out our favorite ideas to deck your halls for a newlywed Christmas, featuring our Birmingham planner, Courtney Wolf, and her beautifully decorated home.

 

 

Meal plan, meal plan, meal plan!
Hosting a Christmas dinner or cocktail party at the beginning of December? Don’t wait until after Thanksgiving to start planning what you’ll serve; in fact, why not start now. Write down everything you want to whip up, make a list of ingredients for a grocery store run and decide which serving pieces you’ll need for each dish or drink. Don’t forget cute cocktail napkins!

For a quick and easy dinner for just the two of you, check out our Blue Apron review.

 

 

Fluff up your guests’ quarters.
If you plan to host out-of-town family members or friends, be sure to fluff up their guest room before they arrive. Put on clean sheets, scrub the bathroom and vacuum or dust as you normally would. Be sure to add sweet touches like a Thymes Frasier Fir candle (our favorite), seasonal florals and a soft, cozy blanket at the end of the bed.

Out of ideas for Christmas gifts? We have a few suggestions for every couple on your list.

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What are your favorite holiday hosting tips? Tell us in the comments below!