Pulling off a holiday party at home can seem stressful, but it’s made infinitely easier if you remove a few things from the equation. Namely, the dining table and chairs. Oh—and nix the forks and knives.
No, we’re not suggesting people sit on the floor and eat with their hands. Instead, skip the sit-down affair and host a cocktail party with a few key essentials, including the right glassware and serving pieces, so your soiree is headache-free.
Your first step in this party process is to clear some space in your coat closet or designate a spot for guests to put their things (a guest bedroom works here).
“There’s nothing worse than having people drape their jackets over the backs of your sofa and chairs, because it takes away from the beautiful event you’ve set up,” says Roxy Te, CEO and founder of Society Social.
Next up, pull out (or pick up) the following items to outfit your bar and kitchen. Then, plan to serve your party bites on a buffet—a good use for your dining table. This option is more affordable, and it gives you the chance to style a pretty vignette or centerpiece, notes Te.
Make serving guests at your fete easier with these choices—and you’ll have more fun at your own party.
All-purpose wine glass
Sturdy, stemless wine glasses for the win!Crate&Barrel
Nope, most of the time, you don’t need red and white wine stemware—and a simple glass like this one ($6.66, Amazon) can even hold a mixed drink. “Unless you’re serving champagne, try using one round wine glass as your all-purpose go-to at a cocktail party,” says Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs Caterers. And a stem-free option is less likely to break when you pop it in the dishwasher.
