Toasting the Season

A Practical Guide for Hosting A Cozy

Winter Gathering

This guide highlights

As the holiday season approaches, many of us feel the pressure to host big, elaborate gatherings with all of our loved ones. However, in my experience, hosting smaller and more intimate events can be even more fulfilling, as it allows for deeper connections and quality time with your guests. As someone who has come to cherish intimate gatherings, I have realized the importance of creating a warm and inviting atmosphere without going overboard. To be frank, I have learned this from making the mistake of going overboard too many times and being left feeling overwhelmed, unable to relax, be present and enjoy the company of my guests. As a result, I’ve learned that it’s better to work smarter, not harder and focus on a few key elements that can have a big impact on the overall ambiance. In my experience, the key to a successful winter gathering is to keep things simple and focus on the things that matter most: good company, good food, and a cozy atmosphere.

I. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH LOVE

The holiday season can be a hectic and overwhelming time, with a long list of events and obligations that can leave us feeling stretched thin. Instead of trying to do it all, it’s important to prioritize what and who is most important to you. Surrounding yourself with love and positive energy can help make this busy time of year more manageable and enjoyable.

Start by identifying the people who are most important to you and make time to connect with them. Whether it’s a family member, a close friend, or a significant other, prioritize spending quality time with those who matter most. Another way to prioritize what and who is important to you is to set boundaries. It’s okay to say no to events or obligations that don’t align with your values or goals. Focus on the things that truly matter to you and let go of the rest.

This past holiday season, I made a conscious effort to prioritize intimate gatherings over large, stressful events. I kicked off the season by inviting a close friend over to bake cookies and help decorate the Christmas tree. To welcome some friends who had never been to our house before, I decided to host a potluck night. On Christmas day, I prepared a last-minute soup and salad lunch for my family, as I was craving ***. Finally, on Boxing Day, I hosted a brunch for our close group of friends. We spent a lazy morning enjoying good food and conversation, and it was the perfect way to wrap up the holiday season.

Remember, the holiday season is about love and connection, not about trying to do it all. By focusing on what and who is important to you and surrounding yourself with positivity, you can create a more meaningful and enjoyable holiday experience for yourself and those around you.

II. Set the mood

With just a couple of

III. Food Menu

When planning the menu for your winter gathering, it’s important to consider the amount of time you have to prepare the meal. If you’re hosting on a weeknight after work, it might be best to keep the menu simple and quick to execute. When our friends were only available on a Friday, I opted for a potluck style as I knew I would not have much time to prepare after work. Make sure to give your guests plenty of notice if you opt for a potluck, as informing your guests last minute is discourteous.

Utilizing a mix of homemade dishes and ready-to-serve store-bought options is a great way to save time and effort. Serving a couple of homemade platters and dips alongside some store-bought appetizers is a great option if you are short on time. Local, specialty grocery stores are a great place to get pre-made options as they are often made fresh with high-quality ingredients. This is also a great way to support local businesses during the holiday season.

On the other hand, if you have more time on the weekend, you can be a bit more ambitious and try out more elaborate recipes. Just make sure to plan ahead, make a list of all the ingredients you need, and allocate enough time for grocery shopping and prep work.

For a larger group, opt for buffet style with options that do not need to stay warm. This will allow you to visit with your guests while they graze, rather than being stuck in the kitchen cooking. For smaller groups, a sit-down meal may be more practical, but I have learned

Remember, just like anything, hosting is a skill that requires practice. Unfortunately, sometimes the only way to learn and get more comfortable at doing it, is by doing it and having things not go perfectly.

III. Offer a Feature Cocktail

Maple Bourbon Mule

Perfect recipe, can be easily modified to a mocktail. Can be simplified and recplicated if you plan on having a couple. Write down or print the recipe and display all the ingredients so that your guests can make their own drinks.

FRIDAY NIGHT POTLUCK

To make the most of our day in Palm Springs, we began by exploring some of its unique and eclectic neighborhoods. We started in the beautiful neighborhoods of Little Tuscany and Old Las Palmas, where we were able to admire the stunning architecture and beautiful homes. The mid-century modern style of the buildings is a hallmark of Palm Springs and is not to be missed. You can put “West Cielo Drive” or “West Vista Chino” into your GPS as a good starting point.

After visiting these neighborhoods, we stopped at a few shops and restaurants listed above along Palm Canyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive.*

Our journey through Palm Springs continued as we made our way to the vibrant neighbourhood of Indian Canyons. This area is known for its stunning and colourful doors, which make for great photo opportunities. If you’re a fan of the film “Don’t Worry Darling,” be sure to check out the cul-de-sac of homes that were featured in the movie at Azul Circle.

While our itinerary had a general order of destinations, we made sure to leave room for detours and unexpected discoveries. This allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the unique and quirky culture of Palm Springs.