Unwrapping Effortless Holiday Hosting: Tips for Creating Lasting Memories

'Tis the season for festive gatherings with friends and loved ones, offering a precious opportunity to slow down amid the holiday hustle. The key to truly enjoying these moments is to get ahead of hosting duties so you can be fully present with family and friends. Make this season's holiday hosting a breeze with these helpful tips:

1. Simplify Your Spread: Keep the joy in hosting by sticking to a simple menu. Skip the elaborate dishes that demand hours of preparation and opt for easy crowd-pleasers. Save your culinary experiments for a less hectic time, ensuring you cater to your guests' preferences and dietary needs.

2. Beverage Bliss with a Festive Twist: Elevate your hosting experience with a delightful beverage station. Offer warm options like hot chocolate and coffee, accompanied by a variety of seasonal mix-ins and flavors. Starbucks creamers, now available in limited-time red holiday packaging, add a touch of magic to your drinks. Enhance your festivities with the Iced Gingerbread Caramel Coffee recipe below, and don't forget to provide a selection of toppings for added fun.

 

1. Entertaining Extravaganza: Prepare for a lively gathering by planning some entertainment options. Whether it's a playlist of holiday music or interactive games, these elements can foster a festive atmosphere and help guests mingle, especially if they're from different circles.

2. Prep Like a Pro: Avoid last-minute chaos by spreading your party preparations over the days leading up to the event. Create a checklist, tackle chores gradually, and complete your shopping a few days ahead. Prepare dishes that can be refrigerated or frozen in advance to ease the final day rush.

3. Guest-Centric Approach: The secret to exceptional hosting is ensuring your guests feel welcome and comfortable. Provide designated areas for coats and handbags, offer a warm beverage upon arrival, and ensure essentials like restrooms are easily accessible. If kitchen duties overwhelm you, enlist the help of a friend or family member.

For more inspiration and holiday-worthy recipes, explore athome.starbucks.com.

Iced Gingerbread Caramel Coffee

Prep time: 3 minutes
Yield: 16 ounces

Drink:

• 1 cup ice
• 4 tablespoons Starbucks Gingerbread Naturally Flavored Ground Coffee for double strength
• 6 ounces water
• 1 ounce Starbucks Caramel Macchiato Flavored Creamer

Toppings:

• whipped cream
• homemade or store-bought caramel sauce
• 1 pinch nutmeg

1. Place ice in 16-ounce glass.
2. Brew gingerbread coffee with water and pour into glass.
3. Add caramel creamer. Stir.
4. Top with whipped cream, drizzle of caramel sauce and nutmeg.

 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (friends celebrating holidays)

 

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