Downtime doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. Here’s one idea for making the most of your weekend. Holiday party season is here. If you’re hosting your own for the first — or even the fifth — time, you might be wondering how you’re going to pull it all off. Between the food, drinks, and decor, it can be a lot to manage. So to help, check out these tips: Have a game plan. As in, a literal plan for party games. Because there’s nothing like a good round of charades to get all your holiday guests well acquainted. Or, Two Truths and a Lie to get people to really open up. Minimize time spent in the kitchen. No, really. Keep things stress-free with quick, easy crowd-pleasers (think: a winter kale salad, roasted garlic clove chicken, foolproof popovers) and dishes that can be prepared in advance, like classic beef brisket and lasagne alla bolognese. Or, you could even create a menu entirely from make-ahead snacks. And to end the evening on a sweet note, consider adding one or two of these holiday cookies. Serve a punchy punch. To avoid playing bartender all night, mix up one of these holiday punch recipes. (Or, if you’re looking for an alcohol-free option, try this tea-tonic-soda water combo.) Of course, for something even more celebratory, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of bubbly — as long as you open it right. One more pro tip: Stock up on some wine glass charms to help your guests keep track of their drink. Set a fun, festive mood. Tea candles, mason jars, and greenery are simple items that’ll make your tablescape pop. Plus, make sure to have the perfect party playlist on repeat. ...Oh and if you’re just a guest this holiday season, don’t forget to bring a little something for the host to thank them for their hospitality, like a couple of nice candles or fun books. Psst: For a full look at how to Party Like a Pro (think: hosting on a budget and a step-by-step live demonstration), get out a notebook and hit the play button here. | 