Holiday do’s and don’ts: how to keep things fun during Christmas and New Year’s Eve
Before you know it, there’s a turkey in the oven, you have to gourmet again or fry oliebollen… That’s right, the holidays are just around the corner! If we are to believe the word, that should be a celebration. How do you make sure you shine like a Christmas star and sparkle like fireworks during Christmas and New Year’s Eve? These do’s and don’ts will help, whether you have the thankless task of being the host or hostess or are a guest this year.
Do: Communicate
Do you know what really turns you into a Grinch? Getting worked up over your guests’ behavior. Because you think they’re helping you too little. Because you think they’re helping you too much. And why is that sluggish cousin of yours showing up in his baggy sweater; we’re not going to have a gaming marathon, are we?! The solution? Communicate. ‘Who can help me make dessert?’, ‘Stay seated, I’ve got it under control’ and ‘The theme of the evening is fancy-schmancy’ will prevent a face turned green with frustration.
Do: Know what types you’ll have at the table
The ‘I-know-better’-aunt who points out that the pavlova should have spent a little less time in the oven. The uncle with the red nose, whose alcoholic fumes you can smell before he’s even parked his car. So many guests, so many types at the table. Get to know them and deal with them. Ignore Aunt Snob and pour enough water for Uncle Rudolf.
Do: Know that you’re also a type at the table
It might be a good idea to check in with your plus-one.
Do: Set the table the way you want
The party is at your place tonight, so you call the shots. Want to display your colorful collection of thrift-store finds? Go for it. Show off your expensive Villeroy & Boch collection? Good idea. Serve Christmas dinner on paper plates? You do you. And if you really have no idea how to approach this, we have a few styling tips for a festive table for you.
Do: Know your wine etiquette
Are wine connoisseurs coming over, or are you joining a real expert? Then make sure you know the wine etiquette. For example, be careful with lipstick; the glass isn’t your sixteen-year-old teenage boyfriend from back in the day. Serving wine during Christmas or New Year’s dinner? Start with the best horse in the stable. Ending with a quaffing wine is perfectly fine.
Do: Know what to do when you receive wine as a gift
Because there’s etiquette for that too. In principle, you don’t open gifted wine immediately. But are you given an ice-cold bottle of white wine or bubbles? Then that’s a clear signal: pop it!
Don’t: Clean up while your guests are still there
Unless it’s really necessary, of course. After all, you can’t start dessert while your used soup bowl is still in front of you. But doing a big round of washing up and already getting out the vacuum cleaner? There’s almost a ‘thanks for coming, now go home’ written on your forehead.
Don’t: Get overconfident
It’s fantastic that you still believe you’re a distant cousin of Jamie Oliver. But put a temporary brake on your confidence. The day itself—whether it’s Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve—is the worst day to start experimenting. Big plans? Then start preparing well in advance.
Don’t: Wear white clothes while cooking
At least not if it’s an expensive dress or blouse that mustn’t get dirty. Because your clothes will get dirty. Even if you stir your red-wine gravy as carefully as possible or spoon the blackberry sauce onto the plate with intense concentration.
Don’t: Start too late
With grocery shopping, looking for your Christmas outfit, setting the table… You start Christmas 5–0 down if you’re late out of the starting blocks. Stress guaranteed—and wasn’t your great Christmas wish to get through the holidays stress-free?
Don’t: Stress
Stressing isn’t a good idea at all. Because you know what? It’ll be fine. Pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine and try to enjoy it. Next year, Christmas dinner or the New Year’s party will probably be at someone else’s place. And if not, that ticket to far, far away will be booked in no time.
Read also:
