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The Olympic Games is one of the most impressive and mesmerizing worldwide events ever, with roots dating back over 2,000 years in ancient Greece. But even in its beginning, the Olympics have always been a festive celebration of athletics and culture. And that hasn’t changed! These days, we celebrate the Olympics by coming together and watching the Games on our TV screens in the living room, usually surrounded by snacks, sips, and friends. Which is why it’s important to find Olympic-themed party ideas to get you and your loved ones in the celebratory spirit for the big winter Games!

With the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics happening right now, what better time to take advantage of the event and throw your very own Olympic-themed party? (We don’t know about you, but any excuse to have friends and family over during the chilly months is something we’ll always take advantage of!) There are so many creative ways to celebrate the winter Olympics, too—from Olympic party games to themed food, drinks, and decorations. So if you want to throw an Olympics bash that’s gold medal-worthy, you’ve come to the right place to search for ideas and inspiration. And don’t forget to check out our Pinterest board for Olympic-themed party ideas that you can DIY ahead of the Games!

Whether you’re rooting for USA, Mexico, Canada, or another country, you need to represent your favorite team, of course! Depending on their flag and uniform this year, you can pick out plates, balloons, tablecloths, and Olympic-themed party favors that fit the color scheme and show off your team pride. Include mini flags on your snacks, or make some festive cocktails or mocktails that include your flag’s colors. And get into the cold weather sports spirit with some nods to the season! Some winter-themed decorations are a great idea, too, since you can keep them up even after the Games are over and use them next winter.

Now here’s the most fun part: decking out your place with all the Olympic-themed decor! There are so many ways to include the Games in your decorations, but some of the most festive would be the famous Olympics rings, flags and banners, “Go for Gold” wall hangings, balloons, and medals. If there’s a particular sport you like watching, you could also include wall hangings or table decorations that nod back to that sport. And since it’s still cold outside, you can never go wrong with a winter sports theme, either. Snowboard or ski motif platters, snowflake-shaped confetti, or figure skater napkins would look great around the coffee table or buffet.

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For the little ones who just can’t sit still to watch curling (or the folks who want something fun to do while they’re waiting for the Games to start), having some themed party games around the table or in the living room will definitely come in handy. Include a miniature table ring toss with the Olympic’s five colors, or have some Olympic board games and trivia setup inside around a card table. Your guests will definitely appreciate having something fun to do in between the sports’ rounds.

There’s plenty of ways you can incorporate Olympic-inspired foods and drinks into your celebration setup. If you want to stick with a general Olympics theme, we love the idea of crafting a tower of foods native to different countries and placing the associated country’s flag on top. Or instead, go with a winter Games theme and make cozy cold-weather treats, like hot cocoa or snowball cookies, with little Olympics flags on top. The possibilities here are endless! There are also plenty of fan-favorite bites that come in limited edition designs, like Reese’s Olympic medals and red, white, and blue M&Ms.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Olympics party without the Olympics rings. Make sure you have plenty on hand—hang some rings up around the living room as balloons or wall decorations, or even translate the rings into food with donuts, cookies, or color-coordinated veggie platters. Setting up colored plates on the snack table in the same order as the Olympic rings is also a cute nod back to the famous symbol.

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For the hosts in our lives who love to entertain, their fabulous meal prepping, party planning, and cozy home curating seems like it comes second nature. But we all know the hard work that goes into it—and they deserve to be appreciated for it! Their generosity and hospitality doesn’t go unnoticed. From their meticulously crafted menus to knowing exactly how to decorate their homes for the holidays, our hosts put so much thought into their get-togethers. So, for all they do for us, it’s the perfect time to give them a heartfelt “thank you” with a thoughtful hostess gift.

Keep it simple and refined with a luxe olive oil set; make their day with a customized serving platter; or show off their style with a cute new apron they can cook in. You know your host best, so tap into their serving style and surprise them with something that feels like them! Though the regular bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers is a sweet offering, it’s not your only option. Go the extra mile for their next gathering or big holiday bash and you’ll make your host feel so special with these unique hostess gift ideas.

Custom tea towels, engraved cutting boards, personalized cocktail napkins—the list of customized hosting accessories is endless! Think of their favorite part about hosting, or something they might need more of: Are they the charcuterie perfectionist? Do they tailor the meal around their cocktail or wine list? Are they in need of a new cutting knife or serving utensils? From there, you can choose the piece that they’d love most and personalize it however you see fit. You can add their initials, a sweet message or inside joke, or a date to commemorate a special occasion. They’ll love that you went the extra mile.

A home chef will never be disappointed with some high-quality kitchen upgrades. Whether it’s as generous as a new KitchenAid stand mixer or as thoughtful as a new set of steak knives you know they’ve been wanting, gifts like these are useful, practical, and considerate. And they’ll appreciate that you pay attention to the small things!

The key here is to gift them something they’ll love but would never buy themselves. And for many, maybe that means a luxury box of chocolates, truffles, or macarons. It looks and feels far more chic than the grocery store cookies that anyone can grab. Plus, many of these sweets come prepackaged in gorgeously-wrapped gift boxes, which lends an extra-special touch.

The most-loved gifts are usually ones that are practical and beautiful. Put a unique twist on usual hosting gifts, like a candle or linen cocktail napkins, by giving them unique picks instead of the ones you can find in just about any department store. The effort is noticeable, and the gift will feel much more bespoke when you pick an item you know will complement their style.

Un-basic their basics and jazz up your host’s counter with something special. This olive oil and fuyu persimmon vinegar set from Flamingo Estate is produced on a sustainable, organic farm that utilizes practices that can help reverse climate change and improve soil health. And if your host appreciates life’s eccentricities, they’re going to love these viral salt and pepper grinders from Dusen and Dusen.

There are few things more satisfying than serving fresh olives and cheeses on top of a new serving tray. Especially during this busy time of year, a serving dish or a festive set of plates can be so useful (not to mention beautiful!). Just think of all the charcuterie boards that will be styled on these trays for years to come.

Here at DrewandJonathan.com, we love a little friendly competition. And board games and puzzles are some of our very favorite group activities (as long as Jonathan is winning…) Consider modernizing their game collection with a new rendition of a classic or this Piecework puzzle that’s pretty enough to frame. All of these games are also beautiful enough to put on display!

The bar cart—a place for flavor and flare, and all the cutest accessories that you can never have too much of. Whether your host is a low- or no-ABV connoisseur or a sommelier who could explain the difference in body and legs in every wine from Chablis to Barolo, the bar cart accessory possibilities are endless! These cocktail bombs from Sur La Table are so cool—just drop one in a glass, fill it with your sparkling beverage of choice (plus 2 oz. of liquor if you’ll be drinking alcohol), and voilà! You have yourself a fun twist on a traditional bevvy. There are six in a box: Cosmo, bellini, margarita, lavender lush, prosecco rose, and a hangover drink bomb.

Have your hostess cooking in style this holiday with an apron that’ll have every guest saying, “Yes, chef!” Take your pick from a quirky (and downright adorable) pink apron adorned with pups wearing desserts and fruits, a chic and festive gingerbread village embroidered apron, or a classic red striped apron perfect for the holidays. Every home chef and baker loves a new apron to add to their collection, especially when it’s hand-picked from a loved one.

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There are many traditions that come with the holiday season. Some of us have Christmas movie marathons all month long; others make it a point to go to the annual tree decorating ceremony in their neighborhood every year; and there’s usually always a holiday party or two to get dressed up for. Between white elephant exchanges and all the other Christmas games, there’s no shortage of ways to have fun together this time of year. But one of our favorites has always been an ugly Christmas sweater party! Instead of getting buttoned up for your usual Christmas bash, the ugly sweater party lets everyone enjoy the season’s festivities a little more casually.

Ugly Christmas sweater party ideas can include anything from an ugly sweater competition to a game of “Who Wore It Best” to an ugly sweater gift exchange and more. It’s all up to you to decide the order of events and—as the host of this silly Christmastime soiree—to make sure the party goes off without a hitch! Wondering where to start? Below, you’ll find everything you need to for an epic ugly sweater party, including themed invitations and decorations, our best ugly Christmas sweater picks, and plenty of party games and snacks for a jolly good time.

Just because they’re ugly doesn’t mean they can’t be cute! Well… We can try, at least. Pick a sweater with one of your favorite holiday motifs or characters, and run with it. Some ugly sweaters even come with battery-powered lights so you can literally be the star of the show.

No party is complete without fun games to enjoy. You can set up a few stations throughout your house, like displaying a puzzle on a small table or laying out card games on the coffee table near where folks will be sitting. You could even go the extra mile during dinner by placing party crackers on each plate. Just a little something to make the night even more fun!

This time of year is so fun for themed treats and festive snacks. Of course, you can get handy in the kitchen and whip up some delicious Christmas charcuterie boards or peppermint popcorn. But you can also display limited-edition holiday packs from your favorite brands, too.

Of course, you’ll need some cute serveware to display all of your fun party treats, too. Place your snacks and finger foods on holiday-themed platters, and make up a hot cocoa bar with winter mugs and spoons. You don’t need to do it all, but having a few pieces of staple Christmas serveware on hand will help make the holidays even jollier year after year.

For an ugly Christmas sweater party, these invitations sure are fabulous! Illustrated sweater motifs on the front of your invites are a sweet nod to the theme, and receiving a paper invite in the mail adds that extra thoughtful touch. It serves as its own decoration on your guests’ refrigerators, too.

Now here comes the fun part: Decorating the house! Holiday party decor can be modern, eclectic, or anywhere in between. Add in some extra color, string lights, and plenty of ornaments for that festive touch. Have fun with the little spots in your house, too, like with holiday scented bathroom soap or Christmas kitchen towels. Don’t be afraid to deck the halls as much as you like—it’s a party, after all!

One way you can ensure everyone remembers how much fun they had? Goody bags! While it’s not necessary to gift your guests something, it is a nice touch, especially for a laid-back themed party. Things like sweater-patterned drink sleeves, funny ornaments or stocking stuffers they can take home, and a little sweet treat or two can land you on their Nice list for years to come.

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Whether you’re decking the halls with family, exchanging gifts with friends, or sipping egg nog with coworkers, the holidays are a time for gathering and spending quality time together. And once the party’s soundtrack, menu, and decorations are all set in place, the next item on the agenda for any great Christmas get-together is entertainment. That’s where Christmas holiday party games come into play. From White Elephant to Name that Holiday Tune to Christmas Movie Bingo, holiday games are a fun, creative way to get everyone engaged and excited.

Below, you’ll find all of the information you need to get started on your holiday party game night, whether you’re wondering how Secret Santa works or wanting to learn the White Elephant rules. We also give you tips for upping the fun factor and keeping everyone on their toes. Keep reading for our rundown of the season’s most popular Christmas games for kids and adults. Let the fun Christmas games commence!

White Elephant turns regular-old gifting into a lively game. Everyone brings one wrapped gift and leaves with something else, but in between, fun (and a little bit of friendly competition) ensue. Ahead of your gathering, designate a price limit for everyone to spend on their gifts. Or, if you’re into up-cycling, have everyone bring something that they already own. The most important thing is that all of the gifts arrive to the party already wrapped.

What You Need: Pen, paper, a bowl or hat, and wrapped gifts from each player.

How to Play:

1. Gather in a circle and put all of the wrapped gifts in the middle.
2. Write down numbers on slips of paper (1–5 for five players, 1–10 for 10 players, etc.), and have everyone pick one at random to determine the order of play.
3. Player 1 chooses a gift from the middle and unwraps it. 
4. Player 2’s turn is where it starts getting fun. They can either unwrap a new gift from the middle or steal the already unwrapped gift. If they choose to steal, Player 1 gets to unwrap a new gift.
5. Play continues down the line of numbers. Player 3 can either steal an unwrapped present from someone else or choose a new one from the middle. Once everyone in the round has a gift, the next person goes.
6. Each gift can only be stolen three times per round. 
7. At the end of the game once all of the gifts are unwrapped, Player 1 gets a chance to trade with a player of their choice.

From tree-trimming scenes and family meals to romantic meet-cutes and kisses under the mistletoe, Christmas movies are filled with delightful cliches. Christmas Movie Bingo celebrates these holiday tropes, and it’s one of the most fun family Christmas games of the season.  

What You Need: Bingo cards, markers or daubers, your favorite Christmas movies, and a prize for the winner.

How to Play:

1. Print and distribute cards and daubers to everyone playing the game.
2. Pop in your favorite Christmas movie, and have everyone mark their cards as the movie showcases what’s on their spaces.
3. Keep going until someone calls “Bingo!”

Christmastime brings no shortage of tacky attire, and at the pinnacle of it all is the ugly sweater. For guaranteed hilarity, challenge your family and friends  to an ugly sweater contest this year.

What You Need: A prize for the winner!

How to Play:

1. Everyone shows up wearing their ugliest, tackiest, most unpleasing Christmas sweaters.
2. Once you’ve all stopped laughing each other’s fashion faux pas, it’s time for the judging!
3. Assign a judge (or panel of judges) to decide on a winner.

Every group’s Secret Santa rules differ, but no matter where you play, the basic premise is the same: Instead of everyone buying gifts for everyone else (which can get cumbersome and pricey), each gifter is secretly assigned a giftee ahead of your gathering. Set a spending limit, and instruct everyone to wrap their gifts before coming to the party.

What You Need: Your friends, family, and/or coworkers and their wrapped gifts.

How to Play:

1. Gather in a circle and put all of the wrapped gifts in the middle.
2. One by one, each player opens their designated gift.
3. The gift giver can reveal that it’s from them, or the giftee can try to guess who their present is from.

Ready to test your knowledge of classic Christmas facts, traditions, and more? Assemble the gang for a game of Christmas trivia. You’ll need at least three players and a list of questions to get started.

What You Need: Trivia questions and answers, pens, and paper.

How to Play:

1. Designate one person as the emcee. Everyone else can either team up or play individually. 
2. As the emcee reads questions, each team/player marks their answers on a piece of paper.
3. After all of the questions are read, the emcee tallies up the scores and declares the winner.

Pro Tip: To up the excitement, split the questions into three or four rounds, with each round getting progressively harder and worth more points.

The saran wrap game tests players’ luck and dexterity while everyone else looks on with laughter. Ahead of time, the party’s host gathers small trinkets and gifts—think gift cards, mini candy bars, toys, cash, etc.) With a roll of saran wrap, wrap one trinket that will become the center of a much larger ball. Without cutting or ripping the wrap, continue adding trinkets and wrapping them to form a ball. When you finish with the first roll of saran wrap, open up a second one and keep going until you’re out of prizes and have a big ball of plastic wrap and presents in your hand. 

What You Need: A saran wrap ball filled with trinkets and gift cards, oven mitts, and dice.

How to Play:

1. Everyone sits in a circle, and the party’s host chooses one person to go first.
2. When play starts, Player 1 puts on the oven mitts and tries to unwrap and reveal as many prizes as quickly possible. 
3. Meanwhile, Player 2 (the person to the left of the unwrapper) rolls the dice until they get doubles.
4. When Player 2 rolls doubles, the dice, oven mitts, and saran wrap ball all get passed one spot to the left. 
5. Player 2 puts on the oven mitts and tries to unwrap as much of the ball as possible Player 3 rolls doubles. 
6. Play continues until the ball is completely unrolled and no prizes remain. 

From “Deck the Halls” to “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” the holiday season’s soundtrack is filled with earworms that we all know and love. This game is your chance to show off how fast you and your peeps can identify classic holiday tunes from just the first few notes.

What You Need: A Christmas playlist of the season’s most iconic, festive songs.

How to Play:

1. Designate one person as the emcee, and split everyone else into two teams.
2. The emcee starts playing song for the group, and the first team to correctly identify it gets a point. 
3. Gameplay continues song by song, and the team with the most points at the end wins.
4. Option: Instead of skipping right to the next song, let the music play so that everyone can sing and dance along. It is a party, after all!

Left Right Christmas is one of the simplest family Christmas games for players of all ages. Everyone starts with their own wrapped gift, but the goodie they’ll leave with is a mystery until the very end. 

What You Need: A Christmas-themed story and wrapped gifts from each player.

How to Play:

1. Download (or write) a story with lots of mentions of the words “left” and “right.” 
2. Gather the group in a circle with everyone holding the wrapped gift that they brought.
3. Designate someone to read the story. Every time they read the words “left” or “right,” everyone passes their gifts one spot around the circle accordingly.
4. Everyone takes home the gift they end up with when the story ends.

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The nicest spare bedrooms aren’t necessarily the most extravagant—they’re the ones that feel like home. That’s exactly why you don’t need designer decor or a fancy hotel setup to make overnight visitors feel welcome. What actually matters most are the little comforts that make their stay feel relaxed and convenient, like a handy spot to charge their phone, a mini coffee bar with all the fixings, or extra cozy blankets and pillows so they can get a good night’s rest under your roof.

The good news is that none of these things take much time to set up, but they can all make a big difference in how comfortable your guests feel. Even something as simple as setting out a few toiletries or adding a smart lamp by their bedside can make the space feel more thoughtfully put together for them. Whether you’re hosting for the holidays or welcoming a last-minute guest for the season, these ideas are proof that with just a bit of thought, you can make even the simplest spare room feel like a home away from home.

If your guests wake up before you do, having a spot where they can make a quick cup of coffee or tea will make their morning so much easier. Set up a small beverage station on a desk or dresser with an electric kettle, a couple of mugs, and a selection of teas, instant coffee, or hot chocolate packets. Include little extras like cream and sugar, honey sticks, and stirring spoons. It’s a small touch that makes guests feel right at home—but also like they’re at a hotel.

Give your guests an easy place to plug in by setting up a tech zone for charging their phones and other devices. Place a power strip with built-in USB or USB-C ports on the nightstand or dresser so they don’t have to crawl around looking for outlets. You can even leave a little card with your Wi-Fi information to make signing on that much simpler. It’s a tiny detail that goes a long way in making the room feel modern and guest-friendly.

If you really want to wow your guests, prep their space with a few comfortable pieces of loungewear. This could be as simple as a pair of slippers, a matching set of pajamas, or a plush robe. Fold or place the loungewear on top of their made bed. You can even add a little wrapped piece of chocolate on top for an extra touch.

Something simple that’ll impress your guests? Having their favorite products on display in the bathroom. Fill a basket with some travel-sized toiletries. Then, layer in essentials that are often forgotten, like a toothbrush, hair brush, or makeup wipes.

The lighting you choose can really make or break the ambiance in the room! Use warm-toned bulbs like soft white or amber light to make the room feel more serene. If you don’t already have a table or floor lamp, consider adding one. Overhead lighting can often be bright and harsh, but smaller lights around the room will keep the space feeling comfortable and cozy.

The most important part of a guest bedroom? The bed, of course! While it may be tempting to retire a family member’s queen mattress to the guest bedroom when you upgrade, your visitors deserve the gift of a good night’s sleep, especially after navigating all that holiday travel. Even if the mattress isn’t brand-new, a plush topper and some fresh pillows will go a long way in helping your guests sleep well.

Such a comfortable mattress deserves equally lovely bedding. Sateen, linen, and flannel bedsheets are nice for a guest room as they not only look chic, but are also very comfortable. Finish off with a few plush throw pillows and a quilt or two to keep them warm. You can even leave an extra blanket or two in a basket nearby so guests can add layers if they get chilly at night.

If you don’t already have a TV in the guest room, consider adding one into the mix. It’s nice for guests to able to watch a movie while they fall asleep, or simply just have a place to unwind and watch their favorite shows in their own space. If that’s out of budget, even placing a speaker in the guest room is a great touch. Bonus points if you have a few popular streaming platforms already logged in and ready to go! And if a TV is out of budget, even placing a speaker in the guest room is a great touch.

If you have a guest room with some space to spare, extra seating will add a boost of coziness. A bench at the end of the bed or an upholstered accent chair in the corner is a simple but useful way to make the room more comfortable. You can also add a small side table or floor lamp with a shelf next to the chair to give guests a comfy spot to read or unwind before bed.

Instead of waiting for them to ask, make guests feel at home by keeping plenty of fluffy towels easily accessible. Fold a set (bath, hand, washcloth) for each person staying with you on a chair in the bedroom or in the guest bath (if you have one), and have a few more rolled up in a nice basket, just in case.

A few small details go a long way to making a room feel more homey. Place throw blankets and pillows around the room, or light a candle right before they pull into the driveway. It’s a nice way to welcome them and help them feel like they’re at a fancy hotel.

How do you make a guest room more comfortable?

It’s the little comforts that make a guest room feel warm and inviting. Give visitors an easy spot to charge their phone, a few comfy blankets and extra pillows, and a place to make coffee or tea without having to ask. Set out a few essential toiletries they might have forgotten, and make sure the lighting is soft and easy to switch on and off.

What should you always have in a guest room?

Any good guest room should always have clean bedding, fresh towels, and a few extra pillows and blankets. Add a phone charger, a small lamp on their nightstand, and a few basic toiletries like toothpaste and a toothbrush, and you’ve got all the essentials covered. It’s also helpful to leave your Wi-Fi info somewhere visible, and a spot to set their luggage, like a luggage rack or bench.

How do you decorate a guest room for the holidays?

Even if the rest of your house is Christmas central, you don’t have to go overboard in the guest room! Even just adding a few festive touches like a small wreath or a seasonal throw pillow can make the space feel jolly. You can also add a winter candle, a string of soft lights, or a little bowl of holiday treats. The key is to keep it simple and inviting so the room still feels warm and relaxing.

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Drew and Jonathan love entertaining friends and family, especially around the holidays! From Jonathan and Zooey’s whimsical Christmas celebrations to Drew and Linda’s fun holiday decor, it’s easy to tell that the Bros love making the season feel magical. And right at the start of all the hustle and bustle comes Thanksgiving to unofficially kick off the holiday parties through the New Year. If you’re planning a Thanksgiving dinner to remember this season, then you’ll need some Thanksgiving table setting tips and decor ideas to make it happen. That’s where Drew and Jonathan come in.

Today, they’re sharing all their most helpful tablescape tips and ideas for a Turkey Day feast that goes off without a hitch. “Hosting Thanksgiving dinner for family, or even doing a Friendsgiving get-together, doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” Jonathan says. Watch their video to see exactly how they craft a Thanksgiving dinner table, and read below for an inside look at all their best tricks.

Tip #1: Layer Your Table Linens

The easiest way to make your table look more upscale is by layering. You could place a runner down the center of the table (alone or over a tablecloth), style candles in varying heights, and add some seasonal greenery or vases of flowers. Or maybe instead, you layer standout placemats over a neutral tablecloth and pair them with unique linen napkins and holiday napkin rings. The options here are endless, really, and you can make it entirely yours. But a mix of elements will always make it more interesting.

Tip #2: Play With Height

When incorporating multiple layers of fabric, candles, greenery, and more, you want to add variation in height, too. Mix it up with taper candles, fresh florals, or other elements that add dimension to your tablescape.

Bonus: The order in which you style your table matters, too! You don’t want to have to reach around a bunch of tiny objects or rearrange the tablecloth just because you thought to add something in last-minute. So, after you’ve set up your base layer (tablecloth and/or runner), add in your tallest, most obtrusive items (like candles and vases). Once that’s done, you can go in with your smaller decor pieces (greenery, acorns, pumpkins) to complete the look.

Tip #3: Mix In Seasonal Foliage

An easy way to make your table look more timely for autumn is with foliage or greenery. You can use eucalyptus or magnolia in the fall, holly or winterberries in the winter, and so on. Randomly line the center of your table with fresh greenery (or realistic faux finds) between your candles, florals, and other decor for an easy natural look that makes an impact.

Tip #4: Avoid Too Much Symmetry—Make It Feel Organic!

When designing the center of your table, it doesn’t have to look uniform or symmetrical. Imperfection is perfection here! You want the table to feel organic and natural, not stiff and structured, so don’t stress too much. Mess around with the position of the centerpieces and additional decor, and get creative.

Tip #5: Plan for Platters and Serveware

If you’re doing a family-style meal where your dishes will sit in the center of the table, then make sure to plan around this when you’re designing your tablescape. Perhaps this means less decor in the center or more spread out taper candles, so you can fit all the food onto your table without making it feel crowded. If you’re going with a buffet-style dinner, however, you can set the platters on a separate table and have room to incorporate more decor on the main table.

Tip #6: Set Your Table the Day Before to Avoid Stress

One easy way to make party planning less hectic? Set your table the night before. Add in the live elements (like flowers and foliage) the morning of, but save yourself unnecessary trouble by styling the majority of your table the day before. This way, you’ll have more time to focus on the day-of stresses like cooking, cleaning, and prepping for guests’ arrival.

Tip #7: Customize Place Cards for Guests

Go the extra mile and personalize the table with custom place cards for everyone! You can seat people together who might not know each other well yet, and spark new conversations with folks you think would get along. Jonathan says that he and Zooey usually sit at opposite ends of the table so they have the opportunity to mingle with everyone and get conversation flowing. It’s whatever feels right to you and your crew!

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Every year during the holiday season, there are overflowing opportunities to celebrate and connect with those you care about most. From gift exchanges with your coworkers to big family dinners and Christmas parties with friends, this time of year gets busy so quickly! It’s easy for it to all start blending together. So if you’re on the hook to hold a dinner party during the holidays, then there are steps you can take to host a night to remember. From properly setting the table to decorating your space with the sweetest holiday decor, every detail matters.

Hosting is hard work, but it’s all worth it when you see loved ones having a great time together in your home. So, we consulted our editors, dinner party gurus, and professional entertainers to share their most successful hosting strategies to help eliminate stress, curate a great atmosphere, and allow you to enjoy every single moment. With special touches and thoughtful additions, you can create a gathering space that feels intimate, warm, and cozy for everyone.

1. Choose a Theme

Themed parties are fun for everyone (hosts, too!) because they give you an instant blueprint to follow. It makes it easy for folks to choose an outfit, and you can build your menu around the theme, too. Plus, themes make the whole dinner party a bit more exciting to prep for. You don’t have to go overboard, either. Autumn Harvest, Apres Ski, or Cozy Comfort are all simple dinner party theme ideas that will instantly elevate the guest experience. And if themes aren’t your thing, no worries! Stick to a color scheme, a cuisine type, or an overall vibe to make planning feel (and look) more coordinated.

2. Send a Formal Invitation

There’s something about a formal invitation that makes the whole event feel a bit more thoughtful. Whether they get it in the mail complete with seasonal stamps or just sent over in a text message as an e-vite, a dinner party invitation can take your gathering from fun to fabulous without much effort. You can design them on your own or buy some online to send out to your loved ones, but we’ve also got some fun (and free!) Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving dinner party invitations you can print out yourself, too.

3. Build a Pretty Tablescape

The table is the centerpiece to your dinner party, so make it beautiful! Be it a simple floral arrangement and a pretty tablecloth or a setup complete with candlelight, place cards, and greenery lining the table runner, your seasonal tablescape will have a big impact on your dinner party vibe. Go bold or keep it simple, but your tablescape should be a priority. It makes guests feel welcome, and the food will look even better when it’s displayed on a beautiful canvas.

4. Set Out Post-Meal Games

If you’re hoping to keep the party going after dinner is over, then it’s a good idea to set out some kind of interactive element for folks to enjoy post-meal, especially if you’re having guests over who might not all know each other. This way, you keep the mood high and the party engaging. Whether you set out a fun board game or just a deck of table conversation cards, having an easy conversation starter available will ensure boredom stays off the menu.

5. Share a Blessing

It can be a nice gesture to mark intimate gatherings with a moment of gratitude for everyone at your table. “I don’t believe in saying grace per se,” says Anna Stockwell, fuss-free dinner party guru and author of the cookbook For The Table. “But I do think it’s lovely to engage in an inclusive ritual to signify the beginning of a meal, especially when you’re gathering for a special night.” This could take the form of reading a favorite poem or passage, holding hands around the table and bowing your heads, or just offering a simple toast of thanks to your guests for joining you before you dig in. “Whatever it is, it should be your way of saying, ‘We are gathering here together by choice, and we are going to be present in this moment at this table,’” says Stockwell.

6. Arrange a Cocktail Station

Welcoming guests with a cocktail from your home bar can be a lovely ritual to set the tone for the evening, but juggling drink orders is sure to make even the calmest host lose their cool. Thankfully, Stockwell has a simple solution: “I offer two choices: seltzer and, depending on the occasion, either a spritz, a martini, or a glass of wine.” Spritzes, which are minimal on ingredients but big on flavor, are a particularly great way to ease guests into the evening. To make your job even easier, Stockwell suggests setting up a spritz station, with all the elements laid out so that guests can easily mix their own. All you need is a bottle of aperitif (such as Campari, for a delicious Campari Spritz), some dry sparkling wine, seltzer water, and a bucket of ice. Bonus points for festive stir sticks or prepping a fully-stocked bar cart.

7. Go In With a Party Plan

If you tend to turn into a big ball of stress during your party, your guests will probably pick up on it. The secret to calming that internal noise? Having a bit of a plan in place. “We’re big believers in making lists and always doing a mental dry run the day before,” says Karen Suen-Cooper, designer and cofounder (along with her husband, Martin Cooper) of the stationery and entertaining brand The Punctilious Mr. P’s PlaceCard Co. Another trick from pro stylists: Put sticky notes on any bowls and platters you plan to use and label them with what’s going to go into each one. Then, when it comes time to serve, there won’t be any last-minute scrambling.

8. Appoint a Second-In-Command

The point of a party is for everyone to enjoy themselves—yes, even you! So don’t be afraid to ask for help, urges Suen-Cooper. “Martin and I have been doing this for so long that we have our roles down, but if you’re hosting solo, call on a friend or put together a mini team. Who’s going to take the coats? Who’s going to serve the first drink? Deputizing someone always helps the flow of the evening.”

9. Layer Your Lighting

To maximize the cozy factor, approach the lighting in your home in layers, advises Martin Cooper. Start by softening any harsh ceiling lights with a dimmer switch (yes, even in the bathroom!) and then fill in dark spots with a mix of lamps and candlelight. On the dining table, a small tea light by each place setting will place a nice glow onto the beautiful feast.

10. Record Your Family’s Stories

Does Grandpa tell the best stories whenever you get together? This year, why not play archivist and record him—and the rest of your family, big and small—to document and pass down to the next generation? Just push the red button on your mobile phone’s voice memo app and you’re good to go! You can then write these stories down later in a big family scrap book, or combine all the audio clips into one to create a video memorabilia.

11. Build a Grazing Board

It’s a universal truth: Everyone loves a charcuterie board. But you shouldn’t have to limit yourself to just meat and cheese. Los Angeles–based caterer Lauren Delp uses the format to prepare everything from Belgian waffle boards to smoked fish platters for clients through her company, Silverlake Socialite. “People have been laying out food like this since the Renaissance. It’s just such a social and visually beautiful way to feed people. When you put out a few different kinds of boards, the meal becomes its own centerpiece.”

12. Encourage Fun and Games

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking games are only for kids’ birthdays. No matter the age of your assembled guests, adding a little fun and games to your holiday gathering is a great way to spark conversation and keep spirits bright. At her gatherings, Stockwell prefers to stick to classics, like charades, telephone, and even musical chairs! “It can really help keep things lively if you switch who you’re sitting next to at least once a night,” she says. “So when the moment feels right, clink your glass and announce it’s time to switch places! Everyone has to grab their plate and utensils and move to a new seat at the table.”

13. Make Cute Place Cards

It might seem formal, but using festive place cards at the table to mark assigned seats can actually be a considerate way to take pressure off your dinner guests—and spark new connections. “There’s no right or wrong way to do it,” say the Coopers, “but with place cards the table never feels awkward, like the school lunch room.” Some strategies they suggest are seating spouses across from, rather than next to, one another, and pairing introverts beside extroverts.

14. Turn Off Your Tech

Studies have shown that just the presence of digital devices—even if they’re switched off—can inhibit face-to-face conversation. So if you want to encourage connection, declare your gatherings a phone-free zone. Keep the mood light, not as if you’re scolding, by placing a pretty basket near the door, and appoint a guest (or “hire” one of your kids) to work the phone-check station. Concerned about missing out on candid snaps without phone cameras handy? Set out an assortment of disposable point-and-shoot cameras on the table and party like it’s 1999!

15. Set Up a Hot Cocoa Bar

Who doesn’t love some hot chocolate during the holidays? Especially at seasonal gatherings, it’s thoughtful to think of fun ways to offer alcohol-free yummy drinks. “We always prepare a nice nonalcoholic beverage for our non-drinking guests,” says Karen Suen-Cooper. Make it fun with peppermint candies, chocolate spoons, and plenty of marshmallow toppings displayed in canisters for guests to mix themselves. We have a whole tutorial here to get you started and inspired.

16. Personalize a Playlist

Music can make or break a party—but you don’t have to shoulder the role of DJ all on your own. Instead, entertaining expert Kimberly Schlegel Whitman recommends, try an interactive approach. When you extend invites, ask each guest to share the name of one song they love. Then, along with a few additions of your own, compile a customized playlist you can play throughout the party—and share after the festivities end. “All you have to do is text the Spotify link,” says Whitman. “It’s like a mixtape for the 21st century—but a collaborative one!”

17. Keep the Menu Simple

The next time you find yourself wild-eyed in the kitchen hours before your party starts, remember that throwing a great holiday gathering is rarely all about the food—it’s about bringing people together and making them feel welcome. “In the ecosystem of a party, an amazing menu is definitely nice, but it’s not the main event,” says Martin Cooper. His not-so-secret weapon is appetizers from the Trader Joe’s frozen section and an air fryer. “You can get creative: Buy samosas to accompany a South Asian menu, or brie en croûte pockets for a more European French spread. The bottom line is there’s no shame in keeping the menu simple if that buys you time to socialize with your guests—which is really what they came for.”

18. Engage All the Senses

Setting a mood isn’t just about lighting. “You really want to consider every one of your guests’ five senses when they come into your home,” says Schlegel Whitman. That could mean anything from setting a woodsy scented candle near the entryway to placing cuddly throw blankets on chairs to cut the chill. “The taste of the food and drink, a serene and tidy space, the way things feel at the table (glasses that are cold to the touch, napkins that are soft)—these things all set a subtle mood.”

19. Pamper the Powder Room

When you’re entertaining, the powder room—or whatever you’re using for a guest bath—should feel like a sanctuary where folks can slip away for a minute. Lean on the little touches (fresh flowers, fancy hand lotion, special linens) that will make them feel pampered. “One of the best hostesses I know always leaves a box on her powder room vanity filled with everything from sewing kits to breath mints to Tide pens—all the little things a guest might be embarrassed to ask for. It doesn’t get more thoughtfult han that,” says Schlegel Whitman.

20. Make Dishes Do Double Duty

When you’re prepping the meal in the days and hours ahead of a party, think strategically and, whenever possible, choose attractive oven-to-table cookware that can go straight to the dining table when it’s ready to serve. Not only will it help streamline your workflow—and look beautiful—but it will also mean fewer bowls, platters, and pans to wash when the party’s over.

21. Don’t Be Afraid to Outsource

No one says you have to do it all. We’re living in a golden age of mail-order treats, so this season, cut yourself some slack and outsource dessert. Does rolling pie dough make you break into a cold sweat? Let GoldBelly do the work for you. They have tons of delicious treats from national retailers that ship right to your door. Order the four-pack of pies from the Little Pie Company based out of New York City. More of a cookie family with no time to bake? Get some backup from NYC’s Ferrara Bakery with their best-selling assorted cookie tin (rainbow cookies, pignoli cookies, fudge-topped cookies, and raspberry donut cookies—yum!)

22. Take the Party Outside

Hosting a small family dinner gathering? It can be tempting to curl up on the couch to nap or chat after the meal. But to keep your body, and your guests, feeling good during the holiday season food-and-drink marathon, you might be better off taking the opposite approach. There’s piles of scientific research showing that walking—or any kind of gentle movement—after meals offers a range of positive effects, from regulating blood sugar to aiding digestion and elevating mood. So this year, invite guests to join you for a stroll around the block or a backyard session of boccie or cornhole after dinner.

23. Offer a Small Party Favor

Remember: There’s no age limit for party favors! Whether you’re hosting overnight guests or just having folks to your house for dinner, sending company home with a little treat is always a special surprise. And there’s no need to be extravagant. “Do you have a great recipe for granola or special caramels that your grandmother always made? Prep a batch a few days ahead of your gathering and wrap them in little bags or in pieces of pretty paper,” the Coopers suggest. Want to go the extra mile? Print out recipe cards to go with them so your guests can make their own (and remember your good times together) whenever a craving strikes.

24. Send a Sweet Thank You Note

No matter how hard you try, it’s inevitable that during any party, you won’t get as much one-on-one time with each person as you might like. As lovely as it is to get thank-you notes, it can also be a sweet touch for hosts to send a quick, intimate note of appreciation to guests a few days after the gathering. The idea is to touch base and let them know how glad you were for the time together. Want to make it even more personal? If you managed to snap some candids during your soiree, upload them to a shared online album so everyone can see—and share—the memories.

This article originally appeared in the Fall 2022 issue of Drew + Jonathan Reveal, Drew & Jonathan’s home and lifestyle magazine.

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The right Christmas playlist can transform ordinary moments into special holiday memories. Whether you’re decorating the tree, baking Christmas cookies, wrapping presents, or simply trying to spread some festive cheer throughout the season, the perfect soundtrack makes everything feel a little more magical. And with so many streaming platforms offering their own spin on seasonal songs—Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon Music, and more—the options are endless.

Some playlists lean into timeless classics, while others highlight modern Christmas pop hits. Want a little bit of both? Plenty of playlists even blend Christmas songs from every era so you never have to skip a track. To make your search a little easier, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas playlists that listeners return to year after year—the ones with millions of streams, endless replay value, and songs that appeal to every age group. From nostalgic favorites to modern hits and the unmistakable harmonies of Pentatonix, these playlists deliver the holiday spirit in every style.

Top 100 Christmas Songs of All Time on YouTube

If you want a holiday playlist that covers everything from vintage crooners to modern pop hits, YouTube’s Top 100 Christmas Songs of All Time is the marathon you’re looking for. From “White Christmas” to “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “Last Christmas,” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” it hits every era. and the best part is you can actually watch the music videos while you listen! It’s the perfect companion for decorating, baking, or wrapping gifts. And since it’s on YouTube, anyone can listen—no subscription needed.

Christmas Classics on Spotify

When only the true classics will do, this Christmas Classics playlist from Spotify delivers all the nostalgic hits you’ve been craving. You’ll hear legends like Nat King Cole, Brenda Lee, Bing Crosby, Burl Ives, and more, for a warm and familiar holiday soundtrack that’s perfect for kids from 1 to 92. With millions of followers, it’s one of Spotify’s most-played playlists all season long, which makes it great for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or anyone who wants a good old-fashioned Christmas with zero skips.

Essential Christmas on Apple Music

If you want a playlist that gets everyone in the holiday spirit (and keeps them there!) this is the one. Essential Christmas blends old favorites with newer holiday staples, creating a one-stop soundtrack for everything from trimming the tree to hosting a cookie-decorating party. With hits like “Underneath the Tree,” “Santa Tell Me,” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” it’s an upbeat, familiar mix you can play on repeat without overwhelming the room.

Greatest Christmas Songs on Amazon Music

With nearly five hours of back-to-back classics, Amazon Music’s Greatest Christmas Songs playlist is a soundtrack for the entire season. It’s simple, familiar, and guaranteed to make any house feel a little more festive. This one is especially convenient if you’ve got Alexa devices, since you can literally just say “play” and the holiday vibes immediately kick in. Just be warned—you might end up asking Alexa to play it every merry day of December!

Pentatonix Christmas Songs on Apple Music

Looking for the best of the best when it comes to a holiday Pentatonix playlist? The group’s pristine vocal harmonies and fresh arrangements of Christmas classics make this Pentatonix Christmas Songs playlist on Apple Music the one to beat. It spans 76 songs over almost four hours and captures the group’s signature a cappella style and modern holiday spirit. It’s perfect for anyone who wants something festive and familiar that still feels totally unique.

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Looking for ways to take the stress out of holiday season hosting? Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner party or a full house of family and friends, having one of the best wine fridges can make entertaining a little more stylish—and a whole lot smoother. From crisp whites to bold reds, the right wine fridge keeps every bottle at the ideal temperature for a perfect pour every time.

Adding a wine fridge to your home bar or kitchen may seem like a luxury, but once you have one, you’ll wonder how you ever survived hosting season without it. Today’s models are designed to blend right in with your decor, with quiet cooling, soft lighting, and flexible storage for all your favorite bottles (plus the ones you’re saving for special occasions). So as you start planning your holiday gatherings this year, consider upgrading your setup with a wine fridge that looks just as good as the bottles inside. Cheers to effortless entertaining this season!

01

Ivation 18-Bottle Compressor Freestanding Wine Cooler with Wi-Fi Smart App Control

Amazon

$279.99

Take control of your wine collection right from your phone with this 18-bottle smart wine fridge. The companion app lets you check and change the temperature anywhere, while the compressor cooling system keeps your bottles at a consistent temperature within the 41°F to 64°F range. A tinted glass door, soft LED lighting, and removable racks protect and display your bottles in style. Users love how seamlessly this smart fridge connects to their phones. As one reviewer puts it, “Temperature control is exact. Wi-Fi monitoring (with alarm) and temp control is great. The app also lets you scan labels and pair them with shelf locations, letting you see your inventory on your phone.”

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02

Wine Enthusiast 18-Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler

Williams Sonoma

$389.95

This stylish 18-bottle cooler does more than just store your wine—it lets you show it off! With space for up to 18 standard bottles and an electronic touch-control temperature range of 41°F to 64°F, it’s versatile enough for reds, whites, dessert, and sparkling wines. The angled bottom rack puts your favorite bottles on display, while five adjustable chrome shelves make organizing easy. An upgraded compressor offers quiet, reliable cooling that lasts twice as long as standard models, and interior LED lighting with a tempered glass door makes it easy to view your collection at a glance.

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03

BODEGA Wine Cooler

Amazon

$1599.99

With space for up to 154 bottles, this fridge makes organizing even the biggest wine collections super simple. Its advanced compressor cooling system maintains a steady 40°F to 65°F temperature range for precise control, ensuring your wines stay at their best. Customize your storage with 14 removable wooden shelves and show off your collection in style with LED lighting and a sleek stainless steel door. The versatile design works just as well built-in or freestanding, making it a smart pick for serious collectors. Users say this fridge delivers on both looks and reliability. One shares, “The digital temperature control is super easy to use, and I love that it has a temperature memory function, so it remembers the last setting even after a power outage. The double-layer glass door not only looks great but also helps maintain the right temperature inside.”

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04

Ivation Wine Refrigerator

Amazon

$199.99

Looking for a wine fridge that’s simple, stylish, and easy to use? This model keeps reds, whites, and sparkling wines perfectly chilled with a reliable compressor cooling system and a 41°F to 64°F temperature range. It holds up to 12 bottles on six removable racks and has a built-in fan to keep the temperature steady. A UV-resistant glass door, soft LED lighting, and touch controls make it easy to see, adjust, and show off your collection anywhere in your home. Users love how sleek and whisper-quiet this fridge is. As one reviewer puts it, “This tidy refrigerator is also essentially silent, has an on-off subdued interior light for viewing your wines without opening the door, and has a practical lock to safeguard your wines.”

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05

Winado Freestanding 12-Bottle Wine Refrigerator

Wayfair

$227.99

Designed for tight spaces, this 12-bottle wine fridge is perfect for small collections or everyday sipping. The adjustable 41°F to 64°F temperature range keeps reds and whites at their best, while the quiet compressor cooling system protects against outside heat for long-term storage. An easy digital touchscreen and soft LED lighting make it simple to set and see your temperature for perfectly chilled pours every time. One happy customer shares, “I was excited to find one narrow enough to fit the space. Keeping 12 bottles chilled will save room in our refrigerator and our dry storage. Easy to use control panel and I like the locking feature for the controls so you don’t accidentally change the setting.”

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06

Antarctic Star Wine Cooler

Amazon

$144.99

Keep your wine cool and organized with this 26-bottle fridge featuring a 40°F to 61°F temperature range and adjustable controls for custom storage. The reinforced glass door seals in humidity and helps maintain ideal aging conditions, while soft blue LED lighting beautifully showcases your bottles without harming them. Quiet and vibration-free, this freestanding 3.2-cubic-foot cooler also includes removable shelves and leveling legs for easy setup. This model gets high marks from reviewers, with one sharing, “I am very pleased with this beverage cooler as it runs very quietly (a key feature given that we have friends and family gather at the wet bar and there is almost no noise from this unit), and holds a good assortment of cans and bottles (including beer and larger-than-usual wine and sangria bottles).”

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07

Velieta Wine Refrigerator

Amazon

$1299.99

Unserious collectors need not apply. With space for up to 179 bottles, this wine fridge offers generous storage for all of your favorite vintages and then some. The advanced compressor cooling and adjustable 40°F to 65°F range suit every wine type, while quiet, low-vibration operation protects your bottles. A double-glazed glass door, soft blue LED lighting, a safety lock, and removable wooden shelves make it both stylish and functional. One seasoned wine collector couldn’t say enough good things about this model, sharing, “It fits surprisingly large bottles—like Pinot Noir, Syrah, and even Champagne—without removing racks, and the smart design includes spaces for magnums. The shelves glide smoothly, the temperature stays consistent, and customer service was responsive and generous when I had a minor issue. I liked it so much, I bought two.”

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08

Antarctic Star Wine Fridge

Amazon

$414.99

Need a wine fridge that fits seamlessly into your kitchen setup? This 15-inch model holds up to 28 bottles and works well as a freestanding or built-in unit. Dual temperature zones (41°F to 54°F upper, 54°F to 68°F lower) let you store reds and whites at their ideal temps, while the quiet, low-vibration compressor and air circulation system ensure steady cooling. With wood shelves, blue LED lighting, and a space-saving 22.7 x 14.9 x 34.2-inch design, it’s the kind of fridge that looks just as good as the bottles inside. One reviewer particularly appreciates the smart, space-saving design and easy setup: “The door hinges on this unit are pivoted such that the unit can be pushed flush with the cabinets without obstructing the hinges. The old one I had needed the unit to protrude out a bit. The only assembly was to put the door handle on. The racks are on slide-out mechanisms and not just on a ledge, making them smoother operating.”

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09

Kalamera Freestanding Wine Cooler

Amazon

$615.99

A bottle of red, a bottle of white—it all depends on your appetite. Either way, you’ll enjoy perfectly chilled wines with this dual-zone fridge featuring a 46-bottle capacity and FSC-certified wood shelves that reduce vibration and protect your bottles. The upper zone ranges from 40°F to 50°F and the lower from 50°F to 66°F, giving you the ideal temperature for every pour. With a temperature memory function, soft LED lighting, and a stainless steel finish, it’s a reliable, eco-friendly pick that looks great built-in or freestanding. Reviewers say this fridge is simple to use and thoughtfully designed. One shares, “The unit is very quiet. Like the space proportion for the bottles—racks are easy to pull out. Dual temp is reasonably accurate.”

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10

Koolatron 6 Bottle Wine Cooler

Amazon

$96.98

Short on space? This 6-bottle fridge is compact, reliable, and easy to love, with a freestanding design that fits anywhere, from kitchens to offices. Quiet, vibration-free cooling keeps a steady 46°F to 66°F range, while a mirrored glass door protects your bottles from UV rays. There are also simple touch-screen controls that let you adjust the temperature without even opening the door. Even casual wine drinkers say this fridge makes a noticeable difference in how their bottles age. One reviewer shares, “Awesome little fridge. I do not drink wine often, but I tend to buy bottles and keep them for several months or even years. Having them in a controlled environment is a must, and this fridge has done exactly that. It keeps the temperature steady, and I have noticed that the wines I stored have maintained their body and taste over time.”

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Holiday season hosting can feel overwhelming. Between planning the menu, getting the house ready, and figuring out how to set a holiday dinner table that feels festive rather than fussy, you’ve certainly got your hands full! But the good news is, you don’t need a picture-perfect spread to wow your guests. The key to making the most of your holiday gathering is to focus on what matters most: a cozy atmosphere, good food, and a few simple festive decorations to pull it all together.

Whether you’re hosting a big family celebration or a small dinner party for friends, a few smart shortcuts and intentional touches go a long way. Think family-style dishes that make serving a cinch, a holiday dinner table set with pieces you already love, and just a sprinkle of sparkle or greenery as a nod to the spirit of the season. With these easy holiday season hosting ideas, entertaining this year will feel a little less stressful—and a whole lot more joyful.

The bathroom is one of the most-used spaces during any gathering—yet we often think of it last. Make guests feel welcome by setting out a small basket with essentials like tissues, hand lotion, extra toilet paper, breath mints, and a stain remover pen. Not only does this keep guests comfortable, but it also saves you from having to run around refilling things mid-party. You can even make the space feel festive and cozy with a seasonal candle or holiday-themed hand towel. They’re small details, but ones that guests will always notice.

When guests arrive, you don’t want to have to scramble to find hangers or places to stash jackets. Setting up a designated area for people to drop their coats and other belongings will help guests feel welcome and ensure you’re not dealing with a giant pile of coats on the bed. (Just think how much smoother the end of the night will be!) A coat rack for jackets, a basket for scarves and hats, and a simple bench for shoes is really all you need to keep things feeling tidy and thoughtful.

If there’s one thing you can do to save yourself from stress while your guests are arriving, it’s prepping your holiday food beforehand. Any dishes that can be made a couple days in advance, like casseroles, stews, gravies, pies, and more, will help cut down on cooking time day-of. That way, you can just pop them into the oven before guests come over and focus more on the holiday party you’re hosting.

The perfect party deserves the perfect playlist! Collect your favorite holiday songs or classics and create a Spotify or Apple Music playlist. (Drew and Jonathan shared some of their favorite holiday songs here!) Start the playlist right when you wake up that morning to boost your mood—your guests will be rockin’ around the Christmas tree all night, and it’ll set the tone for a fun and festive evening as soon as they arrive.

Are party favors necessary? Not always. But do they make the holiday party so much cuter for guests? Absolutely. Go with a themed candy, some fun and functional piece with a holiday motif, or even gift your guests with an adorable ornament keepsake. Adding in a festive party favor is a sweet way of saying thank you to your guests, and makes everyone feel special.

While it can be tempting to hold onto the items you have tucked away in your closet for just the right occasion, odds are, if you aren’t using them now, you probably won’t use them anytime soon. The fewer random knickknacks and unfinished projects you have to juggle, the easier it will be to actually clean and organize the rest of your space. Be it adding in some underbed storage or finally tackling the kitchen cabinets, getting the clutter out of sight will help keep your space looking clean for guests.

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When you’re switching between your normal and seasonal decor, take advantage of the transition time to vacuum, dust, and wipe down every surface. This is probably the barest your house has been in a while, so it will be easier to reach all the nooks and corners where mess likes to build up. A good quality vacuum or vacuum mop can take your home from clean to sparkling real quick.

No matter what type of get-togethers you have planned this season, every guest is going to have to pass through your entryway. So if your time is limited, deck the halls of your doorway so they feel the seasonal joy right away. This can be as simple as adding a festive wreath to the front door or placing a holiday doormat at the foot of the doorway. That little touch of holiday spirit goes a long way, and sets the tone for the rest of the evening.

The more mouths you have to feed, the more important it is to make sure that any drinks and refreshments are easily accessible. If you don’t want to play bartender the entire night, then a well-organized bar cart can allow guests to serve themselves. Similarly, strategically placing serving trays around a space can keep crowds from clustering around just one or two spots.

Seating is another issue that can come back to bite you if you’re not prepared. While most guests will appreciate simply having a place to rest their feet, you can really make them feel comfortable by arranging different clusters of seats to suit their needs. Let those looking to keep the party going lounge in the room with the music and set up space near the fire for those having quiet conversations.

If any of your visitors are staying overnight, then don’t forget to prep your guest room for the holiday season. On top of having clean sheets and a comfy spot to rest their head, we have a few extra tips on how to make them feel as if they have a home away from home. A few simple luxuries will make for a more peaceful stay, and the extra thoughtful touches are an easy way to show your hospitality.

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Thanksgiving Day is officially on the horizon. Before you know it, we’ll be sitting down at Friendsgivings and big dinners with family to celebrate the holiday. If you’re thinking up ways to make your feast feel extra special this year, consider sending out Thanksgiving dinner invitations to all your guests. They don’t have to be extravagant or expensive. In fact, that’s why we made these free printable Thanksgiving dinner invitations!

We love going the extra mile when it comes to hosting loved ones. And trust us: It really is the thought that counts. Every little detail adds another touch that will make the dinner one to remember—beautiful table decorations, a sweet Thanksgiving tablecloth, some special platters, and more. So this year, express your gratitude (and show off your hosting skills) by sending out invites to your loved ones. All it takes is a few steps to get your cards prepared:

1. Click the link to download the invitation you like best.
2. Either print at home using paper or card stock (make sure the thickness works for your printer), or send the file a local printer like Staples or FedEx Office to get printed on quality paper suitable for invitations.
3. Cut the invites out (if you print at a store, you can also ask the experts to cut them to size).
4. Fill out the details by hand, like the date and time of your party, your address, and any other details to note.
5. Send out your invites!

One last note! We recommend picking up a set of 5×7 envelopes, or you can use standard envelopes and fold the invites as needed. Standard stamps should work fine as long as the envelope isn’t too heavy, but it’s always a good idea to check with your local post office if you’re unsure.

01

Pumpkins and Gingham Thanksgiving Invitations

Gingham is such a timeless fall print, and we love the way it looks here highlighting a single pumpkin motif.

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02

Friendsgiving Potluck Invitations

This invitation features a bountiful cornucopia (a classic symbol of the season) with pumpkins, gourds, and acorns. It offers a playful touch to your Friendsgiving dinner celebration.

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03

Simple Thanksgiving Invitations With Pumpkins

Sometimes, simple is the way to go! An orange wavy border complements the outlined pumpkin here nicely.

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04

“It’s Giving Friends” Friendsgiving Invitations

For a cheeky touch, go with this Friendsgiving design that features the perfect phrase for the celebration: “It’s giving friends,” alongside a sweet piece of pumpkin pie.

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05

Hand-Drawn Thanksgiving Invitations

These hand-drawn illustrations express all the most iconic Thanksgiving themes onto one cute card.

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06

Modern Thanksgiving Invitations

Sleek and modern, this one features a classic Thanksgiving dinner spread, complete with turkey, pie, stuffing, and even place settings.

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07

Cute Thanksgiving Invitations With Bows

Tie your invitation into your Thanksgiving design by wrapping guests’ napkins in a bow like the ones seen here. You could even go the extra mile and match their napkins to the orange color on the invitation.

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08

Pretty Thanksgiving Invitations

This is the perfect neutral invitation for the host who loves to keep her dinner parties’ color schemes light and airy. It features a simple vine with fall leaves to call back to the season.

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Free Thanksgiving Coloring Pages to Entertain Your Little Turkeys

They’re as cute as pumpkin pie!

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The post 8 Free Printable Thanksgiving Dinner Invitations Guests Will Love to Receive appeared first on Drew & Jonathan.

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Whether you’re hosting the big event or simply attending, Thanksgiving dinner is a holiday that carries a pretty long checklist. From curating the perfect menu, to cleaning the house, getting everyone in a cute outfit, and figuring out all the day-of plans, your hands can get full—and fast! Another task you shouldn’t skip? Finding out how to keep the little ones entertained all night. For a last-minute idea that never fails, look to these free printable Thanksgiving coloring pages designed by our team.

These cute Thanksgiving-themed coloring pages celebrate all the best parts of the day. Choose between patterned pumpkins, adorable turkeys, falling leaves, fresh-baked pie, and many more. Plus, since they’re free, you can print off as many as you want! Have them ready on the kitchen table while you’re prepping the meal, or place the pages around a bundle of crayons at the kids’ table after dinner. They’ll be so excited to bring their little creations to life. Simply download the pages by clicking the button below each image (or download all of them at once right here), and print right at home. And don’t forget to tag us @DrewandJonathan so we can see their finished masterpieces!

01

Pumpkins and Acorns

Filled with classic fall season motifs, this coloring page is a good pick for little ones who like patterns better than full scenes. They can even fill in the background with drawings of their own.

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02

Football Field

Thanksgiving is pretty much synonymous with a day of football. If you have little sports lovers running around, then they’ll be happy to find this coloring page waiting for them on the coffee table. Color the football field in their favorite team combos.

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03

Slice of Pie

This one might make their mouths water! They can customize this scrumptious illustration of a fresh pie to their favorite flavor, drawing on whatever toppings they like. Maybe they’ll even enjoy a slice while they’re coloring—just don’t forget the vanilla ice cream!

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04

Apple Bushel Basket

Already picked your apples and baked your homemade apple pies? Perfect! Now it’s time to color in a bushel basket of all your favorites, from Granny Smith to Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, and more.

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05

Fall Foods Display

Bring their favorite harvest festival foods to life with a full spread of pumpkins, corncobs, grapes, and more to decorate in whatever colors they like. Lots of these foods can even be found on the Thanksgiving table!

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06

Football Helmet

Hut, hut, hike! If you’ve got a little football lover running around, then you know how much they’ll enjoy this adorable sports coloring page. They can even draw in their favorite team’s logo on the side of the helmet.

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07

Thanksgiving Turkey

Gobble gobble! This Thanksgiving coloring sheet offers fun for all ages, as little kids will delight over the turkey design while older ones will enjoy filling in all the different lines and patterns. Bonus points if you also give your turkey a name.

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08

Patterned Pumpkin

It’s not your average pumpkin! Each section has plenty of options to get creative: They could use different shades of orange on every pattern; they could try a rainbow palette; or they could scribble all over it with their favorite colors instead. By all means, it’s their masterpiece!

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09

Fall Leaves

They’ll “fall” for this leaf-patterned printable. You could even have them go on a scavenger hunt for real leaves before dinner and then encourage them to use their findings as inspiration for the colors they use on the sheet. (Or even glue a few onto it—why not!?)

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10

Plenty of Pumpkins

Pumpkins galore means even more chances to put their personal stamp on the page. And then when they’re done, they can treat themselves to the real thing in the form of pumpkin pie.

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11

Gourds In a Field

Keep it simple with this gourd-eous coloring sheet. They can fill in the sky and grass, as well as the gourds for a pretty outdoor fall scene.

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12

Pumpkins and Gourds

Pumpkins everywhere! This would look so adorable if filled in with greens, yellows, and oranges. But the pumpkins are also big enough where they could add in their own patterns, like stripes or polka dots, too.

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13

Download All of Our Free Thanksgiving Coloring Pages

If you know you want one of each, then you can download our entire printable Thanksgiving coloring pages bundle here. Happy Thanksgiving!

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Thanksgiving Tablecloths That Set the Tone for a Festive Feast

Your beautiful meal needs a beautiful backdrop.

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The post 12 Free Printable Thanksgiving Coloring Pages to Keep the Kids Entertained appeared first on Drew & Jonathan.