Marketplace All-in-One Cheers to hosting better parties this holiday season
Nov 22, 2025
Join food writer and cookbook author Casey Elsass as she shares tips for hosting stress-free holiday parties. Learn how to elevate your gatherings without spending a fortune—think co-hosting, crowdsourcing, and simple decor tricks. Casey emphasizes the importance of expectations and community over perfection in meal planning. She also provides insights on being a thoughtful guest and time-saving cleaning strategies. Plus, they tackle fun topics like the pros and cons of canned versus homemade cranberry sauce!
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Set Clear Guest Expectations
- Set clear expectations for guests about what to bring and how the night will run.
- Clear details make guests more comfortable and engaged at your party.
Crowdsource The Menu
- Co-host or crowdsource dishes to cut cost and effort when hosting.
- Ask trusted friends to bring appetizers, sides, or desserts to reduce your workload.
Elevate Ambiance Cheaply
- Use affordable fresh flowers and scattered tea lights to elevate party ambiance.
- Buy from local corner stores or Trader Joe's and mix bouquets yourself for an easy look.
