Marketplace All-in-One Cheers to hosting better parties this holiday season (rerun)
Dec 30, 2025
Join Casey Elsass, a food writer and cookbook author, as she shares her expert hosting tips for stress-free holiday gatherings. From setting clear expectations to co-hosting and crowdsourcing dishes, Casey makes entertaining approachable. She emphasizes affordable decor tricks and offers advice on being a thoughtful guest. Discover why many hesitate to host and how community-focused entertaining can ease the pressure. Plus, tune in for a fun round of This or That on cranberry sauce! Get ready to elevate your holiday hosting game!
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Episode notes
Set Expectations Up Front
- Set clear expectations for guests about what to bring and how the night will flow.
- Clear communication helps guests engage and reduces host stress.
Crowdsource The Menu
- Crowdsource food and co-host to cut costs and effort.
- Ask trusted friends to bring appetizers, sides, or desserts so you can focus on fewer tasks.
Elevate With Simple Touches
- Use affordable touches like mixed bodega flowers and scattered tea lights to elevate ambiance.
- Small items create warmth without expensive decor or time-consuming projects.