Make Me Smart Cheers to hosting better parties this holiday season
Nov 22, 2025
Casey Elsass, a food writer and cookbook author known for "What Can I Bring?", joins to share invaluable tips for holiday hosting. She emphasizes the importance of setting expectations for guests to elevate gatherings. To keep food budgets in check, Casey suggests co-hosting and sourcing contributions. Quick decor upgrades include simple floral arrangements and tea lights. Plus, she reveals secrets for being a great guest and how to tackle cleaning anxiety with strategic planning. Gather your friends and create memorable moments this holiday season!
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Set Expectations Beforehand
- Set clear expectations about what guests should bring and how the night will flow.
- Clear instructions make guests more comfortable and engaged, says Casey Elsass.
Crowdsource Food To Cut Costs
- Co-host or crowdsource dishes to cut cost and effort when hosting.
- Ask trusted friends to bring appetizers, sides, or desserts to reduce stress.
Elevate With Simple Decor
- Use inexpensive touches like mixed bodega or Trader Joe's flowers and scattered tea lights to elevate a space.
- Small ambient details create a dressed-up feel without heavy spend or effort.
