The weeks leading up to the holidays can be very busy. Work events, school functions and family get-togethers are often planned in advance, giving you plenty of time to prepare for the event. But sometimes, things come up at the last minute. This may include an invite to an unexpected holiday party or friends or family dropping by without much notice. By keeping a few key items on hand and being prepared with some easy ideas for hosting on short notice, you can enjoy last-minute holiday plans without the stress.
Be a good last-minute host
Plans can change a lot during the holidays due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. With unexpected changes to travel plans or other cancelations, you may find yourself hosting an event without much time to prepare. Food and drink are the most important addition to any holiday event. Keep a selection of coffee, hot chocolate, soda, juices, and your favorite adult drinks on hand. For food, urban areas give you plenty of delivery options and most supermarkets offer party trays that you can order less than a day in advance. Holidays are also a great time for a potluck, so the host doesn’t have to do all the cooking.
Be a gracious guest
If you’re invited to a party with little notice, first ask the host what you can bring or do to help. If you’re spending time with close friends or family, you can offer to help set up before or clean up after the party. Some hosts don’t like to ask others to help, even if they could use the assistance, so bringing an extra dessert, drink or party favor is almost always appreciated. When you’re staying overnight as a guest at someone’s home, offer to make breakfast, pick up groceries or order food for delivery to take some of the pressure off your host.
The holidays are often filled with events, which sometimes creates conflicting schedules. Weather and other unexpected events can cause cancelations and changes. Last-minute get-togethers, whether you’re a host or a guest, come up frequently during the busy holiday season. These last-minute plans can be fun, festive and stress-free if you’re prepared with easy ways to host and ideas to help out when you’re a guest.
