The year is rattling by, and it seems a little unbelievable to start talking about preparations for Christmas and the New Year. But the festive season will be upon us quickly, and it’s always a good idea to plan as early as possible.
Entertaining family and friends is one of the great pleasures at any time of year, and celebrations always go a little more smoothly with some advanced thinking.
There are many festivities between December and January, from the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah to Bodhi and Mayahana for those who follow Buddhism, the Hindu festival Thai Pongal, the Hispanic Christian celebration of Posadas Navidenas, and the Chinese New Year.
These simple tips help you host your celebrations successfully.
Warm welcome
Take advantage of the warm days and entertain outdoors. Prioritise shady areas for seating and set up your barbeque nearby.
Sunny disposition
We all know the dangers of being exposed to too much sun, so use umbrellas and provide hats and sunscreen for your guests.
Summer vibes
It’s always a little strange to have decorations that replicate the northern hemisphere’s winter snows. So, perhaps choose bright and cheerful decorations and adopt a theme, such as the beach or a cricket match.
Keep it fresh
In keeping with summer, don’t feel obliged to crank up the oven for several hours and heat the house to cook a turkey. Lighter, fresher and cooler options are perfect for hot days. Consider serving seafood, fresh salads and cold platters with cheeses and fruits. Watermelon and mangoes are fantastic for snacking, too.
DIY cocktails
You can create a little fun with your drink offerings by setting up a cocktail station and encouraging your guests to make their own. Work out a few favourites, such as mojitos, and have suggested recipes readily available.
Chill out
Ensure you have enough cold drinks, especially non-alcoholic ones. Iced tea, lemonade, tropical fruit juices and ice-cold water are favourites.
Cool down
Sometimes, the heat can be a little too much, especially for our elderly relatives. So, create an indoor space with fans or air-conditioning so they can cool off inside.