The holidays can be hectic, but entertaining family and friends at home should be about celebrating not fretting. Our top hosting tips and tricks will keep your guests happy and your mood merry.

Choose invitations...

Choose invitations that reflect your holiday decorating and the theme of the party, like a snowflake motif for a winter wonderland theme or pinecones for a woodland holiday. Include the time and date of the event, as well as whether you will be serving cocktails and canapés, a sit-down dinner or a buffet. Add an RSVP date, your contact info and instructions for parking, or getting an UBER or local taxi.

Ensure you have enough...

Ensure you have enough food and drink (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for everyone. Rather than mixing drinks for each guest, make life easy by serving a pitcher of a pre-mixed holiday cocktail and another of a seasonal mocktail.

As the host...

As the host, make sure to mingle, taking time to introduce guests to each other so that everyone feels welcome.

Plan your meal...

Plan your meal so that you spend most of the time with your guests, not in the kitchen. Serve dishes that you can make ahead of time or that require little prep.

Photography: Drew Hadley

Before guests arrive...

Before guests arrive, put out platters of hors d’œuvres that don’t have to be served hot; then sneak away periodically to warm hot hors d’oeuvres once the party has livened up.

If the party includes...

If the party includes many young children, serve them dinner earlier and then put a movie on for them during adult mealtime. If it’s a family-style gathering, eat together, eat earlier, and relax your expectations for a quiet, uninterrupted meal. Just enjoy!

If you are holding a large...

If you are holding a large, formal sit-down dinner, consider assigned seating, ensuring the hosts are at opposite ends of the table to facilitate both serving and conversation among guests. These days, most dinner parties are more relaxed, with friends and family casually gathering to share good talk and good cheer.

Don't tackle the dishes...

Don’t tackle the dishes until your guests are gone (unless they’re family or close friends).

If exchanging presents...

If exchanging presents, unwrap each one in the presence of the gift giver.

Hosts are responsible for...

Hosts are responsible for their guests: Don’t let anyone drive if they’ve had too much to drink. Offer them a place to sleep or organize a lift or car service.

Photography: Drew Hadley

For overnight guests...

Welcoming overnight guests of all ages is easy with a little planning ahead. For your youngest guests, keep a few toys tucked away in a nearby drawer — kids will appreciate it. Store any fragile items in a safe location and declutter your communal spaces. If your guests are older, it’s polite to offer them the room closest to the bathroom and as far away as possible from the home’s noisier areas.

Avoid slippery rugs and toys lying around the floor. Make your guests feel more at home by making space in your closets and dresser drawers. Provide tissues, a pitcher of water, as well as extra blankets and pillows in an accessible place. You can also slip a chair into the room to make dressing easier, especially if you’re hosting someone with limited mobility.

Layout fresh, clean towels and brand-new soap on the bed to welcome your guests.