This year (and let’s face it, possibly a good chunk of next year too) may look a little different for hosting and entertaining than what we’re used to. Instead of hosting large gatherings with 50+ people present, we may need to look to host more intimate events with only a few people during the autumn and winter seasons.
I’m forever an optimist (you kind of have to be as an extrovert living during a pandemic). I see this as an opportunity to spend more focused, quality time with friends and family. Even if there’s a possibility we will be wearing masks, or that we will be outside.
I love hosting people. Particularly in autumn and winter. That’s when my little hosting goblin in my brain wakes up from her spring/summer/sneezing and allergy hibernation and starts planning. And since it’s officially fall in Georgia and she has finally graced us with her presence, I decided to make a quick list of 12 of my must-haves for entertaining and hosting this season. I hope it brings you some inspiration for how you can enjoy the holiday season with friends and family even though it may look a little different.
12 MUST-HAVES FOR HOSTING AND ENTERTAINING
Hand Soap (Non-toxic, that is!)
This first one is a bit on the nose and obvious. I feel like COVID has made us way more conscious of hand washing and keeping surfaces clean. However, if you follow my other posts, you know that I don’t like using toxic chemicals for cleaning (I was getting the WORST headaches, and I realized it wasn’t healthy — or responsible of me — to have toxic chemicals around our family and pets) What I love about this brand is that it was founded on plant-based, non-toxic and eco-friendly formulas — they sell refillable packages for their soap so you aren’t buying new packaging every single time. Check out their soaps and other natural products here.
Diffuser
I’m a HUGE fan of candles, but the majority of candles release acetone, benzene, and toluene – all known carcinogens and bad for the environment– into the air. So as I continue to do my own research into safe and clean candles to burn, I’ve turned to my diffuser. I will say the great thing about diffusing essential oils is that it doesn’t make the air feel “heavy,” and you can clean the air while making it smell great in your house. You do need to be careful when purchasing essential oils to ensure you’re purchasing pure essential oils. Doterra is amazing, but really pricey, so I typically recommend Art Naturals. Check out their diffuser and 8 oil starter kit here.
Fondue Pot
I raved about our obsession with this fondue pot in this post a while back, and it’s still our favorite thing to pull out when we are hosting a couple of friends. Fondue pots are best for when you have 3-6 people, and they’re especially great if anyone in the group isn’t very familiar with everyone else because it gives you something to do while you talk. Check it out here.
Charcuterie Board
A foolproof appetizer (or entire meal, we don’t judge here) and a huge crowd pleaser in our house definitely would be a charcuterie board. You can personalize a charcuterie board to any event — use meat, cheese, fruit, jam, whatever you like. I think my favorite charcuterie board was a pancake / waffle board for a girls’ brunch that a friend of mine planned. Check out this one here.
Snack Bowls
Whenever we host game nights, snacks are never further than arm’s reach. If you’re searching for some amazing snacks for fall/winter, I’d recommend checking out the British Corner Shop for some UK treats, or munching on Sugar Plum’s Maple & Bourbon Pecans or Paleonola’s granola clusters.
Check it out the perfect combo bowls here.
Dutch Oven
When we are hosting company for dinner, I love to make meals that hug you. In autumn/winter, some of my favorite things to cook are stews, soups and chili. I would highly recommend investing in a dutch oven if you don’t have one yet. A good dutch oven is an investment piece, but it will last for decades. Check out this one by Le Creuset here.
Hotel Chocolat Velvitiser
This may be the most brilliant non-essential, but absolutely necessary kitchen accessory. Once you try this hot chocolate maker will never want to use anything else for the rest of your life. It froths, heats and stirs hot chocolate to absolute perfection — like when you pay 10 bucks at a fancy event and it’s the most delicious barista-made drink ever. (Except this one is the perfect temperature right away)
Check it out (and grab $10 off) here.
Smelly Proof Bags
If you’re cooking for family or friends, you need these in your life. Typically I guess you would use Smelly Proof bags for storing leftovers or particularly smelly produce, but I’m obsessed with using them for marinating. The best part is that your fridge/freezer don’t stink every time you need to open it — so if you’re making my camembert fondue bread bowl recipe, you could store the cheese in one of these until you’re ready to cook! Check it out here.
iRobot Roomba
Our Roomba has earned its keep in our household. We don’t use a Roomba in place of regular vacuuming, but rather to extend the time in between sessions and to do spot cleaning for us. I think the best part is being able to cook in the kitchen and tell Alexa to tell the Roomba to start cleaning — it’s one less thing on your list of what to accomplish before company arrives. Check it out here.
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Fire Pit
Fire pits just bring people together. They’re just so cozy, especially with a few blankets and some comfy chairs! It’s such a great addition to the backyard whether you host gatherings with adults only or for families (I mean, who doesn’t love s’mores??). I love classic but unique looking fire pits, so I’m pretty crazy about this one. Check it out (and some other great options) here.
Outdoor Lights
Speaking of outdoor hosting and entertaining, if you want your backyard or porch to become the ultimate cozy spot to host your next gathering (social distanced and all), you definitely should grab some of these outdoor Edison lights. Check it my favorite ones here.
Bathrobe
If you ever have any overnight guests, a comfy robe hanging on the back of the door like this bamboo waffle one is such a nice and thoughtful touch. My goal when people come to stay with us is that it feels like a home away from home for them, so I’m always looking for ways I can make someone feel more welcome. (Pretty sure that’s the extrovert in me always wanting to hang out with people) Check out this waffle robe here.
