5 Ways To Host Big in Simple (And Small) Ways This Season

This post is sponsored by Samsung

It’s officially November, and I know that many homes are buzzing about, figuring out who’s on the pies, how to glaze the ham, what flower arrangements are in season — and of course, what to wear.

In my home, things are a bit different, and throughout the years on this blog, I’ve talked about this. It feels as though because we’ve moved into a larger apartment, there are also larger expectations that come with holiday hosting: Host more people, get a larger turkey, start prepping three days before! The list goes on. My personal focus is on the whole experience. I want to — and need to — feel good with those I love. That means I slow down my process, heading to the farmers’ market for eucalyptus, selecting the music (which means, of course, setting the mood) and allowing myself to feel the sweetness and fullness I get when my family gathers around and laughs with me until tears erupt from our eyes.

It is what I most need right now. And I have a feeling that they may need it, too — to gather in simple peace.

Today I’m excited to show you five simple and enjoyable ways I prepare for my job as host, in partnership with Samsung. Let’s get ready to get together.

1.Head to your local farmers’ market. Try your best to skip the big-box stores. My hosting days are enjoyable when I am buying some of my goods from our local farmers’ market. Instead of ordering or going to a chain location, I’m trying hard to source from the people in my backyard. I find that this is not only smart (less extra food equals less wasting), but more enjoyable. All in all, it is a treat. The kids take bites of the apple samples, and I’m able to buy fresh eucalyptus to fill my vases. Everyone wins. (But the fresh kale, honestly, cannot be matched.)

2. Work with what you’ve got…to make it functional. Instead of adding another table, I was able to put in the table extension. In the past, kids have sat on floors with raw paper to eat and color on, and the couch has worked, too.

 3. In need of a table runner? Don’t buy one. You can turn your eucalyptus into a table runner in under 10 minutes. I start with the longer pieces, then make my way down the sides of the table. The flower runner gets thick in the center and thins as it spreads once it reaches the end of the table. I use the thin (and more flexible) branches of eucalyptus to wrap some of the larger branches together. In between the ties and knots, I add other dry flowers for color. I am really drawn to lavender and orange, naturally, but there are always so many options.

I grew up with my mother having eucalyptus in the house all season long, but around the holidays, it was always a bit more fragrant. This brings back memories, and also serves beyond its purpose: When festivities are done, you can break the eucalyptus apart and make little bouquets for guests. Or you can keep it for yourself, and have the scent floating in your home for the next few months. To be honest, I like the latter…;)

4. Skip the pies. Or not. But don’t stress about them either. You are not Martha Stewart, and a great host can remain a great host, without the unnecessary heat. You’ll be surprised how many homemade pies are ready to purchase, and can surely be devoured. This may not be the most popular option, but I am also a fan of certain frozen pies. I purchase them in advance and can tuck them away in my Family Hub Refrigerator.

5. Pause. Pause. Know when to sit. Know when to laugh. Know when to sip your wine. Know when to tend to the children and when to not. Know when to allow friends and family to clean up and load the dishwasher. (Game changer: I just got the Top Control Dishwasher With FlexTray, and we all think its the quietest and most enjoyable home toy. AKA they may thank you at the end of the night.)

Any tips of your own? I’d love to hear!

(This post is sponsored by Samsung. Thank you for supporting those that help support us. All tips are my own.)