Tips for stress-free Christmas entertaining
At Tas Gas, we understand that time spent with loved ones is precious, so in the lead up to Christmas, here are our top tips for taking the stress off Christmas entertaining.
When it comes to Christmas entertaining, it’s easy to be deterred from offering to host by the thought of chaos - running out of food, finding someone reliable to tend the BBQ, things being ‘just-so’ for finicky family members. However, at Tas Gas, we understand that time spent with loved ones is precious, so in the lead up to Christmas, here are our top tips for taking the stress off Christmas entertaining.
Prep ahead of time
Preparing food, drinks and decorations ahead of time is key to keeping things calm. When planning the menu, include things like fruit and cheese platters or cold entrees and desserts which can be assembled the day before the main event.
Define the outdoor space
If you’re hosting an outdoor Christmas barbecue, we find it’s best to create a clearly defined outdoor space to signal to guests where they should be sitting and mingling. This can also make the space feel more put together and comfortable.
It can be as simple as stringing up Christmas lights above the patio, or setting up extra chairs ahead of time on the deck. Even putting up an umbrella over the table can not only help with sun protection, but clearly define the seating area.
Having an inbuilt gas barbecue with a year-round natural gas supply can be a lifesaver when it comes to hosting big events like Christmas dinner as it not only helps to make the outdoor entertaining area feel more comfortable and established, but ensures that there will be no mad dash to the petrol station for.
Allocate tasks before the day
The last thing anyone wants is to come outside to find the person in charge of tending the barbecue has wandered away, beverage in hand to socialise. By allocating who’s bringing which entrees, mains, and desserts ahead of time, you can rest easy knowing you won’t be short of food.
It can also be useful to allocate clean-up duties ahead of time, dividing up jobs including dishes and kitchen, barbecue, outdoor and living area clean up.
Try setting up a family group chat or GoogleDocs page to keep everyone up to date with plans.
Remember to kick back
It’s important to remember that at the end of the day, celebrating with loved ones is what it’s all about. We can get caught up in the planning and preparation and hosting, but even if things deviate from the plan, at the end of the day, no one will mind so long as they get to spend quality time with their family and friends.
If you’ve got big plans in the pipeline for your home and want to know how Tas Gas can bring warmth, comfort, ease and joy to your home this holiday season, let’s connect!