Last year, we had a blast rounding up 18 clever hosting hacks for the holidays. This year, we’re back with a fresh roundup of smart holiday hacks for making the coming days even more memorable (or just a little easier on you!). From wrapping techniques to cheese presentation ideas, you’ll wish you’d thought of these tricks sooner.
Centerpiece Helper
Turns out, pool noodles make a fabulous base for a customized centerpiece, demonstrated here by @thatorganizedhome. Cut the noodles to the appropriate size for your table, zip tie (or tape) them together, and you’ve got a sturdy starting point for sliding in candle holders (or mini cake stands, or vases). From there, you can stick fresh or faux greenery right into the foam for a custom arrangement.
You could also use a single noodle as a base if you have a narrow table or if you’re not planning to use any candles — just be sure to secure it to the table so it doesn’t shift. Store the whole thing for your next occasion, or remove your greenery and reuse the pool noodles for your next custom creation!
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Centerpiece Helper, Simplified
If you don’t have time to create an elaborate centerpiece, lean on this method from @myhousedecors! She uses a cardboard paper towel roll holder to create a hollow center in a vase, allowing her to surround it with ornaments (or whatever decorative elements you have on hand). Once your vessel is full, it’s easy to slide your greenery and florals into the cardboard tube in the center.
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Gift Card Presentation
Courtesy of @deck.your.decor, this hack will make giving (and receiving) gift cards a whole lot more fun. Find a shadow box photo frame — or any frame with a bit of extra space — and tape your gift card facing outwards. Then, layer in candies or other treats to create a colorful (and delicious) backdrop for the gift card.
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Make-Ahead Whipped Cream Hack
Here, @madison_.eats shows us how to create adorable whipped cream characters using silicone baking trays! Simply fill each well with whipped cream, top with your preferred additions, and freeze — they pop out easily for a super festive hot cocoa (or coffee) presentation.
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A Warm Bread Basket, Every Time
America’s Test Kitchen never fails to come through with smart prep and hosting tips, and this one was new to us. To keep your bread basket warm at the table, you need only two pantry staples and a little time in the microwave. Watch and see!
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Wine Wrapping, Solved
Sure, you can stock up on wine gift bags, but if you want to offer an extra-special presentation, here are two fabulous ways to wrap wine bottles courtesy of @tanyahomeinspo. One method calls for fabric, while the other uses tissue paper or standard wrapping paper — and both can be dressed up even further with greenery and bows!
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Double-Duty Wine Gift Wrap
Alternatively, if elaborate wrapping isn’t your thing, consider stocking up on fuzzy socks to gift along with your bottles of wine — the socks can do double duty as gift wrap! This creative idea from @jennifervalentyne is perfect for friends, “White Elephant” gift swaps, and more.
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Waste Not, Want Not!
Do you hate throwing out all of those extra scraps of wrapping paper? Use some of them with this adorable method for creating DIY bows, as demonstrated by @shopmatalan. Use the same paper on your gifts for a sleek monochrome look, or mix and match.
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Eat, Drink, and Brie Merry
Give your cheese board a Christmas-y makeover by turning your brie wheel into a snowflake! Pre-cutting also eliminates the need for your guests to slice their own cheese, which can sometimes put a damper on the presentation. It’s easier than you think — just follow this simple tutorial from @lifesimplified.us.
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Brownie Pops!
This hand-held dessert presentation is great for a variety of occasions. Make your brownies in a circular pan and slice them like a pie. Then, insert a candy cane in each piece and decorate to your heart’s desire! Here, @sashacakeschicago alternates between Christmas-themed frosting designs, but the world is your oyster.
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Slow Cooker Simmer Pot
We know the concept of a simmer pot — also known as “stovetop potpourri” — isn’t new, but we like to keep it top of mind for everything from holiday parties to movie nights with the family. This combination from @fitslowcookerqueen makes use of a slow cooker, so there’s no need to keep the stove on, and it fills the entire house with an intoxicatingly cozy aroma.
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Time-Saving Potato Hack
This one is great all year round, but especially during the holiday hosting season. If you prefer your mashed potatoes without the skins, you can cut WAY down on prep time with this clever method shared by @tenillemoore.
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Feeling inspired yet?!
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For more party hacks, recipes, and decor inspiration, follow StyleBlueprint on Pinterest!
