How to Be the Cheeky Hostess This Thanksgiving
Balance tradition with humor this Thanksgiving and style a table that feels warm, chic, and just cheeky enough to stand out.
Thanksgiving is often the most traditional holiday but tradition doesn’t have to mean stiff. By adding humor and personality, you can create a Thanksgiving that feels memorable without losing warmth.
1. Start with Seasonal Elegance
Think earth tones, candles, and layered linens. A strong base creates sophistication.
2. Add Humor as Relief
Family gatherings can be stressful. A napkin that says “Please Leave by 9” lets everyone laugh at the tension.
3. Focus on Connection
Guests remember how they felt more than how the table looked. Use playful details like wine charms to spark conversation across generations.
4. Give a Parting Gesture
Send guests home with leftovers wrapped in bows or a charm to remember the night.
Conclusion
The cheeky hostess balances tradition with levity. This Thanksgiving, let your table show that you care deeply—but don’t take yourself too seriously.
💡 Shop the Look: Browse Thanksgiving-ready napkins and bows »
Back-to-School Hosting: Easy Dinners That Bring Parents Together
Bring parents together with easy, stylish back-to-school dinners. Hosting doesn’t need to be perfect just authentic and welcoming.
Back-to-school season isn’t just for kids, it also gives parents a chance to reconnect after a busy (did we say busy?!) summer. Hosting a simple dinner party is the perfect way to foster connections, swap stories, and relax before the school year kicks into full gear.
1. Keep the Menu Family-Friendly
When entertaining adults and kids stick with crowd-pleasers: pasta salad, grilled chicken, or tacos. Choose dishes that can be prepped in advance so you spend more time at the table and less in the kitchen.
2. Use the Table as an Icebreaker
Many parents may be meeting for the first time or reconnecting after months apart. Cheeky napkins like “No Politics Please” or “Let’s get dirty!” break the ice and spark easy conversation.
3. Create a Relaxed Atmosphere
Forget being super formal! A playlist, a pitcher of cocktails, and wine charms make the night feel casual and fun.
4. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection
Guests won’t remember if the dessert came from a bakery, but they will remember laughing over a witty napkin or trading wine charms.
Conclusion
Back-to-school dinners don’t need to be elaborate. By focusing on warmth, humor, and connection, you’ll create a gathering that parents look forward to repeating.
Shop the Look: Set the tone with conversation-starting napkins and bows. Explore No Reservations Hosting Accessories »
How to Throw the Best End-of-Summer BBQ in 2025
Celebrate summer’s last warm nights with a stylish BBQ. Here’s how to host the perfect end-of-summer gathering with ease and personality.
August is the season’s grand finale: long evenings, cool breezes, and the perfect excuse for one last backyard BBQ. But the best end-of-summer parties don’t just happen, they're planned with care, personality and a few cheeky details that make them memorable.
1. Keep the Menu Simple but Seasonal
Grill the classics (hot dogs, cheese burgers + chicken) but be sure to add in some seasonal touches like corn on the cob, grilled peaches or a watermelon feta salad with fresh herbs.
2. Set a Festive Yet Relaxed Table
Just because it's a BBQ doesn't mean we need to use paper plates. Layer classic outdoor plates with our “Please leave by 9” (made from a cotton/poly blend that makes them extra durable so even the kids can use them!)
3. Make Drinks Easy and Interactive
We’re big believers that there should always be a welcome cocktail! Keep the drink station stress free by making a premixed batch of your favorite summer cocktail (think Sangria or Aperol Spritz). Set up a self-serve bar where the glasses are already layered with wine charms so guests can keep track of their glasses. Small details like this minimize your stress and make guests smile (plus you wont be running back and forth to the kitchen washing out glasses when after one or two drinks guests can't remember whose aperol spritz is whose!)
4. Add a Playful Detail for Conversation
A bowl of sparklers, red gingham bows, or witty napkins that say “Please Leave by 9” signal you’re hosting with both style and humor.
Conclusion
An end-of-summer BBQ should feel effortless yet memorable. With the right mix of seasonal food, relaxed styling, and playful touches, you’ll send summer out on a high note.
💡 Shop the Look: End the season with personality-packed napkins, bows, and wine charms. Browse BBQ Hosting Essentials »
From Pinterest-Perfect to Personality-Packed: The Hosting Shift
Hosting has shifted from perfection to personality. Here’s how to embrace the change and make your table unforgettable.
The days of replicating Pinterest-perfect tables are fading. Today’s hosts are opting for personality-packed entertaining that reflects their real lives.
1. Why the Shift Happened
Social media made polished tables ubiquitous and honestly quite forgettable. Personality driven hosting stands out because it feels authentic!
2. What Personality-Driven Hosting Looks Like
Napkins that speak in your voice.
Color palettes that match your style, not a trend.
Quirky touches like themed wine charms that get guests talking.
3. How to Embrace This Style
Start with one or two elements that feel “you.” Keep the rest simple. Guests will remember how the night felt more than how symmetrical the centerpieces were.
Conclusion
Hosting is no longer about perfection, it's all about personality. The best tables are the ones that reflect the host behind them!
Shop the Look: Add personality to your table with cheeky, stylish napkins and bows. Shop No Reservations »
The Rise of the Cheeky Hostess (And How to Become One)
Meet the modern hostess: witty, stylish, and confident. Here’s why cheeky entertaining is trending and how you can embrace it.
A new archetype is redefining entertaining: the cheeky hostess. She’s stylish, confident, and not afraid to add humor to her table. Her gatherings feel memorable because they’re infused with her personality and leave guests feeling connected and at ease.
1. What Defines the Cheeky Hostess
She’s the woman who serves champagne with cocktail napkins that say “Oy Vey.” She balances elegance with wit ensuring guests feel both cared for and entertained.
2. Why This Style Resonates
Cheeky hosting fits today’s cultural moment: women want to celebrate joy and set boundaries at the same time - humor helps kill two birds with one stone.
3. How to Become One
Choose one humorous detail (napkins, wine charms).
Keep the rest of the table chic and elevated.
Own your style confidence is the hallmark of cheeky hosting.
Conclusion
The cheeky hostess isn’t just a trend, it's the future of at home entertaining. By combining style with humor, she creates gatherings that people actually remember.
Shop the Look: Start your cheeky hosting collection with our best-selling cocktail napkins. Browse Napkins »
Why Women Are Ditching Perfect Parties for Real Connection
Learn why modern women are moving away from picture-perfect parties and embracing authenticity, humor, and connection in hosting.
For decades entertaining was often measured by perfection: elaborate centerpieces, multi-course meals, and a spotless home. Today, women are taking the reins and rethinking what hosting actually means to them. Instead of perfect parties they’re creating experiences that emphasize connection, humor, and personality (no reservations required).
1. Authenticity Has Replaced Performance
Guests don’t expect a vogue worthy table; they just want to feel at home. Instead of curating tables based on the latest pinterest trend, cheeky hosts are now curating tables that reflect what sparks joy for them.
2. Humor Is Social Glue
Cheeky napkins and playful details lighten the atmosphere. A napkin that reads “Diet Starts Tomorrow ” tells guests it’s okay to laugh, relax and indulge.
3. Connection Outweighs Perfection
The conversations you had at dinner will leave a lasting impression on your guests whereas your centerpiece display may be forgotten the next day. Hosting is shifting toward creating space for bonding rather than impressing.
Conclusion
The move away from perfect parties is liberating. Women are embracing hosting as an extension of themselves - real, witty, and memorable because why should we be anything else?
💡 Shop the Look: Explore napkins and bows that make your table feel personal, not performative. No Reservations Hosting Essentials »
The Easiest Things to Prep in Advance When Hosting a Dinner Party or Holiday
Hosting doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are the easiest things you can prep in advance for a dinner party or holiday so you actually enjoy the night.
Hosting is supposed to be fun but let’s be real, nothing kills the vibe faster than running around in panic mode while guests hover in your kitchen. The secret? Do as much as you can before the first doorbell rings.
Here’s what you can easily prep ahead so you can pour yourself a drink, light the candles, and actually enjoy your own party.
1. The Table
Set it the night before it’s one less thing on your list, and it immediately makes you feel organized and ready!
Lay down tablecloth
Stack plates and polish glassware.
Fold napkins and tie them with velvet napkin bows so they are ready to go!
💡 Pro tip: Our embroidered No Reservations napkins (like the “Please Leave by 9” or Party Archetype set) hold their folds perfectly overnight.
2. Appetizers & Starters
Anything that can sit happily in the fridge is your best friend.
Cheese boards can be wrapped and refrigerated.
Dips like hummus, guac, or whipped feta actually taste better the next day.
Cocktail napkins can be pre-styled on trays so all you do is place the food.
3. Drinks & Bar Setup
No one likes waiting for their drink while you stress over playing bartender.
Premix cocktails (margaritas, sangria, negronis) in pitchers.
Chill wine, sparkling water, and beer the night before.
Prep garnishes lemon wedges, herbs, and cocktail olives (we always like to have a variety!) so guests can serve themselves.
💡 Entertaining hack: Add wine charms to glasses in advance so everyone knows which one is theirs.
4. Desserts
Dessert is where you can really get ahead.
Pies, brownies, crisps, or cakes all keep beautifully overnight.
Store bought desserts feel luxe served on a cake stand with cheeky napkins tucked underneath.
Have guests bring dessert!
5. The Little Details
These take minutes in advance and make you look like a pro:
Music playlist queued.
Guest bathroom stocked with fresh towels + a lit candle + fresh florals
Parting favors (like wrapped cookies, mini honey jars, or wine charms) ready in a basket by the door.
The Takeaway
If it doesn’t need to be hot or fresh, do it ahead. The more you prep before guests arrive, the more you get to sit, sip, and laugh with them. Because the point of hosting isn’t perfection it’s connection.
Shop the Look: Prep once, impress always. Browse No Reservations napkins + bows for a table that looks styled days in advance »
Holiday Hosting Survival Guide for Busy Moms
From prep hacks to cheeky details, here’s how to host the holidays without losing your mind (or your sense of humor).
The holidays are magical and let's be honest…exhausting! Between cooking, cleaning, gift wrapping, and not forgetting to hide that elf on the shelf every night hosting can feel like another full-time job! Here are our tips on surviving (and even enjoying) holiday hosting this year.
1. Prep Early, Breathe Easy
Do as much as you can ahead of time. Chop veggies, grate cheese, chill wine + sparkling water and prep garnishes the day before
2. Delegate Like Santa
Guests love to help and you shouldn't feel guilty letting them! Assign side dishes, wine, or dessert.
3. Create a Table That Does the Talking
A chic table makes guests feel cared for the second they walk in the door. Our embroidered napkins—‘Oy Vey’ for Hanukkah, ‘Please Leave by 9’ for Christmas instantly spark laughter, breaking the ice and taking the pressure off everyone at the table.
4. Keep Humor Handy
Hosting doesn’t have to be picture perfect. Let us help you embrace the chaos with details that wink at it.
Seasonal Table Setting Ideas: Spring Through Winter
From fresh spring florals to cozy winter vibes, here’s how to set a table for every season personality included.
Spring
Florals for spring?! … Groundbreaking. The trick is to make them feel fresh, not cliché. Pair a simple arrangement of tulips or peonies with crisp white napkins, then layer in a pop of dusty rose or light blue embroidered napkins from No Reservations for a subtle seasonal twist.
Summer
Summer tables should feel like a vacation—even if you’re just grilling in the backyard. Think citrus centerpieces (lemons, limes, grapefruits in a big glass bowl) and bright accents.
Fall
Fall is all about cozy textures and earthy tones. Swap flowers for pumpkins, gourds, or seasonal foliage down the center of the table. Napkin bows in deep velvet shades chocolate, burgundy and green feel lush and warm. Add a cheeky touch with napkins that say “I’m still hungry…” to balance the cozy with the playful.
Winter
Winter tables shine when you mix metals and textures. Try mixing gold flatware, glass candlesticks, and shimmering accents with white linens. For humor that cuts through the formality, add No Reservations “Oy Vey” napkins to your holiday table they’re equal parts festive and funny.
💡 Shop the Look: From dusty rose napkins to velvet bows in every shade, No Reservations has seasonal details that carry you from spring through winter. Shop Seasonal Hosting Essentials »
5 Table Styling Tricks That Make Guests Think You’re an Interior Designer
Want your table to look pro? Here are 5 insider tricks to style like a designer without the stress (or budget).
5 Table Styling Tricks That Make Guests Think You’re an Interior Designer
Play With Height
Mix tall taper candles, medium-height vases, and low bowls across the table to create layers of visual interest without blocking conversation. No one wants to duck around flames and florals to see the person sitting across from them!Layer Textures
Combine linen napkins, velvet bows, and metallic accents to keep things interestingStick to a Palette
Choose 2–3 colors max. Classic combo: cream, gold, and one bold pop (we love navy or pink!)Repeat Elements
Consistency is chic if you use bows, repeat them throughout the table.Add Humor
Nothing elevates a “serious” table faster than cheeky napkins with sayings your guests will laugh about.
Why No Reservations Napkins Are the Hostess Gift People Remember
Looking for a hostess gift that never gets re-gifted? Here’s why cheeky No Reservations napkins like our best-selling Martini set are unforgettable.
There are hostess gifts people politely smile at…candles, another bottle of wine, orchids (which, let’s be honest, we can’t even tell you how many we’ve accidentally killed) and then there are the ones they actually use, laugh about, and talk about long after the night is over.
That’s why No Reservations napkins have become the go-to hostess gift: they combine style, wit, and practicality in a way no one forgets.
1. They Spark Conversation
Imagine passing out cocktails on napkins that say “Please Leave by 9” or “Oy Vey.” Guests immediately laugh, share them across the table, and start chatting. They’re instant icebreakers.
2. They’re Practical and Stylish
Unlike flowers that wilt or wine that disappears in a night, napkins get used again and again. Ours are made from 100% durable linen, embroidered with cheeky sayings, and machine washable (they do look better with a starch!) aka the perfect mix of chic and functional.
3. The Best-Selling Martini Set
Our $40 Martini Cocktail Napkin Set is the gift customers can’t stop talking about. Featuring:
Scattered Olives
Martini Icon
Olive Another
Extra Dirty
It’s witty, timeless, and designed for hosts who love a good cocktail (and a good laugh).
4. They’re Social Media Gold
People don’t just use our napkins…they post them. A clever phrase paired with a glass of wine or a styled tablescape is Instagram catnip, making your gift the one that gets tagged, shared, and remembered time and time again.
5. They Feel Thoughtful…Not Generic
When you give a set of napkins with personality, it shows you put thought into the gift. It says: “I know you love hosting, and I wanted you to have something fun and stylish that feels like you.”
The Takeaway
The best hostess gifts aren’t the most expensive, they're the most memorable. No Reservations napkins strike the perfect balance: chic enough to impress, witty enough to spark conversation, and practical enough to get used long after the party ends.
💡 Shop the Look: Make your next gift the one they never forget. Shop No Reservations Napkins »
Chic Hostess Gifts Under $50 That Don’t Feel Cheap
Budget friendly and stylish here are chic hostess gifts under $50 that your friends will actually use (and love).
Great gifts don’t have to break the bank. In fact, the best hostess gifts under $50 look luxe, feel personal, and get used again and again. Here are our favorite No Reservations picks that deliver big style in a small price range:
1. Best-Selling Cocktail Napkins ($40, Set of 4)
Our martini series is a fan favorite for a reason: “Scattered Olives,” “Martini Icon,” “Olive Another,” and “Extra Dirty.” Priced at just $40, this set is chic, witty, and guaranteed to get a laugh (and a photo) the second cocktails are poured.
2. Italian-Themed Embroidered Napkins ($48, Set of 4)
Practical, stylish, and always conversation starting. From “More Cheese Please!” to “Mangia Mangia,” these linen napkins make even Tuesday pasta night feel special (perfecto)
3. Wine Charm Set ($48)
Tiny but mighty our foodie and travel inspired wine charm bundles make glasses easy to track and tables instantly Instagram worthy. Cheers!
💡 Shop the Look: Affordable gifts that feel luxe (and get used long after the party ends). Browse No Reservations Hostess Gifts Under $50 »
How Much to Spend on a Hostess Gift….Real Talk
We asked, you answered: here are the real price points for hostess gifts in 2025, broken down by category—plus chic ideas for each budget.
One of the top questions we often get from our friends and community is: “How much should I actually spend on a hostess gift?”
We polled our customers and the answers lined up with what etiquette experts say: the “right” amount depends on the occasion. Whether you’re dropping by for a casual dinner or spending the weekend at someone’s home, the price point shifts.
Hostess Gift Spending Guide (We Asked, You Answered)
Dinner Party: $30–$50, A great bottle of wine, artisanal chocolate, olive oil, Cocktail picks or Bundle of wine charms
Holiday Gathering: $45–$60, Flowers in a vase, gourmet food basket, Wine + Embroidered velvet wine bow
Weekend Stay / Host Family: $75–$150, Luxe candle set, specialty liquor, coffee table book, Set of 6 “Please leave by 9” napkins
Milestone Event (wedding, baby, housewarming): $100+, Personalized home gift, champagne, Full hosting bundle
How Our Guide Compares to the Experts
We’re not the only ones talking numbers. Lifestyle and etiquette experts agree that there’s no one-size-fits-all context is key!
The Spruce suggests $20–$50 for casual dinners, more for overnights.
Martha Stewart Living recommends $25–$50 for dinner parties, $100+ for extended stays.
Real Simple echoes that gifts should be thoughtful and occasion-specific.
Southern Living adds that presentation is just as important as price, make it feel special.
Our customer feedback (dinner $35–$60, holiday $45–$60, weekend $75–$150) proves that modern hosts are willing to spend a bit more because thoughtful, well-designed gifts make a bigger impact!
The Takeaway
Your hostess gift budget doesn’t need to be complicated. Match the amount to the occasion, focus on thoughtful details, and add a dash of personality. A $48 set of No Reservations wine charms often feels more special and memorable than a generic $100 basket.
💡 Shop the Look: Find the perfect gift for every budget. Explore Hostess Gifts »
What to Bring When You’re “The Gift”
Sometimes your presence is the present—but here are witty hostess gift ideas that ensure you’re never empty-handed.
We’ve all been invited to a dinner party where a few days before you call to ask “What can we bring?” the host insists, “Just bring yourself!” Sweet, but let’s be honest: showing up empty-handed is never a good idea!
Here’s what to bring when you’re technically “the gift”:
Cheeky Napkins: “Please Leave by 9” or “Oy Vey” instantly set the mood.
A Bottle of Wine (with a Twist): Dress it up with a velvet wine bow for a presentation that wows plus it’s reusable!
Something Edible: Think artisanal chocolate or a bottle of beautifully packaged olive oil. Consumables don’t add clutter, and they’re something the host will think of you each time they enjoy them.
💡 Shop the Look: Add humor + style with No Reservations napkins & bows »
The Best Hostess Gifts for Women Who Have Everything
Struggling to find the perfect hostess gift? Here are chic, witty ideas that will impress even the woman who has it all.
We all have that one friend…she has the wine fridge, the monogrammed towels and the never ending candle collection that puts Sephora to shame. So what do you bring to a hostess who already has everything? The answer: something witty, thoughtful, and just a little unexpected!
Cheeky Linen Napkins: Our embroidered No Reservations napkins are guaranteed to make her laugh…and actually get used.
Playful Wine Charms: Perfect for the woman who’s always hosting wine night and doesn’t want to mix up her glass.
Velvet Napkin Bows: Practical yet stylish these are sure to put the finishing touch on her table just be sure to color coordinate with her kitchen, dining room or china!
💡 Shop the Look: Discover No Reservations gifts that stand out
How to Set the Perfect Rosh Hashanah Table
Celebrate Rosh Hashanah in style. Here’s how to set a festive table with personality—featuring No Reservations’ “L’Chaim” and “Oy Vey” napkins.
Rosh Hashanah is about new beginnings, family, and of course a beautiful table to welcome the New Year. While tradition sets the menu, your table styling can mix classic elements with personal flair. Here’s how to design a setting that feels warm, festive, and distinctly you.
1. Start with a Warm, Inviting Base
Choose a tablecloth or runner in cream, gold, or soft linen to create a neutral backdrop. This allows your symbolic foods like pomegranates and apples to pop visually.
2. Layer in Festive Details
Gold chargers or glass plates add a celebratory touch without overpowering the table. Fold linen napkins neatly or tie them with a simple ribbon for a polished feel.
3. Add a Playful Conversation Starter
Rosh Hashanah is steeped in tradition, but that doesn’t mean your table can’t have personality. Our No Reservations “L’Chaim” napkins bring a toast to life before the wine is even poured, while “Oy Vey” napkins are perfect for those lighthearted family moments.
4. Incorporate Symbolic Foods into the Décor
Don’t hide the apples, honey, and pomegranates…accentuate them! Arrange them in low bowls or scatter them down the center of the table for color and meaning.
5. Light the Mood
In our opinion candles are always a must. Be sure to use a mix of heights to add depth, and stick with unscented so they don’t compete with the food.
6. End with a Sweet Gesture
Send guests home with a small jar of honey tied with a bow or slip in a wine charm from the evening as a keepsake.
💡 Shop the Look: Celebrate in style with No Reservations “L’Chaim” and “Oy Vey” napkins—perfect for Rosh Hashanah and beyond. Shop Holiday Napkins »
How to Host Like a Pro in a Small Space
No dining room? No problem. These small-space hosting tips will help you entertain like a pro in any size home.
A small home doesn’t mean small hospitality. In fact, intimate spaces can make gatherings warmer and more memorable…if you know how to make them work.
1. Edit Your Guest List
The magic number? Enough people to keep conversation lively, but not so many that everyone’s fighting for elbow room (six seems good!).
2. Get Creative With Seating
Benches, stools, and even a coffee table with floor cushions can work for casual meals. Layer napkins and bows to make even unconventional spots feel intentional.
3. Use Your Space in Zones
Serve drinks in one area, appetizers in another, and dinner wherever you can fit it. This keeps people moving and prevents bottlenecks.
4. Go Vertical
Stack serving platters, use tiered stands, and display wine glasses on shelves or racks to save table space.
5. Keep Décor Scaled
In smaller rooms, choose a few statement pieces like our embroidered linen napkins that deliver a big impact without cluttering the table.
💡 Shop the Look: Make every inch count with statement-making details from No Reservations. Browse the Collection »
Sunday Supper: How to Host the Coziest Gathering of the Season
Sunday Supper: How to Host the Coziest Gathering of the Season
Growing up, Sunday suppers were never about the fuss! They’re about comfort, connection, and slowing down before the week ahead. Think simmering sauces, soft candlelight, and laughter over a glass of red wine.
Here’s how to create that warm, “don’t want to leave” feeling at your table.
1. Keep the Menu Comfort-ForwarD
Think lasagna, roast chicken, or a big pot of chili with all the toppings. These dishes are easy to make in bulk and somehow taste even better the next day which is perfect since who wants to cook on Monday?!
2. Set a Table That Feels Like a Hug
Layer textures, linen napkins, velvet napkin bows, and natural wood accents. Choose warm tones for plates and serving pieces to make everything feel more inviting.
3. Make It Family-Style
Pass the platters. Family style service makes guests feel relaxed and encourages conversation (plus, fewer trips back to the kitchen).
4. Lean Into Candlelight
Skip the overhead spotlights and opt for candles, twinkle lights, or a dim lamp to create an intimate glow.
5. Give a Parting Gift
Send guests home with a little leftover dessert or a wine charm from the night. It's a thoughtful touch that keeps the memory going.
💡 Shop the Look: Cozy nights start with the details. Shop No Reservations napkins, bows, and charms »
How to Throw a Dinner Party That Feels Effortless (But Isn’t)
The secret to an “effortless” dinner party? Planning like a pro. Here’s how to make hosting look easy while pulling all the strings.
We’ve all been to that dinner…the one where the host seems relaxed, the conversation flows, and the night unfolds like magic. The truth? Effortless hosting is never effortless, it just takes a lot of planning.
Step 1: Set the Scene Early
Your guests’ first impression happens before they even take a bite! Think dimly lit candles, a fabulous playlist and the table fully styled napkins folded, bows tied and most importantly wine charms ready for those first pours!
Step 2: Choose a Menu That Works for You
The “effortless” host doesn’t attempt a new recipe from a French cookbook the day of. Instead, they choose dishes that can be prepped ahead or cooked hands-off so they have time to mingle and relax!
Step 3: Keep Drinks Flowing (Without Playing Bartender)
People come thirsty! Set up a self-serve bar with wine, sparkling water, and a signature cocktail in a pitcher. Make sure to add our playful wine charms so guests know which red wine is theirs!
Step 4: Build in Conversation Starters
Effortless conversation doesn’t just happen…help it along with cheeky conversation-sparking touches like embroidered napkins with unexpected sayings (hint..hint!)
Step 5: Have an Ending in Mind
The best parties end on a high note. Whether it’s dessert, coffee, or a last glass of wine, give your guests a clear (and happy) cue as the night’s winding down.
💡 Shop the Look: Hosting is all in the details—find yours in the No Reservations collection. Shop Now »
The No-Stress Guide to Hosting Your First Holiday Meal
The No-Stress Guide to Hosting Your First Holiday Meal
Hosting your first holiday meal is a rite of passage and yes, it can definitely feel overwhelming! You want the food to be great, the table to look beautiful, and the guests to leave feeling full and happy (preferably by 9pm).
The good news? You don’t need a culinary degree or a Pinterest-perfect house to make it happen. Here’s how to host your first holiday like a seasoned pro with zero meltdowns (aside from toddler meltdowns we can’t help with those)
Step 1: Pick a Menu You Can Handle
This is not the time to experiment with a 10-step soufflé. Choose recipes you’ve made before or ones with a short ingredient list. Your guests would rather have perfectly roasted vegetables than a half-baked turkey disaster.
Step 2: Delegate Like a Boss
Holiday hosting is a team sport. Assign appetizers, desserts, and wine to guests who offer to help. (And they will….don’t be shy about saying yes.)
Step 3: Style the Table in Advance
Your table is the first thing people will see and it sets the tone for the night. Lay out your dinnerware, add a seasonal touch like velvet napkin bows, and finish with a cheeky No Reservations napkin at each place setting.
Step 4: Make Time for a Toast
Even if the mashed potatoes are a little lumpy, a heartfelt toast makes the night memorable. Keep it short, warm, and personal and give yourself credit for hosting your first holiday! Cheers!
Step 5: Embrace Imperfection
Not everything will go smoothly and that’s okay. The wine might spill, the chicken might be overcooked but the only thing people will remember is how you made them feel!