Holiday Hosting 101: A Rich B*tch Guide to Surviving the Season
The holidays always seem to sneak up on us. One minute you’re casually lighting a candle and debating whether it’s too early for Mariah Carey, and the next you’re knee-deep in guest lists, grocery runs, and figuring out where on earth you stored the "nice" napkins last year. Hosting during the holidays is equal parts joyful and chaotic—there’s the holiday magic, of course, but also the logistics: bedding for overnight guests, drinks for the cocktail-hour crowd, and at least one dish that makes you look like you know what you’re doing in the kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting your first holiday gathering or you’ve become the unofficial family venue, there are a few essentials that make the whole experience smoother. Think: elevated serveware that makes even simple snacks look intentional, cozy details that help guests settle in (yes, a plush throw really is a hosting power move), and those small-but-smart items that instantly make your home feel ready. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s creating a space where people feel taken care of, even if you’re still figuring out the timing on the mashed potatoes.
If you happen to be a guest this year—i.e. the lucky one who shows up, eats the good food, stays in the good lighting, and then leaves without doing dishes—a thoughtful host gift is the easiest way to show appreciation without trying too hard. A cozy set of slippers, a beautiful candle, or chic bar accessory—just something small that says, "Thanks for having me (and yes, I plan on coming back)."
So whether you’re setting the table or showing up as the plus one, here are the things that make holiday hosting easier—and the gifts that make being a guest a whole lot more gracious.
