Hosting Hacks for a Magical Holiday, from the Ladies at Bond & Grace

November 22, 2024

Lifestyle

Nesha Ruther

Writer at Bond & Grace

The holidays are the most magical time of year, but anyone with hosting experience knows it is also a meticulous feat of social engineering. From the perfect meal (that accommodates everyone’s dietary restrictions,) to delicious cocktails (that are seasonally appropriate and help set the mood), to creating some miracle topic of conversation that can be shared between 87-year-old great-uncle Joe and your 20-year-old nephew’s girlfriend that he has brought home from college, making a magical gathering can be a stressful business!

To help, we’ve rounded up subtle and simple hosting hacks from the ladies at Bond & Grace. From customizable cocktails to breaking the mold with a surprising theme, there are a million ways to make the holidays memorable.

Delicious Drinks

Make a Pitcher or Have Guests Play Bartender: “I love to have a drink prepared in a pitcher or a drink that doesn’t need to be made by me to free myself up when people arrive early and I’m wrapping up the finishing touches. Even if you have instructions on the bar that say “1 cup this, 1 cup that” people are empowered to help themselves, but it still feels thoughtful.” —Maggie Lemak, Art Director

Seasonal Makes it Special: “I love to have a signature cocktail that aligns with the current season. A gimlet for spring, a Negroni for summer, and a Festive Cranberry Spritz for the holidays.” —Savannah Bond, Brand Director

Cause for Celebration: “I always make sure to have a fine sparkling wine on hand. Popping a bottle of bubbly instantly makes any occasion feel celebratory!” —Ana Garza, Head of Operations

Custom House Drinks: “One of my favorite hosting traditions is our custom house drink menu: The Gangly Moose Bar Menu curated and expertly made by my husband, David Murray (I call him “my Moose”). From a signature cocktail inspired by the season: “A Pistachio Martini we found at a random bar in Florida” to classic drinks with a twist: “Jacqueline’s Gimlet,” David’s creations always add a special flair to our gatherings. Having a go-to list of drinks not only elevates the experience for guests but also streamlines the hosting process—you know exactly what to stock and serve. Consider naming the drinks after meaningful moments or themes, and let your menu be as much a conversation starter as the drinks themselves!”—Jacqueline Bond, Chief Literary Officer, Co-Founder

Music to Set the Mood

Always Come Prepared: “A good way to avoid awkward silence is to make sure you have a good speaker and a curated playlist! We’ve also invited guests to bring their own vinyl (if you have a record player) and switch up the music throughout the night. Makes for a great conversation starter!” —Vayda Tarleton, Project Manager

Hand Over the Aux: “I love inviting guests to play their favorite playlists during a gathering and also enjoy asking about their favorite live music shows—it’s a great way for people to share cherished memories and spark conversations we might not have if I only played my music.”—Ana

Theme Parties: “When I’m hosting a party with a theme, which is my specialty, I like to skip over what’s expected and instead, bring in the ambiance of that theme. It’s a strong choice because it’s less topical and requires thinking through your idea for a while, but when you nail it, it’s unmatched. For a Western party, consider putting a Hawaiian skirt in your couch cushions to suggest hay in a barn without the smell or mess, or serve American-brand drinks in a trough rather than a cooler. If you’re hosting a Julia Fox party, which was one of my best, consider projecting slo-mo footage of her best clips from Uncut Gems onto the ceiling or incorporating charcoal into your cocktail to give it some of her essence. Encourage guests to dress the part and suggest ideas for people who don’t want to think—‘wear black’ is always a hit. One time I turned my windows into stained glass with electric tape and paper. There is a lot you can pull off easily with a trip to the dollar store, time, tape, and imagination. And the perfect playlist curated with music to match will seal the deal.”—Maggie

Sit Down Dinners

Shock and Awe: “This next one is unexpected, but whenever I host people who don’t know each other well, I like to have something experiential that is out of the ordinary or above and beyond, that they will feel almost forced to talk about. A jello shot with an obscure flavor, an amazing appetizer, or a bizarre choice like melon balls plated with toothpicks. Even if they have nothing in common outside of the party, they’ll be able to agree that melon balls with toothpicks are strange and something they haven’t seen before. Encouraging this kind of mingling makes for a better party later in the night and these shared experiences are natural.”—Maggie

A Taste of Home: “I like preparing authentic dishes from the countries and regions my family originates from—recipes that many people may not have tried before and that I’ve perfected over the years. Some of my favorites include Asturian fabada, Cuban rice pudding, and Mexican corn smut or squash blossoms.” —Ana

Thoughtful Tablescapes: “Transform your table into the centerpiece of your gathering by designing it with a theme in mind. Whether it’s a whimsical Alice in Wonderland tea party, a rustic autumn harvest using mushrooms or bunnies, or a chic black-and-white soirée with handwritten menus, a cohesive theme ties everything together and wows your guests. To make it truly unique, I love adding an unexpected touch from my own home— picture frames with photos I found of my guests from Instagram or even something delightfully random like chess pieces or miniature elephants I found at an antique shop or even a stack of cards with random facts on them. These quirky additions spark conversation and give your table a personal, eclectic charm. Pair these touches with candles, fresh flowers, and complementary decor to craft a table that tells a story and leaves your guests enchanted.” —Jacqueline

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Happy Hosting!

Sincerely,

The Ladies at Bond & Grace