AFTER-PARTY ETIQUETTE & THANK-YOUS

Holiday Hosting Tip #6 — After-Party Etiquette & Thank-Yous. Smart, simple ways to wrap up your event with gratitude and grace.

You did it — the guests came, the food disappeared, and your house survived.

Now for the final phase: wrapping up with style and sanity.

🧹 Clean Up — But Don’t Overdo It

• Do dishes and trash tonight; the rest tomorrow.

• Start the dishwasher before bed — future you will cheer.

🎁 Share Leftovers & Memories

• Package extras for guests.

• Send a thank-you text or photo recap.

💌 Say Thanks the Simple Way

• Text, note, or DM works — keep it personal.

• Mention one specific thing (“Your cookies were gone in five minutes!”).

📦 Store Smart for Next Year

• Label bins clearly.

• Toss what’s broken.

• Keep a “First Out” box for essentials.

From the Clipboard of a Chaos Coordinator:

“Hosting ends when the lights go out — but hospitality lingers long after the door closes.”

FAQs:

• When to send thank-yous? Within 3–5 days.

• Do I have to post on social media? Nope, but sharing memories helps!

• How to reset after burnout? Unplug, rest, and celebrate yourself.

HOST LIKE A HUMAN, NOT A ROBOT

Holiday Hosting Tip #5 — Host Like a Human, Not a Robot. Realistic reminders to relax, connect, and actually enjoy your own event.

You’ve prepped, cleaned, and planned. Now — breathe.

Your guests came to see you, not your stress level.

🧘 Prep Like You Mean It

Finish early, take a breath, and start music before guests arrive.

👋 Be Present, Not Perfect

• Laugh off small mishaps.

• Greet and mingle intentionally.

• Authentic > flawless.

⏰ Build in Breathing Space

• Plan breaks between courses.

• Leave cleanup for tomorrow.

• End with a “wind-down” playlist.

From the Clipboard of a Chaos Coordinator:

“Guests remember how they felt in your space — not how spotless your counters were.”

FAQs:

• How do I relax? Prep early and embrace imperfection.

• Guests not mingling? Add an activity (trivia, cocoa bar, gratitude jar).

• How to end the night? Lower lights, lower music, hand out leftovers.

FEED THEM AND THEY WILL LOVE YOU

Holiday Hosting Tip #4 — Feed Them and They Will Love You. Simple ways to impress guests without kitchen chaos.

Food is the heartbeat of any gathering. You don’t need to go gourmet to make it memorable — just plan smart and keep it fun.

🍖 Focus on a “Star of the Show”

Choose one dish to shine, keep the rest simple. Never test new recipes on event day!

🍞 Keep Sides Simple

• Choose reheatable sides.

• Prep cold sides early.

• Label dishes for a polished touch.

🍸 Sip, Sip, Hooray

A signature drink = instant upgrade.

• Pick one cocktail and one mocktail.

• Add a garnish or fun name (“The Chaos Coordinator”!).

🧁 Sweet Endings & Leftovers Worth Loving

• Serve dessert buffet-style.

• Provide take-home containers.

From the Clipboard of a Chaos Coordinator:

“Feed them well and they’ll forgive almost anything — even forgetting the rolls.”

FAQs:

• How much food per person? 6 oz entrée, ½–¾ cup sides.

• Easy appetizers? Charcuterie, dips, or puff-pastry bites.

• Picky eaters? Offer one neutral dish, then relax.