There’s no shortage of holiday party advice and lists of “what to bring,” but this article is the one you need to read! It’s time to turn the tables on this stressful time of year and bring back the simple joys of the holiday season.
Luckily, there are plenty of services available, like Boop Bakery, to take the guesswork out of what to bring, making holiday shopping enjoyable for you. Here are four great ideas for things to bring to your next holiday party.
1. Cookies
Dessert foods, especially holiday cookies, are a sure win as an item to bring to a party. If you’re not much of a baker, however, bringing something homemade can instantly become “work.”
You can always go to your local grocery store or pastry shop and score a great batch of cookies. The only trouble with these options is that someone else is sure to have the same idea. So, how do you keep cookies unique for a holiday party?
Consider ordering from online baking experts like the ones at Boop Bakery. Not only will the cookies be one-of-a-kind, but they’re also healthy and suitable for any partygoer. By being free of common allergens such as dairy, GMOs, gluten, and soy, you can feel good about bringing these delicious cookies to the party.
You could take all the credit for yourself, but they also make great gifts, so in the spirit of the holidays, be the cookie hero and bring these yummy treats to your next holiday party.
2. Whatever the Host Needs
There’s an entirely overlooked practice that we tend to lose during the holiday season: checking with the host a few hours before the party and asking them if there’s anything you can bring.
This gesture shouldn’t be confused with confirming a side dish if you all agreed in advance that it’s a potluck. However, what if the host needs ice, a holiday CD, or some other item?
Be prepared to allow extra time on your way to the party to stop for the item if needed. You should still be on time for the party itself, especially if you’re bringing something the host needs for setting up! Also, don’t expect to be paid back. Consider it one of your contributions to the party.
3. Gift for the Host
Besides asking if they need you to bring anything, consider an actual gift for the host; it’s just good holiday etiquette. Even if there are no plans to exchange gifts, you’ll want to get something for them; who wants to show up empty-handed?
The standard gift tends to be a bottle of wine. While this is a great gesture, the host will usually end up using the wine at the party and not get a chance to enjoy it for themselves. There can also be some unintended complications with giving alcohol as a gift, so it’s often better to skip it altogether unless you know the host very well.
Unique and delicious cookies or chocolates are great shareable gifts for the host. You can also bring them a separate bag or tin that is just for them; that way, they have one to keep and one to share amongst guests.
4. Holiday Spirit
The holidays are a difficult time of year for many people. Keeping up the holiday cheer when hopping from party to party can be a chore in and of itself. If you’re attending a party during the festive season, recognize that there’s far less stress as a guest.
Do what you can to make the situation easier for the host and keep a positive and genuine attitude during the party with all the guests, even if things don’t go exactly according to plan. If the host burns the rolls or someone knocks over an expensive piece of glassware, just make the best of the situation by staying light-hearted and offering to help.
When attending a holiday party, you can also bring your self-control and keep the drinking to a minimum when in mixed company. Even if it’s a close group of friends, it’s always best to keep your wits about you during a gathering. The last thing you want to create during the holiday is more drama.
Final Thoughts
When attending a holiday party this year, consider these four tips on what you can bring with you. Some yummy healthy cookies, things to help the host, and a happy, respectful attitude are just a few examples of simple things you can do to make your holiday host smile. There’s no need to add stress as a guest when attending a holiday party. By bringing simple, yet thoughtful items, it’s easy to just enjoy yourself and your holiday too!
Leave a Reply