7 Common Mistakes To Avoid During a Holiday Party

The holiday season is here, and so are holiday parties. Whether a company gathering or a family affair, you don’t want to be “that person” at the party. For example, you don’t want to be the guest who shows up without a host gift or, worse, with a dish that they didn’t run by the host beforehand. Unfortunately, hosts aren’t in the clear just because they are throwing a party. Serving cold food, not labeling food with allergens, or spending the whole night hidden away in the kitchen will make your party the talk of the town — but in the wrong way.

If you want to avoid these holiday party faux pas, then read on for seven common host and guest mistakes, including easy ways to avoid them.

What To Buy for a Successful Holiday Party

• Cobram Estate California Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $12
• Lenox Holiday Dinnerware Salad Plates, Set of 4, $56, originally $70
• Farberware Build-A-Board Bamboo Cutting Board, $28, originally $34
• Lnniw Warming Mat, $50, originally $54
• Glasslock 18-Piece Oven-Safe Container Set, $42
• Norpro Stainless Steel Cheese Markers, $19
• Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker, $180, originally $200

Mistake: Showing Up Empty-Handed as a Guest

Solution: Bringing a Meaningful Gift That Your Host Can Use Later

Whether coming over for an impromptu dinner or attending a friend’s annual holiday party, you should never be empty-handed when they greet you at the door. If you have no idea where to start, skip the cliché bottle of wine, box of chocolates, or anything else the host might feel compelled to serve at the party. Instead, go for a thoughtful gift that they can enjoy once their guests have departed, like a nice bottle of olive oil or a bag of coffee beans. The P.F. Candle Co. Wild Herb Tonic Soy Candle is a lovely kitchen candle for setting the mood while cooking, with notes of lemon balm, thyme, and orange rind.

Mistake: Not Clearly Labeling Food and Drink as a Host

Solution: Separating and Labeling Food and Drink for Allergies and Preferences

It can be tedious for guests to ask a host what each dish or beverage is, so save them the trouble by clearly labeling food and drinks ahead of time. You can opt for affordable, disposable cards or reusable signs and holders to clearly identify everything on your table. And labeling food doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice decor. For example, Norpro’s Stainless Steel Cheese Markers are a chic way to label cheese on a charcuterie board, and they double as forks. Plus, you can reuse them year after year, no matter the occasion.

Mistake: Spending All Night in the Kitchen as the Host

Solution: Use Low-Effort Appliances With Built-In Timers and Prepare Batch Drinks

There’s nothing worse than planning a party, only to spend all night hidden away in the kitchen. While some dishes can be prepped beforehand, sit-down dinners typically require some cooking during the event. That’s where handy set-it-and-forget-it kitchen appliances come in. Prepare batch cocktails in carafes for guests to serve themselves, or heat up rolls in a toaster oven. A slow cooker is your best friend for hosting, and the Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker can cook, sauté, and steam at a precise temperature. Plus, several parts are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

• Cuisinart 3-In-1 Cook Central 6-Quart Multi-Cooker, $180, originally $200
• Breville Smart Oven Pro, $270
• Dd&Happ 1-Gallon Glass Drink Dispensers, 2-Pack, $42, originally $45
• Aroma 4-Cup Digital Rice Cooker, $35
• Kook Glass Carafe, 3-Pack, $24, originally $40

Mistake: Going Overboard on Trendy Seasonal Decor as a Host

Solution: Invest in Timeless Tableware That Can Be Reused Each Year

I’m often guilty of buying trendy decor, especially around the holidays, but the tableware I reach for every year is chic and timeless. Whether you want a Ralph Lauren Christmas or a Meghan Markle-inspired holiday, some decor will never go out of style. If you do want to splurge on heirloom-quality cookware, look no further than the coveted Le Creuset Holly Soup Pot. The 4.5-quart pot is the perfect size for cooking soup or simmering mulled wine, and the gold knob is the cherry on top that doubles as holiday decor.

• Urban Villa Cloth Napkins Set, 12-Pack, $37
• Lenox Holiday Dinnerware Salad Plates, Set of 4, $56, originally $70
• Socomi Emerald Green Cheesecloth Table Runner, $10
• Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Holly Collection Soup Pot, $365
• Lenox Holiday 4-Piece Wine Balloon Glass Set, $39, originally $60
• Nuptio Brass Gold Metal Taper Candle Holders, 6-Pack, $28, originally $30

Mistake: Bringing a Surprise Dish That the Host Didn’t Ask for as a Guest

Solution: Check With the Host Beforehand and Only Bring What They Ask For

While bringing a surprise dish to a holiday party may seem like a nice gesture, it can often create more work for the host. To ensure you’re not being “that person,” ask them ahead of time what you should bring and stick to their request, whether it’s a bottle of wine, a holiday dessert, or nothing at all. And make sure the dish or beverage is ready to serve by bringing it in a cooler or portable carrier. If your host asks you to bring a charcuterie board, the Farberware Build-A-Board Bamboo Cutting Board is chic and portable — all you have to do is remove the clear lid, and the bamboo tray is ready to serve.

Mistake: Serving Cold Food as a Host

Solution: Keep Dishes Hot With Food Warming Equipment

Lukewarm food isn’t ideal, but it can be difficult to time everything just right so your meal is ready to go as guests arrive. Luckily, there is plenty of equipment that can keep food fresh and warm until it’s ready to be served, like warming mats and trays. You can even serve dishes directly on the Chefman Electric Warming Tray to keep everything warm and toasty. The glass top tray has an adjustable temperature control, a 21- x 16-inch surface, and handles on either side for easily transporting from the kitchen to the table.

• Chefman Electric Warming Tray With Adjustable Temperature Control, $40, originally $80
• Lnniw Warming Mat, $50, originally $54
• Proctor Silex Buffet Server and Food Warmer, $50, originally $73
• Itrusou Electric Warming Tray, $38 with coupon, originally $40
• Chefman Electric Buffet Server and Warming Tray, $40, originally $60

Mistake: Forgetting To Make a Plan for Leftovers as a Host

Solution: Having Food Storage Containers Ready To Go

Whether you’re feeding five or fifty guests, there will always be leftovers to put away after a holiday party. Make sure your food storage containers are ready to go at the end of the night, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Reusable containers made with glass or silicone are great, but go with a disposable option if you’re planning to send leftovers home with guests. For $23, this 24-pack of deli containers is an easy and affordable way to prevent food waste during the holidays. And you won’t have to pester guests about returning your Tupperware later.