The holidays should be about slowing down — not stressing out. Between cooking, cleaning, decorating, and entertaining, it’s easy to spend the season rushing instead of relaxing. But here’s the truth: hosting doesn’t have to mean giving up your time (or your sanity).

Here are six ways to reclaim your time and still host a holiday gathering that feels effortless, joyful, and full of connection.

Plan Once, Relax Later

A little preparation goes a long way. Plan your menu and guest list early so you’re not scrambling the week of. Create a simple checklist — décor, dishes, drinks — and spread out the work. The more you prep ahead, the more you can be present when it matters.

Simplify Your Menu

You don’t need a dozen dishes to impress your guests. Choose a few crowd-pleasing favorites that you can make in advance or easily serve family-style. Fewer recipes mean fewer grocery trips, less cleanup, and more time to enjoy the moment.

Let Go of “Perfect”

The best gatherings aren’t flawless — they’re full of laughter and real moments. Don’t waste precious time stressing over matching napkins or gourmet plating. Guests remember how they felt in your home, not whether your table setting was Pinterest-worthy.

Delegate Like a Pro

Say yes when someone offers to bring something! Assign appetizers, desserts, or drinks to guests so you can focus on hosting. Most people want to contribute — and it saves you hours of prep (and cleanup).

Outsource the Cooking

This is your biggest time-saver! Instead of spending days prepping, chopping, and cooking, let someone else handle the kitchen. A personal chef or meal delivery service will take care of everything — from shopping to plating — while you focus on creating memories.

✨ That’s where Honest to Goodness comes in. With fresh, chef-prepared meals designed for real life, you can skip the grocery lines, skip the stress, and still serve food that feels homemade and heartfelt.

Be Present — That’s What Guests Remember

The holidays fly by fast. When you free up your time, you create space to actually enjoy it — to sit down, share stories, and savor the moment. Hosting should feel like connection, not chaos.

This Year, Give Yourself the Gift of Time

Let Honest to Goodness handle your holiday cooking so you can focus on what truly matters — the people around your table. From wholesome family meals to beautifully prepared holiday dishes, we make it easy to host with heart (and without the hurry).

Because the best holiday memories aren’t made in the kitchen — they’re made when you have time to enjoy them.