Top Holiday Hosting Stressors and Headaches
The holiday season can be a bit demanding when it comes to hosting or entertaining out-of-town guests. From preparing a guest bedroom to efficiently managing tasks, hosts generally need to ensure their home is fully stocked and ready well in advance.
A survey commissioned by Article and One Poll has provided valuable insights into the top stressors associated with holiday hosting. They surveyed 2,000 people, asking them various questions related to hosting during the holiday season.
Top Holiday Hosting Stressors
The survey findings indicated that, although a majority (59%) expressed their enjoyment of hosting guests at their homes, many still encounter stressors during the process. These stressors include ensuring everyone has a good time (32%), deciding on the right food to serve (30%), and ensuring the home is cleaned up in time for the guests’ arrival (28%).
According to their research, thirty-two percent of respondents feel unprepared for hosting guests almost all the time. A significant number mentioned facing challenges related to seating (18%), space (18%), and having enough food (14%) when their guests arrive.
The majority (71%) mentioned that they need at least a full day to prepare their homes for hosting, with an average preparation time of three days. Only one in five people rush to clean up their homes within hours of their guests’ arrival.
Before Guest Arrival
Prior to their guests’ arrival, hosts tend to rush to tidy up and organize (62%), cook meals (61%), plan the menu (41%), prepare drinks (40%), and create a background music playlist (24%).
The survey also revealed that 55% of respondents consider it important that their guests have a positive impression of their homes, while a third (31%) confessed to being so preoccupied with ensuring their guests’ comfort that they forget to enjoy themselves.
Nearly seven out of ten (69%) individuals stated that they have a “number one” rule in their homes when guests come over. Many even shared their rules, which include the expectation that guests remove their shoes before entering, dine at the dining table, clean up after themselves if they make a mess, and, most importantly, make themselves at home and have a great time.
Take a look at the complete study here.
6 Clever Ways To Encourage Guests To Wrap Up Their Visit
Slowly start cleaning up your place.
Without saying a word, start washing dishes and clearing out the trash scattered around the room. As you clean up and tidy the space, it sends the message to your guests that the event is coming to an end.
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"So, how are you getting home?"
If you want to drop a hint to your guests that it’s time for them to start thinking about heading home, try casually asking them about their transportation plans. It’s a way of showing that you’re considerate of their needs and subtly letting them know that the evening is winding down.
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Stop serving snacks and booze.
An empty snack bowl and dry glasses can work wonders in persuading people to call it a night. As the gathering starts winding down, you can slyly stop serving alcohol and snacks. By doing this, you’re giving a subtle signal that the party is slowly coming to an end.
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Put on your pajamas.
When you’re ready to drop some hints that it’s time for your guests to leave, why not go all out and put on your favorite pajamas? It makes it clear to guests that you’re ready to call it a night.
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Start turning off the lights.
A sneaky move to nudge your guests towards the door is to start casually turning off the lights. Dimming the room gradually changes the ambiance of a party sending a not-so-subtle message that it’s time to wrap things up.
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Gather for a group photo.
As a clever way to wrap up your party and gently encourage guests to leave, why not suggest taking a group photo together? It’s a way to end the party on a high note and a great closing activity too.
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