The holiday season is almost here. Are you ready for holiday entertaining? Keep these tips in mind to reduce stress and enjoy hosting a holiday gathering that all of your guests will enjoy!

• Stock up on snacks. From bowls of nuts to containers of candy, you can never have enough snacks on hand during the holiday season! Guests love to nibble and munch while they mingle. Consider chips and fresh wine salsa or guacamole, candied nuts, or antipasta platters.

• Keep dietary needs in mind. Many guests may have dietary restrictions, such as low-sugar or gluten free, that you will need to accommodate. Other guests may simply be trying to eat as healthy as they can during holiday gatherings. Knowing this, offer guests a variety of food options. For example, a fresh fruit platter is a sweet alternative to a more decadent chocolate dessert. Set out a crudité platter of sliced vegetables and dips alongside other snacks like chips or crackers. Giving guests options that meet their needs will make them feel more comfortable and make it easier for them to find something they can enjoy.

• Use paper products. For easy cleaning and set-up, forgo the fancy china for casual gatherings and use seasonal paper products, available at most party supply stores. Clean-up will be much easier and you will have more time to spend with your guests.

• Have a variety of pre-made cocktails on hand. You can guarantee that guests will appreciate a beverage ready to enjoy when they arrive! You might consider heating a slow cooker of warm mulling spice, which will also make your home smell wonderful! Or, pre-blend and freeze several pitchers of wine frappés so you can avoid the fuss during your gathering. Simply remove from the freezer, thaw to a desired consistency, and pour when your guests are ready for a drink. Of course, you can always go with the holiday classic: eggnog!

We hope you have fun with holiday entertaining this season! Remember that Nectar of the Vine offers many products that would be perfect for your next gathering. Contact our team with any questions.