Make celebrating with guests a pleasure, not a chore. The holiday season is filled with wonderful things – from twinkly lights and snowmen to hot cocoa and festive tunes.

But some not-so-good things can also creep in. (We’re talking to-do lists that are a mile long.) Planning on entertaining family or friends? Your list just got even longer. That’s why it’s important to streamline and eliminate unnecessary tasks wherever possible. Here’s how.

1. Keep appetizers simple.

photo credit: Walmart Canada

 

There’s no need to get fancy. One of the biggest crowd-pleasing appetizers looks absolutely amazing but is also easy to make: a cheese board. All you have to do is cut up cheese (and maybe fruit), lay out some crackers and a few spreads, then let your guests fill their plates. Everyone will love it and you’ll keep the stove and oven free for the main event.

2. Serve dinner buffet-style.

photo credit: Walmart Canada

Plating each serving is a ton of work. Instead, go family-style, where the dishes are passed from person to person or – better yet – create a buffet table and let guests serve themselves. Ideally, your buffet table should be pulled away from a wall, so all sides are accessible to guests and there won’t be a bottleneck.

3. Take advantage of pre-made dishes.

photo credit: Walmart Canada

No need to be a hero. No one cares if you make every single dish yourself. Will a deli salad, store-bought apple pie or pre-made cheesy baked potatoes take some work off your plate? (You know the answer is yes.) Then go for it.

4. Order groceries online for quick pick-up.

photo credit: Assa Cisse

Instead of wasting precious time in the checkout line, order all of your groceries—plus holiday essentials, cookware, beauty items and more – from Walmart Online Groceries and have it brought out to the trunk of your car. Not only can you pick up everything from groceries to gifts without having to hunt for it, but you can also book a pick-up slot in as little as four hours to make the whole process seamless. The best part? It’s free on any grocery order over $35.*

Plus, new Walmart Online Grocery customers can save money by using code 60CANADA for $15 off their first four orders of $75 or more.**

5. Set the table the night before.

photo credit: Walmart Canada

If your company will be sitting at one or more tables, take time the night before to lay out your tablecloths, napkins, flatware, centrepieces and anything else non-perishable. The same holds true from other household tasks, like cleaning, decorating and pulling serving trays out of storage. If you can do the work ahead of time, it will make your event day so much easier.

6. Focus on lighting instead of décor.

 

Unless you’re ready to deck the halls from ceiling to floor, there are few décor elements that will have as much impact as warm lighting – and even fewer that are as easy to set up! Fill your space with candles (battery-powered ones or the real deal), turn on the fire (if you have one) and string up mini-lights from the ceiling and bookshelves or let them rain down the walls.

7. Clear available surfaces.

 

No one wants to clutch their drink as they attempt to balance a plate full of hors d’oeuvres. Remove knick-knacks from coffee tables, side tables, counters and other flat surfaces so guests have a resting spot for their goodies—and won’t spill onto family heirlooms.

8. Create a self-serve drink station.

photo credit: Walmart Canada

Skip individual cocktails that you have to craft one by one – you’ll end up chained to the bar all night. Instead, make a single festive cocktail or punch in one big batch. For everything else – from wine to spirits – set up a drink station with a sign that says, “Help Yourself.”

9. Tire out pets before guests arrive.

 

There are few things more stressful than a dog who won’t stop barking at the doorbell, stealing food and jumping on laps. To avoid this scenario, make sure your pooch has had a nice, long walk or romp at the dog park before the party starts. If you’re too busy to commit, enlist your kids or invite a dog-loving friend or family member over early and get them to take on the task.

*Excludes Penguin Pickup locations. Minimum $35 order before taxes and fees. See Walmart.ca for details. 

**New Walmart Online Grocery customers can use code 60CANADA for $15 off their first four orders of $75 or more. The offer is only valid for new customers with a minimum spend of $75 before taxes and fees. Offer ends February 28, 2022. See walmart.ca/redeem for details. Excludes Penguin Pickup locations.

Walmart Grocery is Canada's online grocery store offering groceries and household essentials at everyday low prices. Find everything you need to get your family through the busy week.