✨HOW TO HOST A HOLIDAY DINNER! Step-By-Step guide | stress-free menu plan, recipes, schedule & decor

[@hannahhensley8497]

I LOVE how you never present yourself as a flawless expert - and that you kept everything in perspective. You blessed your guests with a warm cozy home & delicious food. I love hosting and this totally helps reduce the self induced stress!

[@NatalieBennett]

Self-induced stress!!!! 👏 such a pitfall for me and something I have to work extra beforehand to eliminate!

[@vanessaandreatta9098]

I love to host and don't even celebrate Thanksgiving in my country.... But this is the ultimate guide, last time I dis everything right but I forgot my make up at work and the hairdryer broke after the entire family used it on the day of... I was a mess, no make up, no hairdo, but it was totally worth it and guests did not notice. They ate and felt blessed and had a great time. I should have watched your video back then

[@sarahbeth3]

Might be one of my favorite videos ever. So beautiful, cozy, inviting, so well done. What impressed me most and what I will take away from this is your priorities around hosting. “Every seat at the table is the best seat.”

[@NatalieBennett]

Wow, thank you! I’m so glad the video resonated with you!

[@lilyshapiro1697]

THE TANK IS CLEAN! Honestly, thank you so much for this. As a fellow ADHDer who loves to host and go the extra mile but finds myself stressed and burned out by the end not even having time to change I so so so appreciate this ❤️

[@marryk.1077]

Hey guys, I am usually more of a silent follower but I have to get something off my chest. Your channel is so wholesome and I feel so blessed to be part of your community. Your family's life is the complete opposite of what I have in mind for my life, but every time I see you guys I'm just grateful for every little thing in life. I've learnt to live with not being perfect and productive every day, and you're totally helping me to realise that. I hope your family is well and healthy and that you have the best of Christmas. Thank you for the authenticity and joy you spread around the world.

[@NatalieBennett]

Oh wow! These are just the sweetest words. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. What a blessing to read these words! ❤️

[@serenitysummers8514]

I have watched this twice already AND had my husband watch with me. He said it’s one of the best videos on KZbin EVER! We host A LOT and got so many helpful tips in this video. Thank you!!!

[@BellusCarmen]

THE TANK IS CLEAN! 😂 Thank you for adding this lovely Easter eggs in your videos.

[@minervacuervo4662]

And this is why everyone loves having gatherings at your home. Everything is beautiful but calmed and you are relaxed and cheerful

[@Zoe-ui2sc]

This was absolutely amazing and helpful in so many ways. Thank you for sharing your process as well as reminding us of what quality time with our loved ones is all about. I felt myself choke up a little towards the end seeing the piano being played and the kids dancing. It made me come back to my reason why. Grateful for your light ✨🙏🏼💝Thank you.

[@megancox9549]

I'm not to the hosting era of my life yet, but these tips will surely inspire me to offer once my older relatives no longer feel up to hosting! I appreciate the wisdom and how real your gatherings appear to be.

[@Rachel12867]

This video came at the PERFECT time! I just found out I’m hosting my entire extended family this year and I was searching KZbin for these videos, I even referenced the Q and A u did with your mom last year! I love this niche for you - your hosting tips are simply the best!

[@mirandatarlton3863]

I have always been so nervous to host. Always questioning my abilities. You made this look so easy and doable for someone like me, thank you! Watching your videos I am always left motivated and encouraged! ❤

[@michellnielsen7451]

Amazing video idea I will reference it always!! I hosted my second family Thanksgiving this year for 20, and it was a joy thanks to your previous hosting video you made alongside your mom. Last year I was a wreck and in the verge of tears at all times. This year I kept repeating a Natalie mantra "To relax and enjoy myself in the process for my guests to feel welcomed and ease as well" I reassured myself nobody was going to judge me, my cooking, or home, they all love me and just want to visit with us otherwise they wouldn't make the long trip out! Thank you for all your tips to prepare in advance and gentle encouragement, I'm so thankful for you and your channel this holiday season!

[@raquelnewby6580]

Thank you for sharing your tips! I don’t always think about preparing food items in advance like that but that is really good to know. I also feel like you have inspired me to keep some kind of hosting journal because every year at Christmas I always ask myself the same questions and a journal will help me remember the answers year after year.

[@lilysgram5886]

Your table looked beautiful as well as the food looked so yummy. 🍁 Having 30 people is daunting and you made it look effortless!

[@kelsianne3213]

"The bandwidth of my brain is starting to decline." This sounds so much better to say than my usual "mom brain" excuse. 😆 Love it. Great video, Natalie.

[@Sh4d0w5tr1k3]

You are the hostess with the most skills and the best attitude! My apron is off to you and I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas ❤

[@carolgalpin9334]

Had all my family here for dinner. All was well. It's my favorite thing to have them all around the table at the same time. And the after hosting tiredness hit hard but this gramma was so happy!

[@EvangelineEHayes]

The tank is cleeeeean!!!! 🤣 I love that you included that reference! My brother and I say it often. 😆

[@shannonwall4855]

Love your edit of cleaning the guest bathroom. I wish it felt that fast to clean in real life 😂

[@Shannonmurray1504]

I’m hosting 20 over Christmas and Boxing Day and I had things roughly planned but started planning in more detail when I saw this video ❤

[@carolines3953]

Filing this away as a mental note to watch again one day. We used to love hosting but we’re just in a different season right now with four littles. But this is gold - such great organization and planning ideas. Thank you 💛

[@MissBeth19]

What a lovely video! I wish I had your enthusiasm for hosting; my mum always hated it and she was always moaning so I've never really had the confidence to host anything... Plus I'm a terrible overthinker! Maybe one day I'll brave it 🤞

[@RelishThisMoment]

Thank you Natalie for diving into this topic! ❤ You are always such a good host. You're already giving me lots of ideas. I am already feeling more confident at hosting after watching this. I am ready to have a more organized system like this so I can enjoy more of my events with ease. You always inspire me. ✨️ This step by step is so helpful.

[@NatalieBennett]

You are so welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed!

[@lindseystewart3194]

I would add to my notes to have the kids put the batteries in everything. They would love that task. And one less thing on your plate.

[@jennifermahady2529]

I used your mom’s stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving this year and it was so good that my husband said we always have to do it that way from now on. Lol. Thanks for sharing it!!

[@judysmith2529]

I like how you don’t try to be perfect, which no one can do. Instead you thoughtfully did everything and that equals less stress. It looked beautiful 🍁now on to Christmas 🎄

[@veronikamakovnikova4957]

Amazing. We (me and my husband) loved to host. He passed 5 weeks ago (44y) and I cannot "going forward". Sorry for my english. I dont know how to survive christmas without him. My 5y old son is also crying, we are christians and I´m struggeling explaining to my son, why God can not bring his dad for christmas. My family dont want to leave us alone at christmas, but because our flat is bigger, they want us to make the christmas dinner at our place. Usually I am very very flexible, but now....I dont wanna by alone at christmas, but also I dost have an energy to prepair to be the host. I am looking at your video, its very helpfull. I have to start...prepearing myself for life without my loving husband and for chsristmas dinner.

[@janeyl6172]

How are you doing this year? I hope a little better ❤

[@veronikamakovnikova4957]

Thank You so much for asking. Its little bit better or different because better is not right word. This year I want spend alone with my son. With memories and videos from past christmases...we still miss my husband very much. One more time thank you for asking, I feel forgotten by friends, world...

[@silver_csmith]

You make hosting look so stress free and easy!! Definitely something to aspire to! 🥰👍🏻

[@Lucy_in_the_sky94]

Just watching this after watching the Hosting 101 Video you did months ago with your lovevly Mom. As I just moved to a different city and new apartment I got stressed out as how to plan my housewarming party. Seeing both videos and taking all advices to heart makes me less anxious about the planing phase and the actual hosting... Thank you so much!!! ❤❤❤

[@tammy8984]

As someone who has hosted many dinners...this is an excellent video.

[@Chell1496]

WOW!!! This video was so informative and nice to watch how you put this all together!! that was amazing!! ❄️ Natalie, you are such a kind, genuine and thoughtful person! People who know you are so blessed! ❄️

[@stacylaine]

What a beautiful gift the Lord has given you for hospitality! I struggle badly with hosting anything, so this step-by-step guide was highly informative for me. In fact, I will watch again & take notes. I've always wondered how exactly to reduce the stress I always feel at thought of having people over for a large gathering like this. My mother was a great hostess like you & your sweet grandmother, but she died when I was 16 & I never got to learn her ways. Well well done, Natalie!!! And thank you for making this video! 😘

[@clknight65]

Love the idea of a written recap in your notes! Very beautiful tablescape, food looked delish, and everything spot on!

[@Jacquirubsam]

Absolutely beautiful Natalie! We just hosted our first Thanksgiving in our new home and we had 31 total. 😅 Having notes and something to reference is such a game changer! Awesome video as always! ❤️

[@NJMelissa]

I greatly appreciated this video. I have hosted a couple of times in the past but wasn't thrilled with how i executed everything. Love the idea of writing notes each year and keeping a detailed list of everything. This was great. I also teared up at the footage of your family enjoying the day. Very beautiful video.

[@dancika123]

Natalie, watching your videos over the years has slowly changed my perspective and mindset when it comes to hosting. I love having people over and used to be really intense about everything being so perfect, and I realized it intimidated my guests and they couldn’t be comfortable. Now I aim to bless my guests and make them comfortable and welcome and it has been amazing! People always tell me that I have a heart for hospitality, but it’s something that had to grow with time and you were a big part in that.

[@NatalieBennett]

Wow!!! This comment made my entire day! I’m so blessed to read this!

[@CynthiaMiller-cc3qj]

May 16, 2024. I am a seasoned family entertainer (78 yrs). I wish I would have had a video like this to refer to in my younger days. So many lessons learned the hard way, Ha ha. I now make extremely detailed lists in hopes that nothing will be forgotten. Also, I NEVER try out a new recipe on these special occasions unless I’ve done a trial run. This was so well done. Yay, Natalie!

[@awilson2987]

I can't imagine the amount of thought, time, and work that went into this video! I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned some great hosting tips. This is definitely one of my new favorite videos of yours ❤

[@emilyduggan9952]

Your hosting videos are my absolutely favorite!! I’m in my mid 30s and am the family’s hostess since my mother in law passed. I love doing it and learning new tips from these videos!!! Thank you for this video!

[@lindsaykjoy]

What an awesome video! So many great tips (and mindsets!) for stress-free "blessed" hosting! I really liked the way you edited in the checklists for the timeline, and of course your music always fits the mood perfectly. I absolutely loved the montage of the actual event with all the people enjoying the time together - exactly what I hope family gatherings will always be. ❤ p.s. your bathroom trick was genius! p.p.s. in the clip of the girls dancing near the piano, the lady with gray hair in the foreground gave me "Haley in many decades" vibes 😊

[@stephanieauker1106]

Great video as always but I was so tickled to hear "In the Bleak Midwinter"!!! Absolutely my favorite Christmas carol 😁

[@NatalieBennett]

One of my very favorites! I loved this version with the gentle beat!

[@stephanieauker1106]

@@NatalieBennett it's very pretty! I also love Annie Lennox's version. It is absolutely amazing. Her voice!!!

[@mmL16]

Oooh I loved the angle of the Timelapse at the very end!! We hardly ever see your beautiful home from that corner, it was so cool! Loved that little touch of the sped-up clean up at the end 🥰😍🎄

[@Kris-pw4gp]

Another amazing video. You are so beautiful on the inside and out. You make entertaining seem so easy...makes me want to take the time to plan and make anytime I have someone over a very special time. I need friends like you! Blessings! ❣

[@victoria9432]

I love that your sister played some carols! This year I started a new tradition (inspired by Reese Witherspoon's book) and had family over for a "Christmas Carol Party". We had pizza and then sang and it was so much fun.

[@beatricem1838]

Merci Nathalie, very good inspirational video for prepping home family event.

[@brittanyandrew8677]

do you share your roasted veggie recipe? It looks fabulous!

[@Geraldine-cj6wz]

I’m hosting a Christmas party for close friends a week before Christmas this year and this video has helped me calm my nerves so much. After making some notes I’m feeling much more prepared and excited ❤ Thank you!!!

[@terrisouza2692]

Hi Natalie, I admire your honesty about things that slipped by or forgotten or didn't turn out the way you planned. You don't hide the fact that you aren't perfect or flawless, and I live that about you ❤. Thanks for the great video . Have a great week, and I will see you in the next one ❤

[@VivnVegas]

You have so many great ideas and tips. Adding them to my list right away! Thank you for sharing.

[@wheelchere]

Its so wonderful that your family loves each other so much :)

[@mumslondonlife5907]

Loved this video! Thank you for all the lessons learnt, very valuable.

[@heather1778]

I needed this video! You inspire me to shift my mindset about hosting. PLEASE share the warm roasted veggie recipe!

[@susanatwell8274]

Not only helpful but so beautiful to see you surrounded by your blessings . . . family, decorations, great food and wonderful advice !!! Thank you.

[@thehonesthomeschooler]

I took a stress relief sigh the day of when you were waiting for your guests 😅

[@lexiswanson8112]

I have a hack for opening jars that are stuck! Tap the side of the metal lid on the counter at 4 points around it then it should pop open easy :) I loved the Nemo reference lol I was thinking that as you were listing the tasks completed and then you went ahead and said it! XD

[@laurenamaral6964]

So lovely. Brought tears to my eyes when everyone was watching the kids dancing. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@laurab3413]

We host three Christmas get togethers at our house, so I love the idea of having a document like you have set up to organize everything and keep track yearly. I’ll probably do the same for my kids birthday party celebrations. Also, I am totally locking the bathroom door before guests arrive! Brilliant idea!!

[@16demolka]

We’re not hosting (tiny apartment, we’re not so close with our families) but I absolutely loove your hosting content! I’ll definitely rewatch the video with your mum. Maybe one day when my kids are adults we’ll have family gatherings like this!

[@care4teaching]

Lovely video of intentionally planning for loved ones! Natalie, you outdo yourself each season in grace and beauty!

[@jerrigomez5869]

THanks for this, I really appreciated the perspective. Probably was had to actually prepare and film all of these parts.

[@blooms87]

This video is so lovely and I feel very proud of myself that I started the decluttering of the guest areas in November. It will be so much easier in the last week before Christmas. We are hosting Christmas Day.

[@jenayam5897]

This was so good, I am new to hosting and it's so nice to know that I can prep a bunch in advance and not have to worry or stress about it the day of. I would love repeats of this type of video!

[@Lck1972]

Wonderful video! It brings back so many memories of the many dinners and party hosting I’ve done throughout the years. I so enjoyed having company, decorating the table and making the food. My husband and I have moved to be near our children and grandchildren. We now spend time chauffeuring and babysitting. We did downsize our home as we increased the extended family. We don’t host much anymore but I do contribute food as much as possible. I do miss it and definitely miss the wonderful exhaustion after a successful celebration.

[@trillysrandom_creations]

your videos are so calming and warm☺ you are unintentionally inspiring me and encouraging me on how to run a house, organize, and prep different things. I'm going to have my own household soon and I don't see it as daunting as some others might 😄

[@kelliconlan8133]

This was fun to watch and live vicariously through it. I like hosting, but do not do it very often and definitely not to the scale you do. Very beautiful and I felt welcome in your home even if it as not there physically.

[@aprilparlor2918]

Gosh! The footage at the end had me in tears. Precious.

[@kristihoefle8205]

picture perfect thanksgiving!

[@nurgul_for_Jesus]

I love hosting and learning to host in the US now! Thank you so much for your gentle spirited approach as you lead us through such exciting and also challenging experience❤

[@kathyzakharyuk8050]

Practical, lovely and stress reducing prep. Thank you for the encouragement ❤

[@NatalieBennett]

You are so welcome!

[@karinfarina9875]

I love everything about this video - honestly! I aspire to be a great host some day. I stress out every time I host and I'm hoping with these tips and practice I will get there. I love watching your channel and all you share. You are truly blessed ❤️

[@TwinMomPlus1vlogs]

You’re always an amazing hostess, Nat! Your family and friends are so blessed to have you 🤍 My parties always come together beautifully, but I need to work on my time management, stress, and getting myself ready😅

[@DanieW1228]

This is one of my favorite videos you’ve ever done!! Your beautiful perspective on hosting is so refreshing and the practical tips super helpful 💕 also the editing was amazing, as always.

[@ElissaWebb]

Writing the cooking instructions on the foil reminds me of writing cooking times on cardboard box ovens at Girl Scout camp - so simple but so helpful😊I'm not hosting a big meal anytime soon but I still got tons out of this video for hosting/event tips!

[@carlajoyswan]

Love your videos❤ thanks for keepin it real xo

[@amyh7491]

This was so helpful, aesthetic, and imperfect! I cracked up at the Cinderella moment. Youre seriously my favorite on KZbin. Thank you for sharing your life with us!

[@synthiaamaartir9553]

My husband and I are hosting our first Holiday this year, Christmas EVE. I’m so excited and our kids are going to be so happy to see family because we live far away from everyone we know. Thank you so much for all your tips!!! ❤

[@sarahaustin7932]

I really enjoyed this video! I feel like it can be used for hosting any event, not just thanksgiving! I'm in the midst of planning my son's first birthday party next month, and found this really helpful! Thank you for sharing!

[@BallroomJenni]

I am so impressed with how you organized this and I have ideas for how to host a warm and welcoming event soon!

[@pelizabeth22]

It's like you knew it's my first time hosting Christmas ever :). Thank you for this video and every other gem that has helped me over the years!

[@NatalieBennett]

Oh this is sooooo exciting, Paige! You’ll have to let me know how it goes!

[@cherishpentecost4902]

Such a great video! Trader Joes also carries a Fig Butter that tastes delicious on bread or crackers!

[@lauraalvarez9180]

Beautiful video! Thank you! You made me cry at the end of the video, but then you made me laugh with the batteries 🤣

[@carollellhame7106]

I hosted Christmas last year and I was exhausted by the end. I got a lot of great ideas from your video for my Christmas party this year. Thank you, Natalie.

[@ashleyt6237]

Love this type of video! Thank you!!!

[@andreafield2777]

A lot of great tips! I host Thanksgiving most years and Christmas every other year. I never feel super organized, but I think incorporating some of these ideas will really help.

[@judyellen4412]

I think this video was excellent. I am older and learned a lot from my Mom about hosting and I still got some good tips out of this. I had to laugh about locking the bathroom door after it was cleaned. That is a new one for me. That is a gold star tip. This video will help so many people as a lot of the hosting skills have got lost through the years as things have changed. Have a great holiday season, Natalie.

[@darlaford2593]

I absolutely loved this video. I was hosting Thanksgiving and I try my hardest to be ahead of the game but it never fails the day of, I'm running around like a crazy person 😂

[@diannaalex09]

I love this so much , the last part of this video when we see everyone around the table , that is the moment that you sit back and think, it was all worth it , what a blessing.. Happy holidays, God bless

[@julielines5929]

Locking the bathroom!!! I love it! Kids destroy bathrooms SO fast! 😂

[@ehunter9635]

Wow, this is amazing!! I love the organization - something I need to do more of! The food looks amazing, and that kid's table is genius! Also, locking the clean bathroom from the inside - love it, haha! I got a lot of helpful tips here. Thank you!

[@daniellerivera6161]

This was the most beautiful video

[@olaola3692]

I absolutely LOVED this video, you put so much effort in making it. Thank you for sharing your tips, they're amazing and very practical Onen of your best videos 💙

[@Lubinzubie]

What a great video! I’ll also note that when we are going to host or something of the sorts, I intentionally plan for all the other meals that day to be super simple and quick (little to no cook time / clean up time.)

[@pauleengould998]

One of my absolute favourite videos you have made…. Just loved it and made me excited for hosting my own beautiful Christmas 🎄

[@SonyaBarnesOnMove]

Love this! Makes me nostalgic for gatherings for sure! There is always something to learn every year!

[@tamara4557]

Those refillable candles sound wonderful!! Hope they get these here in Europe sometime. I never seen them. Love how everything worked out at you party. It's been years since I hosted anything (othe rthen a simple birthday). I used to love making things like a high tea for Easter. But nowadays it' too much for me, and that's okay. I help my mother where I can with hosting our small family. So this year I already made and canned a blueberry cranberry merlot sauce to go with some game meat she has and I'll make a dressing and such things. And I already wrote down what I want to wear for the upcoming holiday so that that is not dirty in the laundry. I'll see how this year will go. It's teh first year my grandfather will not be joining us for Christmas. He doesn't feel up to it anymore (he's almost 94 years old). So that will be strange and we'll go to him with some presents to hopefully cheer him up a bit.

[@Kelli.Hicks.5]

I love that guest bathroom hack. 😆 Also, I love that you love hosting because I hate it. I will gladly come early to help clean, cook, and set up. I would love to stay to help tear-down and put stuff away. But I do not want people at my house. 😵‍💫😵🤪

[@nataliyamcgregor2570]

You make it look so simple and desirable to do! ❤ Thank you for sharing!

[@katmccoy34]

I'm not in the stage of life where I'm getting to host much, bur you really make me look forward to it!

[@cathryncavalli]

The ending with the family is so lovely, such a joy to host family and friends ❤❤❤

[@joycortes4129]

That was amazing 🤯😄

[@marybaker9401]

Thank you Natalie!! This was such a well thought out video!! And SO BEAUTIFUL! God Bless you and your sweet family!