If you are new to hosting, you may be feeling overwhelmed about having family or friends over to your Camden apartment for the holidays. As many families were not able to gather in person this past year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this holiday season feels extra special and that might add extra pressure. If it’s your turn to host this year, but aren’t exactly sure where to start, never fear! Read on for four simple tips that will leave your guests filled with joy.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

Next to spending time with loved ones, we all know that the best part of the holidays is the food. Cooking for a large group of people can be intimidating. Luckily, companies like Honey Baked Ham, make it easy to feed a crowd. Hor d'oeuvres are a great way to keep everyone happy and have food to graze on throughout your gathering. The key to hor d'oeuvres is to keep everything bite-sized and to make sure there is plenty to go around. Recipes like these melt-in-your-mouth brie bites and cranberry turkey meatballs are great because you can prep them ahead of time and just stick them in the oven when your guests arrive. If your kitchen has an island like the B2 floorplan at Camden Dilworth in Charlotte, NC, place the hor d'oeuvres on the island and let guests gather round from all sides to allow easy access. Dinner is served!

An open-concept kitchen at Camden Dilworth, great for entertaining!

Deck the Halls

Decorating your Camden apartment for the holidays is a great way to get in the holiday spirit. Decorations don’t have to be over the top. In fact, minimal decorations can make a huge impact. Seasonal greenery can transform your apartment into a winter wonderland. Make sure guests feel the warmth the moment they arrive by adorning your front door with a wreath, which can be decorated with cranberries, pinecones, or even festive ribbon. Lush garland placed on top of cabinets or a fireplace mantle will seamlessly tie the winter theme throughout your apartment. Add a few lengths of string lights and your apartment will twinkle, inside and out. Your Camden team will ensure that your guest's experience starts as soon as they pull in with decorations around the leasing office.

Photo courtesy of Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Cozy Up by the Fire (or project one on your tv)

There is nothing better than sitting by a fire while being surrounded by the presence of loved ones. Some Camden apartments like Camden St. Clair in Atlanta, Georgia have units available with a fireplace, so make sure to take advantage of this feature when the temperature begins to drop. No fireplace? No problem! You can still create the same ambiance by direct steaming a video of crackling fireplaces onto your television screen, which can be found on YouTube. Add a seasonal scented candle into the mix and you’ll never know the difference!

Make Memories

Polaroid and disposable cameras have been making a comeback in recent years and are a great way to capture memories at your get-together. Having a camera that your guests can pass around throughout the party gives everyone the chance to capture special moments. As an added bonus, if you opt for a Polaroid or other instant camera, your guests will have a keepsake to take home with them. Luckily, Camden apartments make a great background for a photoshoot!

If you run into a snag while hosting, shake it off and remember everyone is just there to have a good time. Remember, while the food, decorations, and ambiance are all important, the most important part of all is getting to spend time with loved ones in your Camden home. If you are exchanging gifts with your party guests, check out this article for a variety of gifts you can make at home!