The holiday season is all about spending time with loved ones, creating memories, and sharing good food and conversation. But if you’re the host, it can also feel overwhelming, especially when you’re entertaining at home. Whether you’re welcoming friends, family, or a mix of both, these stress-free holiday hosting hacks will ensure that your Aruban property becomes the perfect setting for memorable gatherings, without the stress.
- Prepare in Advance: The Key to Calm
One of the best ways to reduce stress while hosting is to prepare as much as possible ahead of time. Plan your menu, guest list, and seating arrangements a week or more in advance. Make use of Aruba’s local markets by sourcing fresh ingredients early and preparing make-ahead dishes like desserts, casseroles, and salads. Doing most of the work beforehand means you’ll have more time to enjoy your guests and the holiday spirit.
- Set the Island Vibe
Living in Aruba offers the perfect opportunity to embrace an island vibe when hosting. Use your property’s natural surroundings to your advantage by incorporating tropical greenery, outdoor spaces, and airy layouts. Consider an al fresco dining experience on your patio, with string lights or lanterns for evening events. Keep the décor light and breezy, with touches of the island’s beauty, think tropical flowers, seashell accents, or natural textures like bamboo.
- Create an Inviting Flow
Whether your property boasts spacious indoor living areas or cozy outdoor spaces, creating a seamless flow between different parts of your home is essential. Arrange seating areas in a way that encourages conversation, making sure your guests can move easily from room to room or between indoor and outdoor spaces. Keep the doors to your patio open for an easy flow, especially during Aruba’s pleasant evenings.
- Simplify Your Menu
Don’t feel the need to create an overly complicated menu. Instead, focus on simple, crowd-pleasing dishes that take advantage of Aruba’s fresh, local ingredients. Incorporate seafood, fresh fruits, and local herbs like cilantro and thyme. You could even make use of an outdoor grill for a low-maintenance and casual island-themed feast. A signature cocktail, like a refreshing rum punch or tropical mojito, can also add a fun, festive touch.
- Delegate and Accept Help
Hosting doesn’t mean doing everything yourself! Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to family members or friends, such as mixing drinks, setting the table, or managing music. If any guests offer to bring a dish, graciously accept the help—potluck-style gatherings can take a lot of the burden off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company.
- Maximize Your Outdoor Spaces
Aruban properties often come with stunning outdoor spaces, use them! Set up casual seating around the pool, have a bar cart outside, or even create a cozy lounge area with throw pillows and blankets. Whether your guests are lounging on the patio or playing games in the yard, these spaces create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for entertaining.
- Stock Up on Essentials
Keep the essentials well-stocked so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Stock up on beverages, ice, napkins, and snacks. A quick run to a local store like Super Food Plaza or Ling and Sons IGA Supercenter in Oranjestad will help you gather everything you need. Additionally, prepare a guest bathroom with fresh towels, toiletries, and soap.
- Embrace the Island’s Warmth
One of the greatest things about holiday hosting in Aruba is the island’s warm weather. Make use of your outdoor spaces by setting up lawn games or a small fire pit for guests to gather around. You can also encourage relaxation with hammocks or lounge chairs, making it easy for your guests to unwind in true island style.
- Go with the Flow
No matter how much you plan, something may not go exactly as expected, and that’s okay! The holidays are all about making memories, and sometimes the best ones come from the unexpected. Embrace the imperfections, laugh off any small mishaps, and remember that your guests are there to enjoy your company.
