Your Stress-Free Guide to Holiday Entertaining
Maura McEvoy
Maura McEvoy
25 Ways to Get Ahead for the Holidays Use these pay-now, play-later tips to have a jollier time come December
The season with the most social events doesn't have to be the most stressful. Here, helpful plan-ahead strategies, recipes, and party ideas
Alexandra Rowley
How Do You Take the Stress Out of Holiday Entertaining?

Readers share their favorite shortcuts, from mealtime prep to finding meaning
Melanie Acevedo
50+ Holiday Recipes

From appetizers to desserts, the season's best recipes
5-Star Appetizer Recipes

Whip up reader-rated finger foods and hors d'oeuvres
How to Eat Healthy During the Holidays

Try these easy, good-for-you tips
Stress-Free Holiday Cookies

Tips and shortcuts for holiday cookies so you can skip to the fun part: decorating
1 Dough, 6 Cookies

Variety may be the spice of life, but it's also essential when you're making holiday cookies
Baking in Bulk

Make multiples of holiday treats to save time and effort
Print-and-Mail Holiday Party Invitation

Download, print, and personalize your own chic soiree announcement
10 Bewitching Black Dresses

Shopping for a little black dress you can wear year round? Look no further than these classic chic pieces
Host a Sit-Down Dinner

With a do-ahead menu and some cooking shortcuts, you'll be as composed as the meal when company arrives
How to Host a Cheese Party

Assemble a memorable spread that takes just one hour to set up, start to finish
Host a Dessert Buffet

Transform packaged dough into playful yet sophisticated desserts
Holiday Entertaining Tool Kit

Fill your entertaining tool kit with the right items and you can eliminate last-minute trips to the store — and cater to your guests in style.
Easy Ways to Elevate Holiday Entertaining

Small touches like candy canes and Polaroids can personalize your party
The Essential Bar

The liquors, mixers, glasses, and gadgets for your bar, plus 11 classic cocktail recipes
Preparing for a Chic Cocktail Party

Simple tips for a timeless, festive evening, from music to snacks
Easy Cocktail Recipes

What to do with nearly-empty liquor bottles? Try one of these simple drink recipes
Add Cranberries to Holiday Cocktails

Freshen up your holiday bar with a tart twist
Last-Minute Gifts You Can Whip Up in the Kitchen

These treats won't take you 15 minutes, and you can keep the extras
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