🎄How to Host a Holiday Party at a Venue (That Feels Like Home, But Better)
- Wendi Shilts-Johnson
- Dec 18, 2025
- 4 min read
All the family vibes—none of the living room chaos.

There’s nothing better than gathering with the people you love during the holidays—but when your guest list keeps growing and your kitchen starts feeling like a sardine can, it might be time for a new plan.
That’s where hosting at a venue like ours comes in. Whether you're planning a laid-back family dinner, a friendsgiving-style potluck, or a cozy night with food, laughter, and board games, our DIY-friendly space gives you room to celebrate without the stress.
Here’s how to throw a holiday party that feels warm, personal, and way less chaotic than doing it at home.
1️⃣ Give Yourself (and Your Home) a Break 🛋️
We all love the idea of “home for the holidays”—until we’re scrubbing the baseboards, inflating the air mattress, and frantically hiding laundry in closets.
Hosting at a venue takes that pressure off your plate.

Instead of moving furniture to squeeze in more chairs, you’ll have:
Plenty of room for everyone to sit, eat, and actually relax
Space for kids to play without trampling the tree
No worries about parking, bathroom lines, or fitting a dozen casserole dishes in your oven
And best of all? No post-party deep clean. You’ll head home with leftovers and memories—not a mountain of dishes.
2️⃣ Bring Your Own Food, Drinks & Style 🥂
Our venue is all about flexibility. We provide the foundation—you bring your vision to life.
Want to cook your signature dishes and bring them in hot? Great. Prefer to order catering or hit your favorite restaurant for trays of food? Go for it. Hosting a themed potluck where everyone brings a family recipe? Even better.
Here’s what you control:
Food and drink: potluck, catered, homemade—your choice
Decorations: keep it simple or go full Hallmark movie set
Music: bring a speaker and queue up your favorite holiday playlist
Setup: choose how you arrange tables, chairs, and activities

Whether you want to go all out or keep it chill, the space is yours to make it what you want.
3️⃣ Keep It Simple & Focused on Connection 🫶
Holiday gatherings don’t need to be Pinterest-perfect to be meaningful. Some of the best parties are the most relaxed—where people feel comfortable, conversations flow, and the food is familiar.

Here are a few easy ideas to keep the focus on fun:
Family-style meals: Set up long tables and serve everything buffet-style so people can help themselves
Simple decor: String lights, table runners, candles, and some greenery go a long way
Memory station: Set up a table with photos from past holidays, a guestbook, or a “holiday wishes” jar
Games or activities: Think card games, charades, or a white elephant gift exchange
The goal isn’t to impress—it’s to connect. Hosting at a venue lets you do that without the distractions and logistics of squeezing everyone into your living room.
4️⃣ Make the Most of the Space 🪩
One of the biggest perks of a venue is being able to actually spread out. At home, you’re negotiating who gets the couch and where the kids can sit. In our space, you can set the layout that works for your gathering.

Think about how you want the night to flow:
Arrange tables so conversation is easy—round tables or long family-style setups both work well
Set up a “kids’ corner” with games, coloring, or crafts to keep little ones entertained
Dedicate a table to desserts, drinks, or gifts so there’s a natural focal point
Use a blank wall for a DIY photo booth (just add props and twinkle lights!)
Create separate zones for eating, mingling, and relaxing so guests aren’t all crammed into one spot
Need tables, chairs, or other essentials? We’ve got them on-site—so all you need to do is bring your people.
5️⃣ Plan Ahead, Then Let It Flow 📦
When you’re doing a DIY-style party at a venue, a little planning goes a long way. The good news is you only need to bring what you actually want—and the rest can stay out of the equation.

Here’s a simple checklist to make setup and cleanup smooth:
Pack labeled bins for decor, tableware, and cleanup supplies
Bring paper towels, trash bags, and foil or containers for leftovers
Assign setup and breakdown roles to a few helpful family members
Don’t forget: a speaker, extension cord, serving utensils, and a lighter for candles!
Once things are set up, you’re done. No oven to babysit, no bathroom line to manage, no last-minute run for ice. Just grab a plate, pour a drink, and be part of the party.
✨ Final Thoughts 🕯️
You don’t need a fancy ballroom—or a spotless living room—to host a warm, memorable holiday party. A flexible, cozy venue like ours gives you everything you need to create the celebration you want, without the stress you don’t.
You bring the food, the people, and the vibe. We’ve got the space, the tables, and the peace of mind.
So skip the cleanup chaos and make this year’s holiday gathering feel like home—just with better parking.
