Top 3 holiday hosting hacks

(Thomas J. Story/Sunset Publishing)

I did an unofficial survey around the office and asked 10 people the same question: “What’s your favorite part of the holidays?” Nine of them gave some variation on “being together with my family” or “enjoying a meal with loved ones.” The other person said, “My favorite part of the holidays is when they’re over. I’m always the hostess!” So this post goes out to that beloved 10 percent, those of you who are always taking one for the team and inviting friends and family into your home, plying us with delicious meals and tasty drinks and handling the stress like a champ.

Below are a few of our favorite entertaining hacks from Sunset and a handful of our sister sites, to help you get through the holidays with grace and style—and maybe even a positive attitude about doing it all over again next year! Thank you from all of us.

How to Easily Freeze CasserolesHalf the battle with feeding houseguests is planning. This video from SouthernLiving.com shows us how to stock up on make-ahead casseroles without giving up your favorite casserole dishes to the nether regions of your freezer.[youtube

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How to Assemble an Impromptu Party SpreadWhat to do when your party guests show up (hungry) an hour earlier than the invitation said? Grab a few commonly stocked items from your pantry and throw together this proven-winner appetizer spread.[youtube

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How to Make Bacon Cinnamon RollsThis hack from FoodandWine.com uses store-bought cinnamon rolls to make a mind-blowing–yet super easy–breakfast for a group.[youtube

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