Hosting at home gets a whole lot easier when you stop reinventing the wheel every time. After years of gatherings on the farm, I've landed on one simple formula I follow for every single event, and it's the reason I can host without the stress. It's not about fancy, it's about knowing exactly what to do each time so your energy goes into your guests instead of your to-do list. One of my secrets is a piece of faux greenery I use year after year, and another is the one thing I tie onto every gift that leaves my house.

Keep reading for the seven ways I keep every gathering simple but memorable.

My 7-step party Formula

Here is the exact formula I use for every party that I host. Keeping this rhythm in mind each time helps me plan the event without stressing about the little details each time.
1. Mingle fresh and faux florals.
2. Serve on lightweight dishes that are portable.
3. Always set up the same way.
4. Turn off the overhead lights.
5. Play some soft music.
6. Offer a simple cocktail & mocktail.
7. Send guests home with a happy.

To answer your questions…

How do you decorate a holiday table without spending a fortune on fresh flowers?

One trick I’ve used for years is mixing fresh greenery clipped from my garden with a few realistic faux pieces. Potted plants and evergreen clippings straight from the garden make beautiful table décor, but a sturdy faux topiary that looks real can be restyled every season and used for years to come. I don't say that lightly as a gardener, but mingling fresh and faux is one of the easiest decorating secrets I know. Tuck a few magnolia or cedar clippings around the base of a faux topiary and nobody can tell where the real stops and the faux begins.I've tested a lot of fakes. Only one has fooled my gardening friends. This year I’m branching out and adding spiral topiaries to my collection for some variety in the shapes.

What should you serve food on at a party so cleanup is easy?

Serve on pretty, lightweight dishes that guests can carry around with them. Just make sure each plate has a sturdy base so there are no spills. Before each party, I stack a set of pretty paper plates placed on a sturdy rattan chargers, and I pour drinks into theses goblets that guests swear are real glass until they pick them up. Guests are always surprised by how beautiful paper plates can be. You won’t believe how many amazing options I’ve found over the years. I’ve gathered some of my favorite paper products in one spot here!

The best part is there are far fewer dishes to wash when everyone goes home.

My Top 3 Brands for Party Supplies: Caspari, Coterie, & Juliska

How do you set up a party spread so guests feel comfortable?

Set up every party spread the exact same way, every time. My guests know exactly where to find things in my kitchen because I always put paper products, serving dishes, and drink stations in the same area each time. It takes the guesswork out of setup for me, and it helps guests feel at home because they know what to expect. They can grab a plate and a drink without ever having to ask. These are the serving pieces that have survived every party I've ever thrown.

What kind of lighting makes a party feel cozy?

Turn off the overhead lights and let candles and lamps do the work. A soft, warm glow helps everyone relax the minute they walk in. My candle trick for a table that glows but never drips starts with the only candles I'll let near my linens, and I scatter little lamps on counters, side tables, and even the bar. Need a pretty little lamp that sets the mood? I own seven of these and I'm not sorry.

Should you play music at a dinner party?

Yes. Light background music fills the quiet and keeps the conversation flowing. I keep it soft enough that nobody has to raise their voice, and I start it before the first guest arrives so the house already feels alive. Pro tip: When you tuck a bluetooth speaker into a plant, guests never find where the music is coming from.

What drinks should you offer at a holiday party?

Offer one simple cocktail, one kid-friendly mocktail, and plenty of ice water. Pairing a signature cocktail with a mocktail means everyone from the grandkids to Grandmama has something festive in their hand, and a few pitchers of ice water keep guests from having to hunt down a glass. I serve everything from ice water to orange juice out of these.

What should you give guests as a party favor?

Send every guest home with a small gift as a token of appreciation. It doesn't have to be big. A little bag of cookies, a cutting from the garden, or a jar of something homemade is plenty. What makes it feel like it came from me is the finishing touch, and my signature ribbon is always tied around the top!

Let me know what you think!

Try this formula at your next gathering and let me know if it feels easier. Once you've hosted this way a few times, it becomes second nature, and you'll find yourself actually enjoying your own party without stressing about the little decisions each time.

And when you're ready to plan the menu, find lots more holiday recipes and hosting ideas here.