How to Host a Holiday Party without the Cooking stress
Inspiration for every celebration
Have you ever found yourself hosting during the holidays… running between the oven and the front door, trying to manage appetizers, conversations, kids, timing, and cleanup, all at once?
Or maybe planning to spend Christmas or New Year’s in Florida or New York, only to realize: every restaurant is packed, reservations are impossible, and the one thing you wanted most, cozy, meaningful celebration, suddenly feels out of reach.
If you’ve ever felt like wanting a beautiful holiday and not wanting the stress that comes with it… you’re not alone.
I’ve been there.
I’ve hosted with love and intention, but also with overwhelm.
I’ve spent Christmas Day in the kitchen instead of at the table.
I’ve cleaned while everyone else laughed.
And what I remember most isn’t the food I cooked… it’s the feeling of wishing I had been more present.
That’s the moment so many of us reach each year, and one of the reasons I started chefpost, wondering if there was a way to celebrate the holidays beautifully… without cooking, cleaning, or stressing-out.
There is and it’s not spending excessive amounts of money on a catering company. What you need is a personal chef for an intimate gathering.
But not any chef you can find in the wild internet, your need a chef you can trust to cook a personalized dinner for you and your loved ones in the comfort of your home, leaving your kitchen spotless, so you can relax and enjoy the time with your guests.
To make your life easier and better, I curated a list of the best menus and experiences you can host at home for every holiday. At the end, I’ll share with you what I’m hosting this year for my Annual Holiday Party!
Best Holiday Party ideas for YOU!
✨ If you’re hosting a big gathering (15+ people)
Go for a Cozy Christmas Brunch or Small Bites Holiday Party.
These work beautifully when you have a full house and want something festive, fun, and stress-free.
Perfect for: Christmas morning, Christmas Eve, Friendmas, or holiday open houses.
✨ For intimate dinners (10 guests)
Choose an Elevated Christmas Dinner.
Perfect for small gatherings, or anyone craving connection.
✨ If you’re traveling to Florida or New York
Skip the restaurants, celebrate in your Airbnb or home.
A chef brings the holiday to you.
• Christmas Eve dinner in NYC
• Christmas in Florida
• Personalized menus to match your party
Perfect for: travelers wanting cozy, meaningful holiday nights.
✨ If you want a tradition-focused Hanukkah dinner
Choose a menu that honors tradition with an elevated touch: latkes, brisket or roasted chicken, Warm salads. A beautiful, meaningful way to celebrate together.
✨ If you want to start the year beautifully
Book a New Year’s Eve Dinner experience. Skip the crowds. Start the year grounded and joyful.
This is the year you finally get to enjoy your Holiday Party
Imagine it:
Your guests arrive.
Your home smells heavenly.
Your table is set.
Your chef is quietly taking care of everything.
You’re not rushing, you’re laughing, connecting, celebrating.
You look around and think…
“This is how the holidays should feel.”
And after everyone leaves?
Your kitchen is clean.
Your heart is full.
And you remember every moment, because you were in it.
This year, you deserve a holiday that feels like that.
P.S. This year, I’m hosting 20 friends + kids for my Annual Holiday Party, and I chose a brunch holiday menu. Why not have our favorite meal at night?
We choose: - Tortilla Española - Veggies Quiche - No veggies quiche - Honey Baked Ham (sliced) - Avocado Toasts with Caprese burrata on top - Gluten Free Pancakes with berries and jams - Christmas Cheesecake parfait cups
Will share all the photos via substack notes in a couple of days!
Happy Holidays!
Diana
xx
founder www.chefpost.com