Holiday Hosting Guide: 5 ways to upgrade your hosting game this Holiday Season

The holiday season is approaching fast, and whether you’re a bachelor, young couple, or a busy professional, hosting during this time of year can feel like a major challenge. But don’t sweat it—by planning ahead and adding a few thoughtful details, you can elevate your hosting game and throw a party that guests won’t forget. From cocktail batching and easy-to-prep foods to cool party hacks and icebreakers, here are five ways to make your holiday gatherings more festive and fun.

Here are 5 ways you can easily take your holiday hosting up a notch, or two:

Let’s get started!

1. Work smarter, not harder: Master the art of cocktail batching

Let’s be real—nobody wants to spend all night stuck behind the bar. Batching cocktails in advance is a game-changer for hosts, letting you relax and enjoy the party while still impressing guests with your mixology skills. Not only does this free you up, but it also ensures that everyone has a delicious drink in hand from the moment they arrive.

Cocktail batching tips:

Choose crowd-pleasers: Stick to simple, universally appealing cocktails like a bourbon punch or classic whiskey sour. Angel’s Envy Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels, with its smooth, nuanced flavor, is perfect for big-batch cocktails.
Keep it fresh: Mix the base of your cocktail (bourbon, citrus, syrups, etc.) ahead of time, but wait until the last minute to add sparkling components like soda or prosecco. Pro-tip: After you use up the alcohol or mixer ingredients, wash out the bottle and use it to store your pre-batched cocktails, just ensure to add a label so people know it’s already batched. Maybe even use a ribbon and “gift tag” for a cleaner aesthetic.
Use a dispenser or punch bowl: These make it easy for guests to help themselves and add a festive touch to your table. Here’s one that allows you to stack two options and is fairly easy to clean. If you’re looking for something more affordable, here’s another option with a more rustic aesthetic too.

Batch cocktail recipe idea:

Holiday Bourbon Punch

6-8 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups Angel’s Envy Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels
1 cup cranberry juice
1 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
1/2 cup pomegranate juice
1/2 cup simple syrup (add cinnamon or clove for a holiday twist–rosemary looks a lot like evergreen and is great as a garnish)
Top with club soda or ginger ale (added just before serving)

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients (except soda) in a punch bowl or large pitcher. Keep chilled until party time, then top with soda and serve over ice. Easy, festive, and perfect for holiday mingling.
Garnish with orange slices, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks.

Angel’s Envy Mulled Wine

12-14 servings

Ingredients:

1 cup (or more to preference) Angel’s Envy Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels
2 bottles of fruit-forward, full-bodied red wine (Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc.)
3 orange
3 lemons
Cloves
Cinnamon Sticks
Star Anise
Several tablespoons brown sugar to taste

Instructions:

Heat in a crockpot on high.
Add the oranges and lemons cut into wheels and studded with cloves, 3-5 cinnamon sticks and star anise pods, several heaping tablespoons of brown sugar and 1 cup of Angel’s Envy.
If you don’t have a crockpot, warm the ingredients over medium heat, without boiling, for 10-15 minutes and serve.
Once warmed/set, serve in coffee mugs garnished with an orange slice

Or, any of the other Holiday Cocktails shared earlier this month too.

2. Prepare foods that last the night

The key to stress-free holiday hosting is preparing food that doesn’t need constant attention. You’ll want dishes that hold up well over a few hours, allowing guests to nibble throughout the night without you having to constantly refresh.

Best types of foods:

Charcuterie boards: Opt for a mix of cheeses, cured meats, crackers, and fruits. You can add a seasonal touch by incorporating spiced nuts, dried cranberries, or even bourbon-glazed meats.
Warm dips: Think spinach and artichoke or a creamy bourbon-infused cheese dip. Keep them in mini slow cookers to stay warm and ready.
Sliders or flatbreads: These mini bites can be prepped ahead and are easy to replenish. Consider a bourbon BBQ slider for a sweet and smoky flavor.

Food recipe idea:

Bourbon-Glazed Meatballs

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
For the glaze:
- 1/2 cup Angel’s Envy Rye Finished in Rum Casks
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

Mix the meat, egg, and breadcrumbs, and form small meatballs.
Bake at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine the glaze ingredients in a saucepan and simmer until thickened.
Toss the cooked meatballs in the glaze and keep warm in a slow cooker.

3. Get creative with personal touches

Little details can make a big difference. One fun way to avoid the dreaded drink mix-up is by creating custom ways for guests to mark their glasses. This not only keeps things organized but adds a touch of personalization to the party.

Ideas for Marking Glasses:

Chalkboard stickers: Simple and reusable, chalkboard stickers let guests write their names on their glass or mug.
Wine glass charms: Buy or make your own glass charms either with holiday themes (snowflakes, reindeer, etc.), or something cheeky.
DIY photo booth: For a fun twist, set up a mini photo booth with instant Fujifilm Instax cameras, and let guests snap pics and attach them to their drinks as unique markers.

4. Fun party games & ice breakers

The holidays are all about bringing people together, and sometimes, that means getting the conversation started. Incorporating party games or icebreakers can help guests relax and have fun, especially if not everyone knows each other well.

Ice breaker game ideas:

Holiday Trivia: Prepare a quick trivia game about holiday traditions, movies, or music. Divide guests into teams and see who knows the most about the season.
Secret Santa Cocktail Exchange: Ask each guest to bring a mini bottle of their favorite liquor. Set up a fun exchange, and everyone leaves with a little holiday spirit (literally).
Two Truths and a Lie: A great icebreaker for smaller groups, this game gets people talking and sharing fun facts about themselves.

5. Set the VIBE: Decor and music goes a long way

A well-decorated space and the right playlist can make all the difference in creating a festive atmosphere when you’re hosting during the holidays. But don’t worry—upgrading your decor doesn’t have to mean going over the top. Stick to a few key elements that are easy but impactful.

Decor tips:

Lighting: Opt for warm, ambient lighting with string lights, candles, or even a few lamps or light stands, to create a cozy vibe.
Seasonal greens: Incorporate holiday greenery like pine garlands, eucalyptus, or a small tree centrepiece. Bonus points for adding bourbon-scented candles!
Simple accents: Gold or silver accents, holiday napkins, or a themed tablecloth can add holiday flair without overwhelming the space.

Music playlist tips:

Reach out to guests and get them to suggest some of their favourite tracks and create a mix that isn’t too intrusive. Or alternatively, think of artists like Michael Bublé, Frank Sinatra, and modern favourites like Leon Bridges or John Legend for a good “safe” mix that will please most if not all.
If you don’t have the time to curate something custom, check out your favourite streaming service like Apple Music or Spotify, for pre-made holiday playlists or create your own to match the mood of your gathering. Here’s one we really enjoy.

Making it a memorable one, with Angel’s Envy Finished Whiskeys

Hosting a holiday party doesn’t have to be stressful or overly complicated. By prepping, in advance, with batched cocktails, easy-to-serve foods, fun games, and thoughtful decor, you’ll create a welcoming and festive atmosphere that keeps the night running smoothly. With Angel’s Envy, reportedly Canada’s number one super premium Bourbon, at the heart of your cocktail game, you’re bound to impress your guests and keep the holiday spirit alive.

Angel’s Envy Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels

Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (43.3% ABV) is a versatile and smooth spirit with flavour nuances from its unique Ruby Port Wine barrel finish. The subtle sweetness from the port barrels elevates the whiskey without overpowering it, making it enjoyable neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. This bourbon is an excellent addition to any whiskey lover’s collection and a great introduction for newcomers.

$79.95, at the LCBO

And, if the night calls for a special touch, consider bringing out a special bottle of Angel’s Envy Single Barrel, now available at select liquor stores across the country for a limited time. Its rich, complex flavour, enhanced by the port cask finish, makes it the perfect centrepiece for your holiday bar, adding a touch of elegance that your guests will savour. So, pour yourself a glass, turn up the music, and get ready to host your best holiday party yet.

But remember, especially during the holiday season, it’s easy to have more than a couple drinks, so plan ahead, drink responsibly and never, drink and drive.

Editor’s note: *Prices may vary, and subject to change without notice. Photos: All courtesy of Angel's Envy, with some minor AI adjustments by our design team.

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