The holidays are prime time for making guests feel welcome — whether the celebration unfolds around a homey dining table or kicks off at a favorite venue or restaurant.
Early reservations, flexible menus, festive drinks, shareable plates, and those just‑right finishing touches all help set the mood. With a bit of planning, any gathering can shift from simple get‑togethers to standout soirées.
These 10 holiday entertaining tips offer easy ways to dial down the stress and dial up the good food, great company and seasonal fun.
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Book early
Holiday dates fill up fast, at home (guests’ calendars) and at venues (private dining rooms, group reservations)
“At Thirsty Lion, reserving a private or semi-private space in the fall secures the date before the December rush,” said Savana Lawrey, events director for CEG Hospitality, which includes Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill. With events at a home, send save-the-date cards early so guests can plan around other holiday commitments.
Set the mood
Lawrey recommends setting the lighting, turning on music and straightening the décor before the work begins, before food even hits the table. String lights, curate a playlist and a few statement centerpieces go a long way.
“At Thirsty Lion, the space is already dressed for the season, one less thing for a host to coordinate,” Lawrey said.
Plan a menu that covers dietary needs
Dietary restrictions are getting more common — vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, or a nut allergy. Build the menu so those needs are worked into the shared spread rather than a separate plate that singles someone out.
For example, the harvest bowl at Thirsty Lion can be built vegetarian, or topped with grilled chicken, salmon or shrimp, so one dish flexes to fit the whole table
“A great host doesn’t wait to be asked,” Lawrey said. “They’ve already made sure everyone at the table has something they can enjoy.”
Lean into shareable, family- or buffet-style dining
Passing dishes break the ice and naturally spark conversation; guests chat as they reach for the same plate. For example, bacon-wrapped dates and dynamite shrimp make a great passed or shared starter. That gets the family talking before the main course arrives.
However, buffet-style setups allow guests to move around the room and mingle. This setup removes decision fatigue; no one is agonizing over a single entrée. A buffet spread also gives guests the freedom to go back for seconds of a favorite, which naturally leads to more conversation around the food table.
Signature holiday cocktails and mocktails are always important and memorable. Hosts can choose ingredients like spiced or citrus-forward drink that guests associate with the event. Here are a few to try: pomegranate margarita or Tito’s Winter White Cosmo, garnished with sugared cranberries. Both lean into the season, and the Hugo spritz offers a lighter celebratory option for a toast.
For teetotalers, options include the ginger mint mule, chocolate espresso martini, or ritual margarita, giving guests a cocktail experience without the alcohol. Self-serve options keep the hosts from bartending all night.
That said, sometimes hosts are too busy to enjoy the party. Prepare marinades, pre-portioned appetizers and sauces a day or two in advance to cut down on day-of stress.
For example, at Thirsty Lion, family-style trays, such as a batch of bacon-wrapped dates, mean the hosts handle only a dish or two themselves.
“The best host isn’t in the kitchen, they’re the table,” Lawrey said.
At Thirsty Lion: ordering catering or family-style trays, like a batch of the bacon-wrapped dates, means the host only handles a dish or two themselves.
Holiday guests want familiar, cozy dishes, but a seasonal twist keeps the menu from feeling predictable. Smoked pork ramen and shrimp scampi linguini bring warmth and richness without feeling heavy. Wagyu beef burger offers an elevated take on a classic.
Cedar plank salmon is another untraditional choice, with its bold, warm flavors, smoke and glaze. The cinnamon pear and cranberry crumble served warm with vanilla ice cream rounds out the meal.
Build a beverage station
Playfully curating a dedicated station with batch cocktails, warm drinks, and a non-alcoholic option keeps guests self-sufficient. Lawrey suggests a garnish bar with cinnamon sticks, citrus peels and sugared cranberries.
Send guests home with something
A small take-home treat, such as a cookie, a bottled cocktail mix, or a printed recipe card, extends the experience beyond the night. At Thirsty Lion, sending each guest home with a chocolate chip cookie or a chocolate porter brownie can serve as a nice touch for guests booking through the venue.
Hosts can also pick up Thirsty Lion gift cards to raffle off as guest gifts or door prizes, giving one lucky guest a reason to come back.
Focus on experience, not perfection
Ambiance, interaction, ease of prep, and a well-chosen menu all add up to something guests remember. A host who’s present and relaxed sets the tone more than a flawless spread does. “Food gets people to the table. Experience is what makes them stay and remember it,” Lawrey said.
Other options for holiday get-togethers
Mastro’s City Hall, Mastro’s Ocean Club & Mastro’s Steakhouse
Each Scottsdale location offers private and semi-private dining rooms, perfect for seated celebrations or lively cocktail receptions accommodating groups from 14 to 180.
Indulge in prime steaks, fresh seafood, festive cocktails and seasonal desserts, including the cinnamon and pecan butter cake, while enjoying customized menus tailored to the event. Throughout the holiday season, guests hosting private holiday events can toast the occasion with exclusive cocktails and mocktails, only available for private holiday bookings.
Virtu Honest Craft
Tucked away for personal and extraordinary experience, Virtu Honest Craft offers a soulful setting for holiday dinners, team celebrations or festive nights with friends and family. For smaller groups of up to 12, the Private Wine Room has incredible food, exceptional wine and plenty of Italian hospitality. For larger celebrations, the main dining room and heated, outdoor courtyard are also available to reserve. Savor seasonal, chef-driven dishes, hand-crafted cocktails and curated wine pairings tailored specifically to a table.
Quiessence at the Farm
Quiessence at The Farm at South Mountain offers a picturesque setting for seasonal gatherings. Private dining options include the cozy Fireplace Room for up to 15 guests, the Private Solarium for up to 36, the Tamarisk Sunset Patio for up to 40, and a full restaurant buyout for up to 100 guests.
Chef Dustin Christofolo and the Quiessence culinary team can tailor a seasonal menu to the occasions, with three- and four-course experiences as well as optional hors d’oeuvres, artisan stations, signature cocktails, live music and other enhancements. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available with advance notice.
Located at The Farm at South Mountain, Quiessence provides indoor and outdoor settings surrounded by the property’s natural beauty
Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails
For holiday gatherings and special events, Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails offers an intimate semi-private dining room for up to 14 guests and a covered patio buyout, private lunch experience and full restaurant buyout for larger groups of up to 80.
For a more creative option, Rosewood Catering and Michelin-starred Chef Stratta serves an in-home experience for groups of 10 to 100. The customized, elevated menu is made with premium ingredients, craft cocktails and full-service hospitality.
Queen Creek Olive Mill
For holiday parties and seasonal gatherings, Queen Creek Olive Mill offers a distinctive Arizona setting surrounded by olive trees, open skies and rustic farm charm. The 56-acre estate features a variety of indoor and outdoor event spaces for groups of approximately 20 to 80 guests, making it well suited for corporate celebrations, rehearsal dinners, birthdays, showers and winter events.
Guests can choose from spaces throughout the property, including intimate grove-side settings, covered outdoor venues and indoor options, with farm-style furnishings and event coordination included. For groups looking for something more experiential, the Olive Mill also offers Lunch & Learn and Picnic Party packages, along with optional enhancements like olive oil or vinegar favors and gelato cart service. Custom food and beverage options are available through the Olive Mill’s catering team.
Wine Girl
Wine Girl Scottsdale is an Instagrammable wine bar offers a stylish, approachable setting for corporate celebrations, friend gatherings and festive private parties. With customizable spaces, guests can choose from Wine Girl’s food and beverage offerings or select catering packages including a taco bar, Italian spread or “The Works,” with private event options available for groups of 25 or more.
