Holiday Entertaining with Bee Inspired

Holiday hosting can be a daunting task, but fear not! For an easy holiday, we’re here to lend a hand. Get ready to add a touch of buzz-worthy excitement to your home with our top picks for bee-inspired snacks and gifts. Whether it’s a grand dinner affair or a cozy girls’ night in, we’ve got you covered for quick and fabulous party prep, even if time is of the essence.

Getting Ready for Holiday Hosting

Setting the right ambiance is key to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Bid farewell to tired holiday decor, dim lighting, and anything less than festive aromas wafting from the kitchen. Clear your space and give everything a fresh update before your guests arrive by focusing on entertaining essentials. Enhance the scene with a gorgeous winter centerpiece and the soft glow of hand-poured candles from our Home Fragrance collection. Incorporate fresh flowers to elevate your tablescape and create a festive atmosphere. Pick one or two scents from our collection and about an hour before guests arrive, fill the room with your signature holiday scent. Our favorites are Winter Forest and Haute Cocoa! Or try our best selling Double Espresso Luxe Candle that emits a spot-on coffee scent for your guests.

Planning the Perfect Holiday Party

Planning the perfect holiday party is all about setting the stage for a memorable and joyous celebration. Start by envisioning the kind of atmosphere you want to create. Is it a cozy, intimate gathering with close family and friends, or a lively, bustling event with a larger crowd? Once you have a vision, the rest will fall into place.

Get Into the Holiday Spirit

If you’re interested in playing host and creating a signature drink to hand to your guests as they arrive, there are so many options! For serious libation, wrap up your party planning with a honey and bourbon cocktail. Perfect for Christmas parties and your New Year’s bash, you’ll play bartender all night with any of our favorite Eastern Shore cocktails. If you’re old school, our cinnamon topped and dairy free eggnog is an oldie with a new twist and a goodie! An Eastern Shore Hot Toddy will warm up your guests if it’s cold outside. Speaking of warm drinks, mulled wine also works great as a signature drink and ours is a proven crowd pleaser! Cocktails made with tea are current, try this earl grey tea cocktail one made with our Raven Tea.

Try any of our festive holiday drinks made with honey

• Apple Bourbon Ginger Cocktail
• Spiked Pumpkin Juice Cocktail
• Boozy Pumpkin Spice Latte
• Pumpkin Espresso Martini
• Vanilla Chai White Russian
• Mistletoe Margarita
• Grinch Mimosa
• Mulled Wine
• Pumpkin Spice Whipped Coffee
• Apple Rye Punch
• Irish Hot Chocolate
• Apple Cider Margarita
• Hot Toddy

The taste of our Tupelo Honey compliments so many different kinds of drinks!

Or if you prefer not to serve your guests alcohol, why not warm their hearts with a pot of our delightful blended teas? Whether they opt for the soothing notes of Raven Tea or this delicious seasonal Cider+Spice Tea, a steaming cup will banish the winter chill and warm the heart! And for that perfect touch of sweetness, add a spoonful of our Bee Inspired Honey or serve up an entertaining block of Raw Honeycomb, proudly produced in the USA!

If it’s a ladies’ night, treat your girlfriends to a spa night with one of our rejuvenating Dry Masks for face or turn the bathroom into a home spa with any of our lovely Bath & Body Goods. These wonders will revitalize dull skin, leaving fresh and radiant skin. You can also follow our Guide to Facial Steaming to open up your pores and improve circulation. Why not kick off the evening with a glass of wine alongside these treatments for the ultimate indulgence? For additional beauty tips, consider styling your hair and nails to complement the festive atmosphere.

Set the Tone for Your Holiday Cheer

Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere is key to getting everyone in the holiday spirit. Here are some tips to help you set the perfect tone for your holiday cheer:

• Choose a Theme: Whether it’s a winter wonderland, a festive holiday market, or a classic Christmas party, a theme can tie all your decorations and activities together. It gives your guests a sense of what to expect and adds a fun, cohesive element to your event.
• Select a Color Scheme: Colors like red and green, silver and gold, or even a chic white and blue can evoke the holiday season beautifully. Stick to a few key colors to keep your decor looking polished and intentional.
• Use Lighting to Your Advantage: Soft, warm lighting can make any space feel cozy and inviting. Consider string lights, candles, or even a roaring fireplace to add that perfect glow.
• Add Festive Decorations: Garlands, wreaths, and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree can instantly transform your home into a holiday haven. Don’t forget the little touches like holiday-themed table settings and cozy throw blankets.
• Play Holiday Music: Set the mood with a mix of classic carols and modern holiday tunes. Music is a powerful way to evoke the holiday spirit and get everyone in a festive mood.

By setting the tone for your holiday cheer, you’ll create an atmosphere that makes your guests feel welcome and ready to celebrate.

Treats to Make Holiday Party Entertaining Easier

And when it comes to creative charcuterie ideas, we’ve got your back! No need to fuss and rush around the kitchen as guests start to arrive. These simple and crowd-pleasing recipes, including some of your favorite dishes, will keep your friends happy, allowing you more time to enjoy the festivities.

Charcuterie makes for a festive start to holiday entertaining - learn how to pair honey with cheese

Hosting a dinner party during the holidays can be stress-free with the right planning and ambiance.

These are yummy and easy to make in large batches. And, they’re so easy to customize-sprinkle with grated cheese, add diced jalapeño peppers or pimentos to the dough, or swirl in cinnamon.

This Spicy Nut Mix takes just a few steps to cook up, and are great for leaving in bowls around your space. They pair well with a little drizzle of honey-a perfect sweet and spicy finger food.

Easy and so yummy, our Honey Glazed Bacon Wrapped Shrimp is a great way to kick off your holiday meals. Make a bunch, because they’ll go quickly!

Potato Latkes are a traditional dish for Hanukah-but they’re great for any winter festivity! Sweet and savory, you can add your favorite toppings and sauces to really make them shine.

Want something sweet to go along with all of these savory party foods? Our friend Marly has made plenty of festive pumpkin sweets that would be great on your holiday table-check out these adorable pumpkin donuts! Or you could always plan with a beautiful array of holiday cookies. Nothing is more fun than getting into the kitchen and making and decorating cookies for your friends, colleagues, and family. I know I used to do this every year but now, I make them all with honey!

Are you in search of the perfect Holiday gifts?

You can shop our site and put together the perfect gift set for your friends and family, or if you're short on time, grab gifts that we've curated on your behalf. We have created a delightful collection of holiday gifts that are guaranteed to please everyone on your list.

Check out our incredible offerings:

1. Gifts under $50: You don't have to break the bank to find something special.
2. Gifts for Him: Show the men in your life some love with our handpicked selection.
3. Gifts for Her: Treat the ladies to something truly extraordinary.
4. Winter Holiday Gifts: Embrace the spirit of the season with these festive presents.
5. Gifts for College Students: Help them thrive with gifts they'll truly appreciate.
6. Gifts that WOW: Indulge someone special with our luxurious and exclusive offerings.
7. Gifts for Tea Lovers: For those who savor every sip, discover our exquisite tea-themed gifts.
8. Spa Gifts: Pamper your loved ones with these relaxing and rejuvenating treats.

Don't miss out on finding the perfect gifts to make this holiday season truly unforgettable!

Our Lip Tint Bundles make great stocking stuffers!

Easy Entertaining Tips for the Holiday Season

Entertaining during the holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of planning and some smart strategies, you can host a fabulous holiday party with ease.

Create a Loose Prep Schedule

One of the best ways to ensure a stress-free holiday party is to create a loose prep schedule. Here’s how to do it:

• Make a List: Start by listing all the tasks you need to complete before the party, from decorating to cooking to cleaning.
• Break It Down: Divide each task into smaller, more manageable chunks. For example, instead of “decorate the house,” break it down into “decorate the living room,” “set up the dining table,” and “hang outdoor lights.”
• Assign Time Slots: Allocate specific time slots for each task, leaving some buffer time in case things take longer than expected. This will help you stay on track without feeling rushed.
• Prioritize: Focus on the most critical tasks first. If something doesn’t get done, make sure it’s not a deal-breaker for your party.
• Be Flexible: Adjust your schedule as needed. If something takes longer than expected, don’t stress—just move on to the next task and come back to it later if you have time.

By creating a loose prep schedule, you’ll stay organized and focused, ensuring that your holiday party goes off without a hitch.

Honey Lollipops make the perfect party favors

Keep Decorations Simple and Stress-Free

When it comes to holiday decorations, less can often be more. Here are some tips to keep your decor simple yet festive:

• Focus on Key Areas: Instead of trying to decorate every inch of your home, concentrate on a few key areas like the mantel, dining table, or front door. A few well-placed decorations can make a big impact.
• Use Natural Elements: Incorporate natural elements like evergreen branches, holly, or pinecones. They add a touch of the outdoors and can be easily arranged for a beautiful, organic look.
• Stick to a Cohesive Color Scheme: Choose a few key colors that reflect the holiday season and stick to them. This will make your decor look more polished and intentional.
• Avoid Over-Accessorizing: It’s easy to go overboard with holiday decorations, but sometimes less is more. Focus on a few statement pieces that add to the overall ambiance without overwhelming the space.
• Consider Disposable Decorations: Items like paper flowers or tissue paper garlands can add a pop of color and festivity without the hassle of cleaning up afterward.

By keeping your decorations simple and stress-free, you’ll create a festive atmosphere that allows you to enjoy the holiday season without feeling overwhelmed.

Find More Inspiration on the Way

As you prepare to embrace the holiday season, remember that hosting a memorable party doesn't have to be a daunting task. By incorporating our carefully curated tips and tricks, you can transform your holiday entertaining experience into a seamless and joyous occasion. From setting the perfect festive mood with enchanting decorations and delightful aromas to crafting signature drinks and delectable treats, our guide ensures you are well-equipped to impress your guests. So, let the holiday cheer fill your home, and create lasting impressions with ease and style. Trust in our expertise to make your festivities stress-free and unforgettable. Happy holidays and happy hosting!