The holidays can be stressful, we all know this. But I am out to make this year a bit less hectic. One strategy I am trying out is to have all our Christmas decorating DONE before Thanksgiving. I know, I know… some of you may hate this, but for me there’s something about having that big task checked off that lets me breath a little easier. Here’s a view of our entryway table all decked out!

Another idea I had is to turn a task such as wrapping presents into a girls get-together! Who wouldn’t want to drink cocktails, snack on grazing boards, listen to Christmas music, and wrap your little heart out?!? You could also just blow off some holiday steam by baking cookies, doing an ornament swap, or “favorite things” dirty Santa! Whatever the party you should definitely make time to see your girlfriends during the hustle and bustle of the season!

Throwing together a simple party like this doesn’t have to take a lot of time or energy.

If you’re a Birmingham local, you could (and totally should) use Savor Style to help with the food! Courtney makes gorgeous grazing boards of all kinds and sizes! She will deliver them right to your door! What could be easier than that?!? If you’re not local, still go check out her beautiful Instagram account for inspiration for your own board!

I have another super easy-but-looks-fancy idea to serve your guests. Its recipes for these AH-mazing cocktails! It starts with these mason jars from Illumintaed Candle Bar! They come with all the ingredients ready to make your own infused liquor! You just add 12 oz of liquor of your choice, let sit in the refrigerator for three days, then add in a mixer! We tried out two and they were both so delicious!

For the “Hot Toddy” jar, I added in 12oz of bourbon then mixed it with warm apple cider. Then for the “Apricot Cranberry Smash” I used gin and added in elderflower tonic water. This one was my personal favorite but what can I say… I’m a gin gal! These were so easy and would make a perfect Christmas gift paired with that special someone’s favorite liquor!

Speaking of Christmas gifts, these linen cocktail napkins would also make the perfect present! I love monogrammed home items so much! It’s such a personal touch that makes me feel all fancy!

No matter how busy this season is I hope you find time to hang out with friends! I hope you found inspiration in this post and are filled with ideas to have your girl gang over for some holiday fun!