The anticipation of hosting a holiday gathering can be both exhilarating and daunting. As I sat down with Kaye Garcia, a seasoned hostess renowned for her effortless entertaining style, it became clear that her approach is deeply rooted in a philosophy of simplicity and connection. Kaye shared some of her tried-and-true tips for making holiday entertaining a joyous experience, not just for guests, but for the host as well.
Elegancia.homes: Where stunning designs meet exceptional home entertaining.
“I like to think of entertaining as an extension of my everyday life,” Kaye began, her warm smile setting the tone for our conversation. “The holidays are about bringing people together, and I try to focus on creating a comfortable, welcoming environment where everyone feels at home.”
One of Kaye’s standout tips is her approach to holiday giveaways. “Since I cook most, if not all, of the food I serve, I don’t always prepare extra giveaways. Instead, I send the extra food home with my guests if and when they want to,” she explained. “It’s a practical way to reduce waste and also gives my guests a little taste of the evening to enjoy the next day.”
For Kaye, the secret to a stress-free holiday gathering starts with the menu. “My menu always starts with my guest list,” she said thoughtfully. “I first consider what would please that particular group of people and their dietary restrictions, if any. It’s important to create a cohesive and well-balanced menu with a good mix of flavours, textures, and colours.”
Kaye’s attention to detail is evident in her selection of dishes, like her rich Oxtail kare kare. “If my main dish is something as rich as kare kare, I’ll choose other dishes that complement it but are lighter on the palette,” she elaborated. This thoughtful approach ensures that each dish shines while contributing to the overall dining experience.
When it comes to creating impact with minimal effort, Kaye is a master. “There are so many slow-cooked recipes with fewer than three ingredients,” she shared. “All you need is time. I do a 12-hour lamb recipe that only calls for salt, pepper, and duck fat. It’s always a show-stopper.” This method not only simplifies preparation but also allows Kaye to spend more time with her guests—a priority for any host during the holidays.
Beyond the menu, Kaye emphasises the importance of atmosphere. “In addition to the usual holiday decorations, like the tree, wreaths, and garlands, I light scented candles appropriate to the season,” she noted. “The right scent can evoke memories and create a warm, inviting ambiance.”
Kaye’s approach to entertaining is refreshingly attainable, distilling the process down to its essence: connection over perfection. “It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that everything needs to be perfect, but the truth is, the people you invite into your home are there for you,” she reminded me. “It’s about the time spent together, not the perfection of the setting.”
Her advice rings true, especially during the holiday season when the pressure to impress can sometimes overshadow the joy of togetherness. By focusing on thoughtful preparation and genuine hospitality, Kaye ensures that her gatherings are memorable for all the right reasons.
As our conversation drew to a close, I left with a renewed perspective on holiday entertaining. Kaye Garcia’s tips are not just about hosting a successful gathering; they’re about creating meaningful experiences that linger long after the guests have gone home. This holiday season, take a page from Kaye’s book and prioritise connection, warmth, and simplicity. After all, the best gatherings aren’t defined by extravagant displays but by the laughter and love shared amongst friends and family.
By Sarah Dale
Be the first to comment