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Because hosting shouldn’t feel like you’re wrestling a turkey at sunrise.
Holiday hosting has a reputation for being chaotic — timers going off like fireworks, ovens screaming for mercy, guests arriving early with that “we didn’t know what to bring, so here’s some salad in a mixing bowl” energy.
But here’s the thing: when you live in the Florida Keys (or simply channeling the Keys spirit), holiday hosting gets a whole lot breezier. A little prep, a little creativity, and a willingness to let the ocean breeze set the tone and suddenly, hosting feels fun again.
Let’s dive into how to host the holidays like a calm tropical queen (or king), not a frantic, flour-covered elf.
1. Choose Your Theme + Style First
Look at this as your North Star, your compass, your guiding coconut, if you will. Picking a theme makes every other decision so much easier — décor, food, drinks, even your playlist. The best part is, you can get as creative as you want and most, if not all, decor can be prepped as far in advance as you desire, so you won’t have to worry so much about this part on the day of.
Some fun options can be:
🌴Tropical Holiday (palm fronds + key limes in a bowl + string lights)
🌴Coastal Chic (soft blue-greens + natural linens)
🌴Deep, Moody Nautical (dark stormy blues and black + nautical decor + dimmed lighting)
🌴Traditional Thanksgiving/Christmas (think traditional color palettes)
🌴Sunset Glow (soft pinks, yellows and oranges + string lights)
I could go on and on with ideas, but that’s for another day. I’ll post a whole separate blog with theme ideas — link coming soon!
2. Set Up a DIY Bar (The MVP of Stress-Free Hosting)
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: people actually enjoy making their own drinks. It gives them freedom, it keeps them busy, and it keeps you out of bartender jail.
Here’s how to set one up the Keys way:
🌴Use a folding table or outdoor counter, assuming you don’t have a built-in bar
🌴Add a tablecloth (here’s where having a fun theme will help decide what style/colors to go with)
🌴Include fun signage (like “Cheers to Paradise!” or “Sip Happens!” or something that goes with your theme)
🌴Offer the basics: rum, vodka, gin, whiskey, wine, beer, mixers (don’t forget the ice!)
🌴If you have time/energy, have one signature premade drink in a dispenser or punch bowl (totally optional!)
🌴Invite guests to bring their fave beverage (this keeps the selection interesting and ensures your guests have what they like)
DIY bar = YOU get to mingle, not mix drinks all night.
Safety reminder: Send everyone home with a DD, Uber, or their designated boat captain. 😉
3. Apps Should Be Simple, Pretty, and Require Zero Oven Space
Your oven is already under enough emotional stress — don’t give it appetizers too. Choose things that can be made ahead and happily sit out:
🌴Hummus and veggies (homemade or store bought put in a fancy bowl – I’ll never tell)
🌴Cheese board with firmer cheeses, crackers, cured meat, nuts and fruit
🌴Caprese skewers (thread cherry tomatoes, mini bocconccini and basil onto a bamboo skewer and drizzle with EVOO and balsamic glaze)
🌴Pickle Poppers (recipe here)
Prep these the night before, pop them in the fridge, and plate them just before guests arrive. Easy peasy!
4. Make-Ahead Grain Salad (Your New Holiday Wingman)
Want a dish that is:
🌴Healthy
🌴Filling
🌴Nearly impossible to mess up
🌴Perfectly happy being prepped the day before?
A grain salad is where it’s at. The best part is, it’s also super versatile. Use a base of quinoa, couscous, farro or other grain and toss with fall-ish or holiday-ish flavors: roasted squash, dried cranberries, citrus zest, herbs, toasted pecans…whatever feels festive or simply floats your boat. I recommend tossing with dressing the night before and then topping it up if needed right before serving. I personally love some of the Panera dressings – they taste more homemade and you can get them at a lot of grocery stores.
Keep it chilled until serving. Zero stress. Maximum flavor.
5. Hearty Veggies
This is where living in the Keys gives you an instant holiday advantage. If you’ve got a grill (and let’s be real, we all do) then all you need to do is:
🌴Pre-chop hearty veggies the day before (they’ll keep well in the fridge overnight)
🌴Toss with olive oil + your fave seasonings (your grocery store should have some local seasoning blends, but if not, I highly recommend Victoria’s Gourmet or Spice & Tea Exchange)
🌴Grill while the turkey rests – they don’t take too long
No grill? Roast on a baking sheet at high heat for a quicker cook. Yes, you’re technically using the oven, which I know we agreed was off-limits aside from the turkey. BUT – they cook super quickly and they can be done while the turkey rests, just like if you grill them.
6. The Turkey: Let’s Make This Easier, Shall We?
Turkey has too much power. Let’s take it back. Here’s a fun idea: get your spouse/partner/kids to wake up early and start the turkey while you enjoy a few more minutes of heavenly pre-hosting sleep. (Just joking…unless they’re into it 😉)
Actual tips:
🌴Buy ingredients ahead of time (especially if you’re in the Keys where we have fewer store options)
🌴Consider a cook-from-frozen turkey: no thawing drama = no fridge Tetris
🌴OR choose an alternate protein entirely: ham, roast, salmon, slow-cooker pork tenderloin – nobody’s making you make a turkey (I don’t think), so get creative with it. You don’t have to commit to tradition if tradition stresses you out.
7. Stuffing and Gravy
Both of these are arguably the favorite parts of many holiday meals. They can also be some of the most stress-inducing parts to get juuuuust right (looking at you, gravy). Since I know you’d rather be sipping a Mai Tai with your favorite people, there’s no shame in going boxed, bagged or jarred here. Just be sure to check the fridge and freezer sections because you’ll often find some close-to-homemade options there. Add a dash of pepper, garlic powder and/or dried herbs to either and suddenly, you have a from-scratch tasting dish without all the time spent getting there.
8. Desserts: Think Big-Batch or Keysy-Easy (yeah, we’re going with that term)
Instead of managing several pies with different cook times (stress starter kit!), go big-batch or go local:
🌴Pumpkin squares (these can be made in a big sheet pan or two, which is a lot easier than multiple pies)
🌴Pumpkin muffins (you could even go mini with these and everyone will love it because smaller = much cuter)
🌴Cinnamon roll casserole (is this one technically breakfast? Yes. Is breakfast basically the same as dessert? Also yes)
Another great option, especially if you’re down here in the Keys is to buy your desserts from a local bakery or cafe. Many will have delicious, seasonal offerings (often, they’ll have gluten-free, dairy-free, even sugar-free options as well) that taste amazing. Supporting local businesses is a great way to spread some holiday cheer. And let’s be real, after doing the marathon-chef thing all day, getting store-bought dessert is a form of self-care. Not up for debate.
At the end of the day, hosting should be enjoyable (especially if you’re doing it Florida Keys-style) not like you’re triaging a kitchen catastrophe. Just focus on:
🌴Prepping ahead.
🌴Choosing shortcuts proudly
🌴Using the grill
🌴Leaning into the island vibes (AKA allowing yourself to chill out periodically)
Remember, the people you’re hosting care WAY more about being together than about whether your gravy was homemade or assembled from a packet you found behind the rice. You’ve got this, sunshine!
