The festive season... that wonderful time when your social calendar triples overnight, and “just a quick one” becomes a three-course dinner with twelve people and a karaoke finale.
Hosting should be joyful, not a test of stamina. So, whether you’re the house everyone gathers at or a first-time festive host, here’s how to make it through the season.
Set the Scene, Not the Standard
Forget the Pinterest-perfect tablescape. It’s your place, your people, your evening.
Your guests won’t remember whether the napkins matched, but they will remember how relaxed you seemed.
Keep the Flow, Not the Fuzz
You want a lively night, not a blurry one. That’s where Small Beer shines: all the flavour, none of the fog.
Raise a glass (or three) and still remember all the good stories in the morning.
Our tip? Set up a Small Beer Mini Keg as a self-serve station. Guests love it, and you don’t have to do a million trips to the fridge! Or, grab a couple of our mixed packs and an ice bucket so people are sure to find a Small Beer they love.
Make Food Fun, Not Formal
This isn’t the time for a complex recipe you’ve never made before. Keep it simple, delicious, and shareable. People love picky bits and nibbling away at boards, or one big dish in the middle of the table that you can always rely on.
Better yet, make it a bring-a-dish night. Your guests will love showing off their signature side, and you’ll love not cooking six courses.
The Gift That Actually Gets Opened
If you’re not hosting this time, bring something that won’t be regifted in January. The Small Beer Bottle Collection is a win: beautifully boxed, perfectly balanced, and far more interesting than another bottle of prosecco.
The Golden Rule: Be a Guest at Your Own Party
You’ve invited people over to be with them, not to orbit around them refilling glasses.
Because the best hosts don’t hover around never catching a break, they’re joining in. Feel safe sipping away at Small Beer all evening in the comfort of knowing you won’t enjoy your own company too much.
Here’s to a festive season full of great company, effortless hosting, and perfectly poured Small Beer.
